Jerry Ward - Shop Class Online

The Basics – Small Gas Engine Maintainance

Back in the 1980s, industrial arts classes were common in every high school in America. One of the standout offerings was the Small Gas Engine class. This hands-on course taught students not only how engines work but also how to maintain and repair them. It was a perfect blend of theory and practical application, giving young students a solid foundation in mechanical principles that are still relevant today.

In the classroom, students would learn about the internal combustion cycle, ignition systems, carburetors, and engine timing. But it was the shop where the magic happened. Students would roll up their sleeves and tear down lawn mower engines, troubleshoot problems, replace parts, and bring them roaring back to life. It wasn’t just about fixing engines—it was about learning how things work and gaining confidence in your own two hands.

Today many homeowners have small gas engines so the need for those skills hasn’t gone away. In fact, they’re more valuable than ever. If you’re looking for a way to get started learning this skill, there is a simple, satisfying project waiting for you right in your garage: your lawn mower.

A Lawn Mower Tune-Up: Your Gateway to Small Engine Skills

Tuning up your lawn mower is a great introduction to small engine maintenance. It’s a hands-on job that teaches you essential skills—and gives you immediate results. You will need a socket set and spark plug socket to correctly remove the spark plug, unless your engine came with a tool to remove the spark plug.

Here’s a basic checklist to get started:

1. Change the Oil

Drain the old oil and replace it with fresh, manufacturer-recommended oil. This keeps your engine lubricated and running smoothly.

2. Replace the Filters

Air Filter: A clogged air filter chokes your engine. A clean one improves performance and fuel efficiency.
Fuel Filter (if equipped): Replacing this ensures clean fuel reaches the carburetor.
Oil Filter (if equipped): This keeps your engine oil clean and extends engine life.

3. Replace the Spark Plug

A fresh spark plug ensures a clean, strong spark—key to reliable starting and efficient combustion. Learn how to set the spark plug gap. Check online for the gap for your particular engine. If you cannot find the gap for your particular engine then use .030.

4. Grease Any Fittings

Lubricating moving parts like wheels and linkages reduces wear and tear. Check your owner’s manual for grease fitting locations.

5. Sharpen the Blades

A sharp blade cuts cleaner and faster. Dull blades tear the grass and stress the engine. Use a file or grinder, and if possible balance the blade afterward.

The Leopold Bench: Simple, Versatile, and Perfect for Any Outdoor Space

Introduction: When it comes to outdoor seating, few options rival the timeless beauty and functionality of the Leopold bench. Named after conservationist and environmentalist Aldo Leopold, this bench design has become a beloved addition to gardens, parks, and patios around the world. Not only is it visually appealing, but it is also incredibly easy to build, making it an ideal project for both seasoned woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts alike. In this blog post, we will explore the unique features of the Leopold bench and highlight its simplicity and versatility in creating a comfortable outdoor seating experience.

Distinctive Design: The Leopold bench is known for its simple yet elegant design that seamlessly blends into any natural setting. It typically consists of four main components: two parallel seat slabs, sturdy legs, and a backrest. The seat slabs and backrest are made of wooden planks, while the legs are often crafted from logs or other solid materials. The overall design emphasizes clean lines and natural materials, making it a perfect fit for gardens, parks, and outdoor spaces.
Ease of Construction: One of the standout features of the Leopold bench is its simplicity of construction. Even those with limited woodworking experience can successfully build this bench with minimal tools and materials. With just a few basic woodworking skills, such as measuring, cutting, and drilling, you can create your very own Leopold bench in a short amount of time. The plans for building a Leopold bench are widely available online, offering step-by-step instructions and diagrams to guide you through the process.
Versatility: The Leopold bench’s versatility is another reason for its enduring popularity. Its design allows for easy customization to suit your specific needs and preferences. You can adjust the dimensions to fit any space, whether it’s a small balcony or a sprawling backyard. Additionally, the bench can be built at varying heights, making it accessible for people of different ages and abilities. You may also choose to add armrests or modify the backrest design, allowing for further personalization.
Comfort and Durability: While the Leopold bench boasts a simple design, it doesn’t compromise on comfort and durability. The slanted seat and backrest provide excellent support, ensuring a comfortable seating experience. The use of solid wood and robust construction techniques contribute to its longevity, allowing the bench to withstand the elements and frequent use without losing its charm.
Cost-Effective Solution: Building a Leopold bench is not only straightforward but also a cost-effective solution for outdoor seating. The materials required, such as lumber, screws, and logs, are generally affordable and readily available. Moreover, constructing the bench yourself eliminates the need for expensive pre-made options, saving you money without sacrificing quality or style.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the Leopold bench is a fantastic choice for those seeking an easy-to-build, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing seating solution for their outdoor spaces. With its distinctive design, simplicity in construction, and customizable features, this bench offers a practical and attractive addition to gardens, parks, and patios. Whether you are an experienced woodworker or a DIY enthusiast looking to embark on your first woodworking project, the Leopold bench is sure to deliver both functionality and visual appeal. So, gather your tools, unleash your creativity, and build your very own Leopold bench to enhance your outdoor oasis.

Why Hands-On Learning is the Key to Mastery

In today’s fast-paced digital age, modern education often emphasizes theory over practice, relying on virtual simulations and online tutorials to impart knowledge. While these methods have their merits, there’s something uniquely valuable about hands-on learning – the process of acquiring knowledge and skills through direct experience and practice.

The Slojd teaching method, which has its roots in Scandinavian education, emphasizes learning through doing. Students are encouraged to create, build, and experiment, fostering a deep connection between theory and practical application. This hands-on approach not only provides immediate feedback but also ingrains the learning experience deeply into the psyche of the learner.

Compare this with the predominantly virtual style of today’s classroom. Learning a skill purely from online videos or simulations lacks the tactile feedback crucial for mastering certain hard skills. Imagine trying to learn woodworking from a video without ever touching a piece of wood, or mastering sewing from a tutorial without ever threading a needle. The disconnect is palpable.

Engaging in hands-on activities like woodworking, metal fabrication, sewing, using tools, and laying out projects are quintessential examples of skills that require repeated practice. The weight of a hammer in your hand, the grain of wood under your fingers, the smooth glide of a needle through fabric – these are sensations that no virtual experience can replicate.

In essence, while the digital age has provided us with unprecedented access to information, true mastery comes from repeated, hands-on practice. Let’s embrace the lessons from the Slojd method and recognize the unmatched value of hands-on learning in crafting skilled artisans for the future.

What are the basic areas of training in the Slojd method of learning?

The Sloyd method of learning, also known as educational Slojd, is a system of handicraft-based education. Its primary areas of training and principles include:

Handicraft Skills: It’s fundamentally about crafting, often focusing on woodworking as its core.
Mental Development: Slojd education emphasizes improving the cognitive abilities of learners.
Physical Development: By engaging in hands-on activities, learners experience physical development.
Moral Development: It inculcates values such as respect for hard, honest, physical labor, and promotes honesty and integrity.
Independence and Self-reliance: The method fosters independence and encourages students to rely on their skills and understanding.
Progressive Learning: The instruction goes from easy to difficult and simple to complex.
Interweaving Theoretical and Practical Components: While it emphasizes hands-on activities, there’s a blend of theoretical learning as well.

The Circular Saw: One of the basic tools for the DIY’er

Today, we’re diving deep into the world of circular saws and why they’re a staple in every DIY enthusiast’s toolkit.

A Bit About the Circular Saw

The circular saw is, quite simply, a DIYer’s best friend. Whether you’re looking to crosscut lumber or break down sheet goods, this tool is essential. It’s versatile, relatively easy to use, efficient, and affordable. In the realm of home projects, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of power tools!

Uses and Limitations

The circular saw excels at crosscutting lumber and breaking down sheet goods. However, ripping narrow lumber can be dangerous so it’s best to turn to table saws or specialty tools for that.

Safety First

A word on safety: Every tool, no matter how familiar or simple it may seem, comes with risks. Always read and follow the safety instructions that came with your saw. Never, and I mean never, get complacent.

Additionally, make sure you’re geared up with the right personal protective equipment:

Safety Glasses: Protect those peepers.
Hearing Protection: Those motors can be loud.
Dust Mask: Sawdust isn’t a great thing to inhale.
Sturdy Gloves: While they might not always be necessary, they can provide an extra layer of protection.

Remember, in the world of DIY, knowledge is power, but safety always comes first. With the right preparation and understanding of your tools, there’s no project too big or small.

Until next time, happy building, and stay safe!

Sloyd: The Scandinavian Style of Learning Skills

a Scandinavian style of learning that focuses on the development of manual dexterity, creativity, and problem-solving abilities through the use of hand tools, woodwork, and other crafts.

Sloyd, a word derived from the Swedish word “slöjd,” means “craft” or “handiwork.” It is a Scandinavian style of learning that focuses on the development of manual dexterity, creativity, and problem-solving abilities through the use of hand tools, woodwork, and other crafts.

The Sloyd method was developed in the late 19th century by a Swedish educator named Otto Salomon. He believed that students should be taught practical skills that they could use in their everyday lives and that the best way to do this was through hands-on learning.

The Sloyd curriculum typically involves the use of hand tools, such as saws, chisels, and knives, to create objects out of wood or other materials. Students start with simple projects, such as carving a spoon or making a picture frame, and progress to more complex ones as they develop their skills.

One of the key principles of the Sloyd method is that students should be allowed to make mistakes and learn from them. Instead of being punished for mistakes, students are encouraged to identify what went wrong and how they can improve their technique in the future.

Another important aspect of the Sloyd method is the emphasis on creativity and individuality. Students are encouraged to use their imagination and come up with their own designs for their projects, rather than simply following a set of instructions.

The benefits of the Sloyd method are numerous. For one, it helps students develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, which can be useful in a variety of other areas, such as sports and musical instruments. Additionally, it fosters creativity and problem-solving abilities, which can be valuable in both personal and professional contexts.

The Sloyd method also has some unique benefits that other styles of learning may not offer. For example, it can be a great way for students to develop a sense of pride and accomplishment in their work, as they see their projects take shape in front of them. It can also be a calming and meditative activity, as the repetitive motions involved in woodworking can be soothing and relaxing.

While the Sloyd method is not as widely used today as it was in the past, it is still taught in some schools and is popular among certain groups, such as homeschoolers and maker spaces. If you are interested in learning more about the Sloyd method, there are many resources available online, including books, videos, and instructional materials.

In conclusion, the Sloyd method is a unique and valuable style of learning that can help students develop a range of skills, from fine motor skills to problem-solving abilities to creativity. Allowing students to work with their hands and learn from their mistakes, it can also foster a sense of pride and accomplishment that can be difficult to achieve through other methods. If you are looking for a new way to learn and grow, consider giving the Sloyd method a try.

Benefits of Shop Class Education

Shop class, also known as industrial arts or vocational education, used to be a staple of the American educational system. This class taught students valuable hands-on skills such as woodworking, metalworking, and welding, among others.

In today’s rapidly changing world, it is important to consider the benefits of reviving shop class and teaching these skills to students. Here are just a few of the many benefits:

Problem-Solving Skills: Shop class provides students with the opportunity to work on real-world projects that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This experience can help students develop their ability to analyze situations, identify problems, and find creative solutions.
Hands-On Learning: Shop class allows students to learn by doing, which can be a valuable way to retain information and develop practical skills. This type of hands-on learning can also be more engaging and enjoyable for students who prefer hands-on activities over traditional lectures.
Career Preparation: Shop class can provide students with a valuable foundation for future careers in skilled trades such as carpentry, welding, and electrical work. These careers are in high demand and offer good paying job opportunities.
Creativity and Self-Expression: Shop class can provide students with an outlet for their creativity and a way to express themselves. Many students enjoy working with their hands and creating tangible products, and shop class can be a great way to foster this interest.
Life Skills: Shop class teaches students practical life skills that they can use in their everyday lives. For example, students can learn how to repair broken items, build furniture, and perform basic home repairs. These skills can save students money and help them become more self-sufficient.

In conclusion, shop class provides students with valuable skills that can be applied in their future careers, as well as in their personal lives. It is a hands-on, engaging, and practical way to learn and develop skills that are in high demand. By reviving shop class and teaching these skills to students, we can provide them with a well-rounded education that will serve them for a lifetime.