Series 1: Trades & Building
12 weeks of hands-on learning building a complete desk project. Learn essential construction skills including saws, plumbing, framing, electrical, drywall, and finishing through practical application.
Session Structure (90 Minutes)
15 min
Historical/Scientific Story
Engaging narrative about the science behind the skill
20 min
Instructor Demo
Live demonstration of techniques and concepts
50 min
Hands-On Project
Students build their own project
5 min
Show & Reflect
Share work and discuss learnings
12-Week Curriculum
Week 1: Saws and Safety
Topics: Introduction to power and hand saws, proper cutting techniques
Safety: Gloves and glasses, always; proper stance and hand placement
Tools: Table saw, miter saw, hacksaw, skill saw
Demo: Safe operation of each saw type and cutting techniques
Activity: Cut pipes and wood to specific measurements
Week 2: Plumbing
Topics: Plastics and glue; PVC and Pex; clamps and welding
Safety: Proper ventilation when using PVC cement; avoid skin contact with adhesives
Tools: Hacksaw, PVC cutters, measuring tape, deburring tool
Demo: The weight of the air; dry ice vapor trapped in sewer; air vent for flow
Activity: Put together p-trap frame with proper fittings
Week 3: Design and Planning
Topics: Design desk components - frame, doors, drawers, desktop, console
Safety: Proper ergonomic measurements; planning for stability
Tools: Pencil, ruler, measuring tape, graph paper, calculator
Demo: How to create accurate scaled drawings and material lists
Activity: Draw it out, label it, make a list of supplies
Week 4: Wood
Topics: Soft wood, hard wood, natural wood, artificial/engineered wood products; wood grain and properties
Safety: Push sticks and feather boards; proper support for large sheets; keeping workspace clear
Tools: Circular saw, straight edge guide, clamps, sandpaper, wood glue
Demo: Identifying wood types; understanding grain direction; preventing tear-out and splintering
Activity: Rip plywood for desk top, cut hardboard for top surface
Week 5: Framing
Topics: Nails, screws, sheer strength vs pull strength; squaring, bracing
Safety: Eye protection when hammering; drill bit security; avoiding pinch points
Tools: Hammer, drill, screwdriver, speed square, clamps, tape measure
Demo: Checking for square using 3-4-5 triangle method; proper fastener selection
Activity: Build boxes (2 large, 6 small) for desk frame
Week 6: Flooring
Topics: Tile, carpet, wood flooring; adhesives, carpet tack, mortar and grout
Safety: Ventilation for adhesives; glove use; dust masks for cutting
Tools: Notched trowel, adhesive applicator, roller, clamps, screws
Demo: Proper adhesive application; ensuring flat, level surfaces
Activity: Mount plywood and hardboard on desk frame
Week 7: Cabinets
Topics: Cabinet doors and drawer construction; hinge types; drawer slides
Safety: Proper lifting techniques; securing hardware; preventing pinched fingers
Tools: Drill, screwdriver, level, clamps, measuring tape, hinge jig
Demo: Installing drawer slides properly; hinge alignment and adjustment
Activity: Mount drawers and doors on desk cabinets
Week 8: Electrical
Topics: Switches, 3-way switches, breakers, wire gauges (AWG), current sensors, voltmeter
Safety: Always de-energize circuits; test before touching; proper wire stripping
Tools: Wire stripper, voltmeter, screwdriver, wire nuts, electrical tape, fish tape
Demo: Reading a voltmeter; proper wire connections; testing circuits safely
Activity: Rough-in electrical for desk console
Week 9: Drywall
Topics: Drywall installation; joint compound (mud), tape, texture, paint; fasteners
Safety: Dust masks for cutting/sanding; lifting techniques; protect eyes
Tools: Drywall saw, taping knives, mud pan, sanding block, screw gun
Demo: Taping inside corners and seams; applying multiple mud coats; sanding technique
Activity: Drywall desk console; tape and mud application
Week 10: Finishing
Topics: Face plates, trim work, paint application; finish carpentry techniques
Safety: Compressor safety; hearing protection; proper nail gun handling
Tools: Brad nailer, air compressor, miter saw, coping saw, caulk gun, paint brushes
Demo: Using brad nailer safely; cutting trim angles; caulking gaps professionally
Activity: Finish console with trim and electrical face plates
Week 11: Roofing
Topics: Roofing technologies, roofing layers, water management, moisture control
Safety: Fall protection awareness; proper ladder use; handling sharp materials
Tools: Utility knife, roofing nailer, chalk line, tape measure, level
Demo: Layering roofing materials; proper water shedding; flashing techniques
Activity: Finish unfinished desk tasks and catch-up work
Week 12: Mechanical
Topics: HVAC systems, appliances, garage doors, fixtures and mechanical systems
Safety: Final safety inspection; electrical testing; structural integrity check
Tools: All tools from previous weeks; testing equipment; cleaning supplies
Demo: Presenting completed projects; explaining mechanical systems in buildings
Activity: Finish desk, test all components, and show final project
Learning Objectives
- Master safe operation of essential woodworking and construction tools
- Understand plumbing principles and PVC/Pex assembly techniques
- Learn proper project planning, design, and material estimation
- Build structural framing with proper fasteners and bracing
- Apply finishing techniques including drywall, trim, and paint
- Wire basic electrical circuits with switches and safety devices
- Complete a functional desk with drawers, doors, and console
Contact
Questions? Reach out to:
Email: info@avemakerclub.com