Like most first time projects we .... no, she built bird houses. Specifically we built Bluebird houses to try to build up the population here on the mountain. This is my niece, Nicki. She is a smart young lady that really impresses me. She is always wanting to try something new.
We have been talking about this project for weeks. I made up my mind that she was to do as much as possible. So I started her out by giving her the plans, a cedar board and square and said lay it out. She passed the layout test with flying colors and with minimal help.
First step was to cross cut the plank to length. My DeWalt RAS intimidated me the first time I fired it up. Spinning that big 12" blade and high pitched whine from the blade, but not Nick. I gave her safety instructions and made the first cut with her holding onto the handle with me to give her a feel for what to expect. Then I stood back and let her try. She's smart enough to ask before acting. I was impressed with how easy she took to it.
Next step was to rip the boards to size. So we moved over to Lazarus (1948 Unisaw). Nick was impressed with my restoration, this was the first time she had seen it since I finished it. First step was some safety instructions but there is nothing like life lessons. :)
Yup, she managed to get distracted cutting a small piece (I should have cut it). She was trying to push the small scrap away from the blade with a push stick and let up on other piece. Not exactly sure what happened the piece went flying across the shop (literally) and glanced offer her arm. No real physical damage was done but a new respect for safety was gained. And we never did find that UFO either!
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It was against her will I think but she did make a few more cuts on Lazarus and did an excellent job too. And very carefully I might add. :)
Next step on the bottoms was to miter the corners for drainage. Look at that concentration on her face. Not just because it is my Niece but she is so focused on the task(s) at hand.
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A proud young lad and her first project. This is one of the four we built. Well she built, I mostly watched and made he first cut to show her how and let her do the rest. The way it should be done! There is not fun in watching someone else build your project. ;)
