Replies

1. 
   joinerswork | Jan 16, 2010 09:46am | #1

   GRW,

   I bet if you google "cub scout woodworking projects" you'll get a wealth of ideas and plans.

   We did a shopping/to do list board. A narrow board 4x12x1/2 with upright wings nailed onto its sides. The wings are bored to accept a thru dowel onto which is hung a roll of cash register/calculater paper. At the opposite end of the back board is nailed a strip of thin sheet metal under which the end of the paper is threaded so it can be torn off when the list is complete. Another pair of holes can be drilled thru the wings for a pencil if desired.

   Another project we did was a rain guage, a board with a pair of supports, top (drilled thru) and bottom (dimpled), drilled so a test tube is hung. The board is graduated in inches behind the tube, and drilled for a nail to hang.

   Ray

2. 
   weatherfordscreation | Jan 16, 2010 09:48am | #2

   Most any kind of box would be easy and fun for the kids. Pencil box, jewelry box, flower box, even a small bread box. For the older ones you may think about tryng a basic dovetail joint

3. 
   EdHarrow | Jan 16, 2010 07:19pm | #3

   I do a step stool - ends are trapazoidal (increased stability), the stringers and top (three pieces) are 1x3. For the younger set I pre-cut and pre-drill. For older kids the 1x3 comes in two pieces, one for the top, and the other (ripped to match the trapazoid) for the stringer.

   I also do a tool tote - traditional, and do it the same way as above.

   Lots of different bird houses, but ensure that they are 'useful' birdhouses - birds are rather picky - I have three or four different designs I use.

   A complication, if you have designs using dowels (like the tote) ensure the dowels dia is as stated. DAMHIKT.

   I've also done a 'go-kart' using a hardware+wheel kit from Canada. If that is of interest I'll look up the source.

4. 
   WillGeorge | Jan 17, 2010 07:46am | #4

   Bird houses and bird feeders. The children can search for information about the chosen bird and it's nesting habits.

   http://www.wild-bird-watching.com/Building_Bird_Houses.html

   http://www.freebirdhouseplans.net/woodpeckerbirdhouseplan.html

1. 
   GRW | Jan 21, 2010 06:47am | #5

   Thanks to all who shared ideas. More are welcome if you have some fun kids projects I'd love to hear them.

   Thanks again,

   GRW

5. 
   SawdustSteve | Jan 21, 2010 09:51pm | #6

   Hi GRW... Back in 1982, Taunton Press sold a book called Woodworking With Kids' by Richard Starr. See if you can find a copy of it. Lots of projects and ideas. My favorites have been Bird Houses, step stools, tool boxes, book (cd or dvd) racks, small boxes and the 'Limberjack'. There are lots of free plans out on the net for small cars, boats and airplanes. Stop off at your local Middle School or High School and see if the Woodworking Teacher can give you some plans they no longer use.

   SawdustSteve Long Island, NY E of NYC

1. 
   TonyCz | Jan 22, 2010 09:55pm | #7

   GRW I would suggest a bird House, Step stool, small pedestal table which a student could learn skills on using a lathe turning a base leg, mitering skills, and glue up.

   How about this, the children make a gun rack with a lockable storage box. Ok maybe not all would like that but give the kids a small choice.

   Maybe you can have a project making a wall hung mirror frame with a shelf on it to place a potted plant, something in the size of about 12” wide and 20 to 24” tall.

   Wood they could use is Pine, Poplar, Red oak, Alder. Just a thought?

   I got started in 6th grade and have never left the trade. I’m 51 now.