Wood Workers
The wood workers at the Adobe were responsible for the manufacture of
simple furniture or utensils necessary to the comfort and work of the Adobe
community.
Each student is to provide one complete and usable candle holder or tool
box. Or, each group is to provide a usable table or bench.
References:
Wood workers at the Adobe had many tasks. The carpenter was
resposible for all the wood work that is present- doors, window bracings,
benches, tables, floors, beams, etc.
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Wood Working Station
Materials Needed: (*Provided by Park)
* *Saws
* *Hammers
* *Brace and ¾” bit
* “T” or small carpenters squares
Sandpaper, various grits (the class needs to provide this)
Pencils (the class needs to provide these)
Tape measurer (the class needs to provide this)
Per Candle Holder: (Supplied by class)
1x2 cedar or other wood 18” long (length can be adjusted between 14” –
18”)
1x6 cedar or other wood 5 ½” square
1 3/8” ring-shank (or box) nails-4
Glue (optional)
Notes:
1 We have had splitting problems when using redwood fence boards if they
have a cup (bent across the board).
2 Cedar fence boards are inexpensive (have less splitting) and can be cut to
the above dimensions. Two 6-foot long boards yield 12 holders. One board
is cut into 12 squares. The other is ripped in thirds and then cut in fourths to
yield 12 18” long 1x2 pieces.
3 Lumberyards also carry a cheap 1x2-called “fairing strips” that only come in
eight-foot lengths. An eight-foot long 1x2 can be cut into six, 16” long pieces.
4 The 16” and 18” pieces will be marked and cut the same.
Station Set-up:
Due to the time restraints, it is suggested that you precut the wood to the above
dimensions. The above calls for cedar, but any clear, dry softwood should
suffice.
The saws, hammers, brace, and bit are hanging on hooks above the workbench
in the ELP Supply Room.
1. The woodworking station usually is set up on the Redwood Beams that are on
the ground next to the door into the Granary/Store Room.
2. We DO NOT want any drilling to occur on top of the beams without a guard (A
thick piece of wood) protecting the beams. Nor do we want any drilling to
occur on our benches without a guard.
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Station
Procedure: (for each student)
1 Have the student measure in 5 inches from one end of a 1x2 and mark the
board.
2 The student then uses the “Square” to draw a line across their 1x2.
3 To find the center of the 1x6 square board, the student lays the “square” (tool)
diagonally across the board (from corner to opposite corner) and draws a line
in the center of the board. They then rotate the block (but not the square)
one-quarter turn lay the “square across the other two corners and draw
another short line in the center of the board. The “X” made by the crossing
lines mark the center of the board. The student can now pass the pencil and
“square” to another student.
4 With the saw the student cuts the 1x2 on the line that they drew.
5 The student then uses the brace and bit to drill a hole through the 1x6 block
(centered on the “X” that they marked.
The student should now have: a 1x2 by 5” long; a longer 1x2, and a square 1x6
with a ¾” hole through its center.
Assembly: (see attached drawings for placement of parts)
1 Have the student lay their 1x6 block (good side down) on a hard surface.
2 They then lay the shorter 1x2 on top of the 1x6. The 1x2 should be near one
edge of the 1x6 and across the 1x6s grain.
3 The 1x2 can now be nailed to the 1x6. The nails should be at least ¾” in from
the ends of the 1x2 so it won’t split.
4 Have the student lay their longer 1x2 on the top (and center) of their 1x6.
Note: The longer and shorter 1x2s form a “T” on the bottom of the 1x6.
5 The longer 1x2 can now be nailed to the 1x6. Remind the student to make
sure that both nails go into the 1x6, not the hole.
6 Basic construction of the candleholder is now complete. The student can use
what time is left at the station to sand and decorate the holder.
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Some classes decorate their candle holders by branding the top with the Vallejo
brand (ask the park person on duty about the brand and its’ proper use.) The
brand (or any other decoration) can be drawn on with a marker. One class drilled
a ¼” hole in the end of the handle and then tied a loop of leather thong through
the hole to be used as a wrist strap. The small hole also allows the holder to be
hung on a nail on a wall. Another idea would be to paint the holders with bright
colors as might have been done in the 1840s (check out the painted walls and
furniture in the Adobe.)
Clean Up
1. The saws, hammers, brace, and bits should be returned to their hooks in the
ELP Supply Room.
2. All nails in the area of the station must be picked up.
3. All scraps of wood should be packed up to take with the class or thrown in the
kindling box.
4. The sawdust should be raked up.
5. The staff person on Wednesday will check to make sure that all items are
properly returned to their place.
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