The video “Someone needs to do something” is by Stumpy Nubs. In this video, James emphasizes the importance of introducing woodworking to the younger generation, encouraging experienced woodworkers to take up the mantle of mentorship.
James begins with a humorous yet serious call to action: find a child to introduce to woodworking. He jokingly suggests borrowing one if necessary, but emphasizes the need for parental permission. The idea is to spark excitement in a child’s eyes by placing tools in their hands, giving them scraps of wood, and letting them experience the joy of creation. He acknowledges that not every child is captivated by traditional crafts, having been influenced by modern distractions like TikTok and superhero movies, yet he believes there are still many eager young minds ready to embrace the craft.
Reflecting on a personal experience, James shares the story of Aiden, a boy he introduced to woodworking when he was just 11 years old. Together, they built a box, and to James’s surprise, Aiden cherished it for years. Now at 18, Aiden’s journey into woodworking continues, having taken classes in high school. James feels a sense of pride knowing he played a small role in nurturing Aiden’s creativity and passion for woodworking.
James encourages others to take similar steps in mentoring young people. He outlines a straightforward project that is perfect for beginners, emphasizing that it should be fun and engaging enough to hold their attention. The project involves building a simple box, which can be done using safe tools, with adult supervision being paramount. He humorously notes that the primary rule is to ensure the child’s safety—“do not kill the child,” he states, referring to both physical injuries and emotional scarring.
For the project, James suggests using a hand-powered miter saw for cross-cutting, which is safer than power tools like jointers or table saws for beginners. He highlights the importance of safety glasses, recounting a moment of oversight when Aiden wasn’t wearing them, and stresses that safety should always come first.
As they work on the box, James describes the satisfaction of making rabbit joints, which are easier and more gratifying than butt joints. He guides the child through the process of laying out the shoulders and cutting them, offering assistance as needed. The use of chisels is introduced with caution, explaining proper handling and safety practices. This provides an excellent opportunity for young learners to understand the significance of safety in the workshop.
James also emphasizes allowing children to make mistakes, especially when it comes to applying glue. He encourages them to embrace the messiness of the process, as it’s all part of the learning experience. Once the box is assembled, he discusses how to properly clamp the pieces together and insert a bottom panel, ensuring the structure remains square.
For the lid, James describes a creative two-piece design that allows for easy installation, making it beginner-friendly. He shares his worries about the lid’s durability over time but is pleased to report that it has held up well for seven years. James also touches on the importance of sanding, noting that while he personally dislikes it, many kids enjoy the process, as it’s one of the safer tasks they can perform.
As the project nears completion, James introduces boiled linseed oil as a child-safe finish, which allows the box to be handled before it fully dries. This adds a rewarding touch to the project, showcasing the beauty of the wood and the effort put into crafting it. He reflects on the sad reality that many schools have cut creative classes, leaving it up to experienced woodworkers to rekindle interest in hands-on crafts.
In conclusion, James encourages all woodworkers to share their passion and skills with the next generation. Not only will they enjoy the process, but they will also ensure that the art of woodworking continues to thrive. As a parting gift, James introduces the Empower SPS sharpening station, designed for convenience and efficiency in maintaining tools, which can also be a great addition for those teaching woodworking.
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