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A Place to Hammer On: |
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While a full-fledged workshop is nice to have, most scout projects can be done on the back porch, or on the kitchen table for the really brave.. For Cubs: All that’s needed is a study table that will stand up the hammering, sawing, drilling, and clamping. At the Cub Scout level, a 3’ by 2’ wide surface is plenty. The table should be about the same height as the scout’s hips, any higher, and the scout can’t safely do his work. For Boy Scouts: A regular work bench made out of sturdy lumber with a wood working vise is best, but most any sturdy table the height of a dinning room table will work. Most Boy Scouts will need a 5’ by 3’ surface area in which to work. If you want to make a table that suitable for a kid’s woodworking and other arts and crafts adventures, one is included on the “projects” page. Regardless of what type of work bench is used, the scouts must be able to clamp their work to it. Many people have machinist vices in their garage. This will work, but a woodworking vice mounted to the workbench is much better. If you don’t have a vise of any sort, don’t worry. A “bench hook” can be substituted for a vise and is easy to make and use; and yes, a plan for building it is on the projects page. |
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A Place to Hammer In: |
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A proper workshop environment makes woodworking a safe activity. Whether on the porch, the garage, or the dining room, the standards are the same. First there must be excellent lighting. That one lonely light bulb in the basement will not cut it. Second, the floor must be firm and dry. Carpet is ok, but very hard to clean saw dust out of. Third, the area must be free of hazards that can be tripped over, caught on, or generally cause a bother. |
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Something to Hammer Into: |
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Plain old 3/4” pine from the local lumber yard is a scout’s best friend, followed closely by 2x4’s and dowel sticks of various sizes. You can’t go wrong with this combination. The lumber stores also sell a variety of moldings that can be turned into interesting projects by themselves. Pine is less expensive than other woods, is readily available, and is sold in a ready to finish condition. Older scouts may like to experiment with oak and poplar lumber that’s also widely available, but it’s not appropriate for cub scouts. Don’t think that the lumber yard is your only source for wood. After getting permission, new home builders will generally let you take their scraps that would just be discarded anyway. Many scout leaders have made a year’s worth of projects from one new home’s scraps. Also, local mill works and cabinet shops generate a bunch of scrap, and it’s yours for the asking. |
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Something to Hammer With: |
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You don’t need to make a large investment in tools to get started. In fact, most of what your scouts need to be successful you may have around the house already. For Cubs: Cub Scouts are not ready to work with power tools. While many Cubs may be familiar with power tools and have used them with their parents, that’s not the same as supervising 8 enthusiastic boys with power saws. In today’s hurry-up world, it can be hard to find quality, hand-powered saws, drills, and such, but they’re much safer for the scouts. Additionally, becoming an expert with hand tools will make the scout a better woodworker. With these tools you should be ready to tackle any Cub Scout project:
One note on hand saws. There are two types of saws. The push or Western saw (what you grew up with) and the pull, or Japanese saw. The pull saws are much easier and safer to use for kids and tend to cut more accurately with less effort. These saws are available at most hardware stores. For Boy Scouts: Most boy scout requirements can be met with the same tool list. In fact, an expert woodworker can make some amazing things with just these basic tools. However, Boy Scouts are ready to try their hand (supervised) at power tools. Keep in mind that every power tool is different, and a scout who can safely use a table saw may not be able to use a lathe. Some more advanced hand tools, such as wood planes and carving tools are appropriate for Boy Scouts. However, these tools are beyond the scope of this web site. If your scout expresses interest in working with hand planes, turning bowls and cups, carving signs, etc., then it’s best to find a local expert to help out. |
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