One of the things I miss the most by not teaching is the hand-tool immersion classes for younger woodworkers. These low-cost classes are a fantastic way to jump-start the woodworking skills and tool chest of young adults.
After I canceled my teaching schedule, Mike Siemsen picked up where I left off with the hand tool immersion class. Mike will be teaching a discounted class in June 2016 for young adults at his school north of Minneapolis. He has received many offers of assistance – everything from cash to tools to food.
Below is his Mike’s note on how you can help.
— Christopher Schwarz
First off: Thank you. Your generosity is much appreciated.
Here’s how you can help
Tuition: If you wish to sponsor a student taking the class, you can send a check made out to the Mike Siemsen’s School of Woodworking. You can send the check to Mike at:
Mike Siemsen
9912 Green Lake Trail (County 23)
Chisago City, MN 55013
Simply write in the memo section of the check that the donation is for the Hand-tool Immersion Course. Sorry but this donation is not tax deductible. If you have any questions about donating tuition money for students, call Mike at 651-257-9166.
Tools: If you would like to donate some of your tools to the class that will be given to the students, you can send them to Mike at the same address above. Below is a list of the tools we hope to supply for all 16 students with details of what we are looking for in the tools.
Tool Kit for the New Anarchist
Planes
- No. 5 jack plane, such as a pre-war Stanley with a clean iron (no rust) and a tight chipbreaker.
- Low-angle block plane, such as Stanley 60-1/2 with a clean iron and movable toe piece.
- Wooden rabbet plane (skew or straight iron). Wedge needs to work.
- Large router plane, such as Stanley No. 71 or No. 71-1/2.
- Card scraper.
Boring
- Hand drill, sometimes called an “eggbeater,” such as a Millers Falls No. 2 or 5 with a 1/4” chuck and intact chuck springs (i.e. the jaws are spring-loaded and work).
- Brace with a 10” sweep. Good chuck with its springs still intact and a tight pad.
Striking
- Bevel-edge chisels with wooden handles (1/4”, 1/2” and 3/4”).
- 16 oz. hammer with a wooden handle. Striking face should be smooth and slightly crowned.
- Square-head joiner’s mallet.
Marking/Measuring
- 12” combination square that is square, locks tight and has clear markings.
- Marking gauge. The metallic ones, such as the Stanley No. 90, are preferred.
Sawing/Rasping
- Backsaw with a 10”- to 14”-long blade. Straight sawplate, comfortable wooden handle and little or no rust.
- Coping saw that takes pin-end blades and locks tight.
- 10” cabinet rasp (older and sharp is better).
A few people have asked if they can donate food or tutoring assistance during the class. I’m going to try to come up with a plan for those aspects of the class early in 2016. So stay tuned.
If you have any questions about helping out with these classes, drop me a line at:
Mike Siemsen
9912 Green Lake Trail (County 23)
Chisago City, MN 55013
651-257-9166
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