This year's vacation Bible school had us simulating ancient Nazareth. I was tasked with being a carpenter, and leading the kids in the making of a simple sheep pull toy.
To make things a little more authentic, I built an adze and bow drill that according to research should have been similar to those in use at the time. The bow drill was a big hit, but the amount of time it took to make a 3/8 hole in poplar made me appreciate my cordless!
The adze handle and bow drill are poplar, the iron of the adze is the from an old wrecking bar, and sharpened surprisingly well. The bit of the bow drill spindle is an old spade drill bit.
The kids also got a kick out of the Japanese plane I had brought. I had some old rough cut stock that they enjoyed bringing out a smooth surface.
Who knows, maybe we found a future woodworker!
The menorah and tablets were quick props, the menorah was cut out of MDF, the tablets were insulation foam. It's amazing what a little paint can do.
To make things a little more authentic, I built an adze and bow drill that according to research should have been similar to those in use at the time. The bow drill was a big hit, but the amount of time it took to make a 3/8 hole in poplar made me appreciate my cordless!
The adze handle and bow drill are poplar, the iron of the adze is the from an old wrecking bar, and sharpened surprisingly well. The bit of the bow drill spindle is an old spade drill bit.
The kids also got a kick out of the Japanese plane I had brought. I had some old rough cut stock that they enjoyed bringing out a smooth surface.
Who knows, maybe we found a future woodworker!
The menorah and tablets were quick props, the menorah was cut out of MDF, the tablets were insulation foam. It's amazing what a little paint can do.
