Unlike most electives, stepping into woodshop often involves the smell of freshly cut wood and the ringing sound of saws. This year, dedicated students can wake up an hour earlier to take woodshop during zero period or take it during first period.

Traditionally, woodshop teacher Randy Hurley begins the year with classroom introductions. After beginning to teach his son and others woodshop in 1995, Hurley decided to start an elective class on campus. For six years, he has been teaching students the art of woodworking.

“It’s fun to watch people discover what they can do, and they can see what they’ve done,” Hurley said. “It’s rewarding in a personal way. I’ve always liked helping others, and I think God has given me this gift, so this is my way to share it.”

One of the first things taught to students is the names of the tools and how to use them safely. The new students practice using each tool under the watchful eye of Hurley. For their first project, they made a toolbox — a simple introductory task.

“I start the new students off with an easy project because they start to learn about the tools, and it helps them choose their next project for their abilities,” Hurley said. “I always make sure to keep a watchful eye on them.”

Some of the tools students will be trained in are the band saw, compound miter saw, drill press, radial arm saw, scroll saw, router table, nail guns and the table saw, though students are not allowed to operate with the table saw.

“The new students will grow a lot, while the returning students won’t grow much, which can be discouraging to them; but they will grow in different ways, like learning joinery,” Hurley said.

A beginner in the class, freshman Roy Wolley claims that woodshop allows him to further his interest and expand his knowledge in the subject.

“I’ve always liked building things, and this gave me the opportunity to learn more about what I like to do,” Wolley said. ?I have learned about some tools that I have never heard of, and I hope to learn a lot more as the year goes on.?

In addition to teaching basic woodworking skills, Hurley explains the dangers of using powerful tools. He uses personal stories to caution students and videos to stress the dangers that can occur when tools are used improperly.

“The movies I show cover more ground and are consistent,” Hurley said. “It also shows some reality and possibly brings some caution to the students.”

Freshman Chloe Duerr claims that woodshop offers freedom to choose projects that fit the students’ interests.

?As I was picking my electives, I saw woodshop on the list and thought it would be interesting,” Duerr said. ?I’m currently working on an art easel.”

By joining woodshop, students are given the opportunity to further woodworking skills as well as create functional and useful projects.

For more information on woodshop, e-mail Hurley or read the Oct. 20, 2009 article, Woodshop highlights hands-on learning.

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