Utility
In addition to plaques, the Woodworking Club received requests to build less-refined pieces to serve a more utilitarian purpose. The time and effort spent on these projects was typically shared more evenly among the group, which fostered cooperation and harmony as we sought to achieve a common goal.
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Painted Poplar Waders Rack
I oversaw the building of this painted poplar waders rack in my first semester of sophomore year in high school. In early 2017, the science department commissioned the construction of a painted rack to hold waders, a type of long, waterproof footwear worn by fishermen. I still don't know why they wanted it! I will admit that I didn't contribute much to this project besides monitoring and reporting on its progress.
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Plywood Steam Box
I contributed to the building of this plywood steam box in my first semester of sophomore year in high school. The engineering department asked that we make this piece to benefit students (including us) enrolled in woodworking classes who wish to incorporate curved wood in advanced projects. The box basically works by creating an airtight (ideally) environment into which steam is released from a humidifier. After a while, the steamed wood can be carefully bent using clamps. As it dries, the board will maintain this new shape. I worked on the early stages of construction, including design, cutting out the sides, and then screwing the parts together. Others then crafted the front door and attached the latch.
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Painted Poplar Storage Cabinet
I contributed to the building of this painted poplar storage cabinet in my second semesters of both sophomore and junior years in high school. We began working on the project in January, 2017 to make more storage for our woodworking instructor. Due to more pressing assignments, however, the cabinet was sidetracked and its completion delayed by some fourteen months. My involvement consisted of initiating the project by cutting out, gluing, and planing boards before waiting over a year to help paint.
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Painted Poplar Diploma Holders
I contributed to the building of these painted poplar diploma holders in my second semester of junior year in high school. The school administration requested that we make three white diploma holders (adding to those they already possessed) on the same week as graduation! Apparently, the diplomas were made from thicker material and more room was needed to accommodate them. So, we scrambled to fulfill the order as I helped sand and craft handles. See the holders in the bottom-left of the second image:
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