Adapted Shaker Desk for student
Remote control for Desk Drawer
One of the furniture making modules for my grade 12s requires them to build a shaker style desk following a fine woodworking plan by Christian Besksvoort. This year I had the pleasure of teaching Nathan, one of our inclusive students at our High School. We adapted many machines and tools so he could experience woodworking in the truest sense- hands on all the way.
Nathan and Renee (his inclusive facilitator) did most of the work, everything from rough and finish milling to the layout and cutting of tenons and mortises. While Renee and Nathan were busy with all the millwork, I concentrated on finding a way to adapt his project so he could open the drawer electronically. Nathan can operate switches fairly easy, so with the use of an electric actuator and a remote control we adapted a traditional shaker desk with some modern technology. His drawer will open close with the click of a button!
A very cool project for a proud hardworking student.
The desk is made out of Cherry with a oil and wax finish.
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Remote control for Desk Drawer
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Side shot of actuator in desk
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Nathan finding out that all those Mortises need to be at the same height
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Nathan and Renee using Mortiser
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Decisions...Decisions
Comments
Spectacular job by all involved. It's great to see that kids with interest in woodworking are able to learn no matter what their limitations. Kudos to you and your school for including him!
Thank you for breaking down barriers and allowing a child with more involved neeeds experience an activity that can bring such a great sense of acheivement. I myself have had the pleasure of working with inclusion kids and everytime I was told that the child could not participate in the activity because of there physical needs I found a way to include them. Regardless of the extra effort involved every child should have the opportunity to experience and be involved in any activity they want. There should be more teachers like you willing to go the extra mile. Thank you and congratulations Nathan on a spectacular table.
I am Nathan's father. I can't tell you how proud Nathan is when you ask him about his desk. He is all smiles. Nathan has really enjoyed working with Mr. Whelan. I can't thank Mr Whelan enough for giving Nathan a great experience and for his hard work with my son. Mr Whelan is an exceptional teacher and we need more like him!
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