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 (105 Minutes)

15 min

Scientific Principles
Explore the science behind the skill

15 min

Project Overview
Introduction to today's project and techniques

60 min

Build Time
Hands-on project construction

15 min

Cleanup
Organize workspace and materials

12-Week Curriculum

Week 1: Plumbing

Science: Water pressure pushes water through pipes; siphons use pressure difference to move water uphill; straws work by reducing air pressure above the liquid; p-traps hold water to block sewer gas; how to fix a toilet

Overview: Cutting PVC pipe cleanly; gluing PVC with cement; crimping PEX connections

Building: Make a sprinkler out of PVC and PEX

Materials & Tools: PVC pipe and fittings, PEX tubing, PVC cutters, PVC cement, PEX crimping tool, crimp rings, measuring tape, drill

Week 2: Design and Planning

Science: Scale drawings represent real dimensions proportionally; ergonomic desk height is 28-30 inches; stable structures need balanced weight distribution

Overview: Sketch desk components - frame, doors, drawers, desktop, console; calculate dimensions and create material list

Building: Draw it out, label it, make a list of supplies

Materials & Tools: Pencil, ruler, measuring tape, graph paper, calculator

Week 3: Wood

Science: Wood grain runs in one direction and affects strength; plywood alternates grain layers for stability; hardboard is compressed wood fibers

Overview: Mark cut lines on plywood for desk top; set up straight edge guide; prepare hardboard for top surface

Building: Rip plywood for desk top, cut hardboard for top surface

Materials & Tools: Circular saw, straight edge guide, clamps, sandpaper, wood glue, plywood, hardboard

Week 4: Framing

Science: Screws resist pulling out; nails resist shearing sideways; a 3-4-5 triangle always forms a 90° corner

Overview: Measure and mark box dimensions; select screws for corners; prepare speed square for checking square

Building: Build boxes (2 large, 6 small) for desk frame

Materials & Tools: Hammer, drill, screwdriver, speed square, clamps, tape measure, nails, screws

Week 5: Flooring

Science: Adhesives create molecular bonds between surfaces; level surfaces prevent weak spots; subfloor must be clean and dry for proper adhesion

Overview: Test fit plywood and hardboard on frame; mark attachment points; prepare adhesive and fasteners

Building: Mount plywood and hardboard on desk frame

Materials & Tools: Notched trowel, adhesive applicator, roller, clamps, screws, adhesive

Week 6: Cabinets

Science: Drawer slides use ball bearings for smooth motion; hinges pivot on a fixed axis; weight must be supported at multiple points

Overview: Mark hinge and slide locations; pre-drill screw holes; align hardware before final attachment

Building: Mount drawers and doors on desk cabinets

Materials & Tools: Drill, screwdriver, level, clamps, measuring tape, hinge jig, drawer slides, hinges

Week 7: Electrical

Science: Electricity flows in complete circuits; thicker wires (lower AWG) carry more current; voltage is electrical pressure

Overview: Map outlet locations in console; measure and cut wire lengths; identify hot, neutral, and ground connections

Building: Rough-in electrical for desk console

Materials & Tools: Wire stripper, voltmeter, screwdriver, wire nuts, electrical tape, fish tape, wire, outlets

Week 8: Drywall

Science: Joint compound shrinks as water evaporates; multiple thin coats are stronger than one thick coat; sanding creates a smooth surface for paint

Overview: Cut drywall pieces to fit console; pre-set screws at edges; prepare mud pan and taping knives

Building: Drywall desk console; tape and mud application

Materials & Tools: Drywall saw, taping knives, mud pan, sanding block, screw gun, drywall, joint compound, tape

Week 9: Finishing

Science: Compressed air drives brad nails at high speed; miter cuts meet at angles to form corners; caulk fills gaps and prevents air leaks

Overview: Measure and cut trim pieces at 45° angles; test fit corners; prepare face plates for installation

Building: Finish console with trim and electrical face plates

Materials & Tools: Brad nailer, air compressor, miter saw, coping saw, caulk gun, paint brushes, trim, caulk, paint

Week 10: Roofing

Science: Water flows downhill and follows overlapping layers; flashing redirects water away from joints; vapor barriers prevent moisture damage

Overview: Review incomplete desk tasks; prioritize remaining work; gather needed materials for finishing

Building: Finish unfinished desk tasks and catch-up work

Materials & Tools: Utility knife, roofing nailer, chalk line, tape measure, level

Week 11: Mechanical

Science: HVAC moves heat using refrigerant cycles; thermostats sense temperature changes; ducts distribute conditioned air throughout buildings

Overview: Identify remaining desk tasks; plan final assembly steps; prepare for project completion

Building: Continue desk work and mechanical system exploration

Materials & Tools: All tools from previous weeks; testing equipment; cleaning supplies

Week 12: Wrap-up

Science: Construction trades work in sequence - rough work before finish work; quality inspection ensures safety and function; every project needs a final walkthrough

Overview: Create inspection checklist; test all electrical and mechanical components; prepare presentation of completed work

Building: Finish desk, test all components, and present final project

Materials & Tools: All tools from previous weeks; testing equipment; cleaning supplies

Learning Objectives

Contact

Questions? Reach out to:

Email: john@avemakerclub.org

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