Preview of Make it: a pencil tray, with a wait test

Make-it project · The Hammer That Waited

Make it: a pencil tray, with a wait test

A three-piece tray (one base, two sides, two joints) and a wait test on scrap. With a grown-up for the whole project.

Ages 6 to 8 · 2 pages · free for personal and classroom use, not for resale

Download PDF, A4Download PDF, US Letter

You need

  • Three smooth softwood pieces, cut by the grown-up
  • Scrap wood
  • Wood glue
  • Two clamps
  • Sandpaper and a sanding block
  • Small hammer
  • Four short thin nails, shorter than the two pieces are thick together
  • Safety glasses
  • Damp cloth
  • A timer or a sunny window as a clock

Steps

  1. Glasses on. Clear the bench. Radio low.
  2. Sand every piece. Rub the way the wood runs. Round the corners until they feel like a pebble. Wipe off the dust.
  3. Wait test, on scrap. Glue two scrap joints. Clamp one. Leave the other on the bench.
  4. With the grown-up's hand over yours, tap the one that is not clamped. Watch what it does. This one is for finding out.
  5. Glue the tray: a thin line along the base's edges, sides pressed on, squeeze-out wiped with the damp cloth.
  6. Clamp it, check the sides are straight, then wait. Read the glue label for how long to leave it clamped and write that time where you can see it.
  7. When time is up, take the clamps off. The grown-up starts four nails, two on each side, holding each with pliers or a clothespin so small fingers stay clear.
  8. You tap each nail in, the grown-up's hand over yours. Fill the tray with pencils. Does it hold? If not, that is what scrap is for. Glue again and wait longer.

A grown-up stays for the whole project. Read the safety notes on the sheet before you start.

Sources

Story VIN LB-pops-workshop-the-hammer-that-waited-printable-012. Printables licence. All printables.