How to Build a Door Stop Project for Tech Ed

Building doorstops is a great way to earn money for your Technology Education program. They are simple to make given the students prior knowledge of the use of the machines necessary for this project. They can be made from scrap wood left over from other projects, costing you nothing but the time to make them.Students will be able to be as creative as they want as long as the point end fits under the door. School mascots, sports team helmets, Halloween designs.....and many more.

Things You'll Need

• Scroll saw
• Belt sande.
• Sandpaper (fine grit)
• Wood scraps of any size
• Band saw (optional depending on wood size)
• Graph/drafting paper
• #2 Pencil.

Instructions

1. Direct your students to take orders from their teachers at a predetermined price. Collect all the orders from your students and count then. Your students may need to make more than one to fill all the orders. Pricing is up to you.

2. Direct students to use their pencil and graph paper to draw what they want the large end of the doorstop to look like. Observe their drawings making sure that they will function.

3. Give your students some pre-cut examples of wooden door stops, and have them try them out on the shop's main door. Have your students make notes on how the pointed end holds the door and what angle is required.

4. Have your students select a piece of scrap wood large enough for the project. Demonstrate how to trace their design from their drafting paper to their wood piece.

5. Once all students have traced their shapes onto their wood pieces, demonstrate cutting them into shape with the band saw and the scroll saw. (Students should already know how to safely use this equipment. The demonstration is for technique, not skill).

6. Allow students to take turns using the band saw and scroll saw to form their design shapes. Have them show you their rough cuts to make sure they will stop a door. If the form is correct, direct them to the belt sander. They will use the belt sander to smooth the wood piece and sand the angle on one end to fit under a door. Have them check their angle by testing it on the shop's main door. If they are too big, let the students shave some more of the end until it fits.

7. Direct the students to use fine grit sand paper to finish their wood piece. Inspect each piece to make sure it is ready for use, and grade the projects. Once all door stops are finished, fill the orders taken by your students from their teachers.

Tips & Warnings

• Safety glasses and aprons should be worn throughout these procedures.

• Students should be safety tested on all equipment to be used before attempting the project.

• Face shield should be worn when using the belt sander.

• Each student should clean up their sawdust to prevent slipping hazard.

• All the equipment used in this project is very dangerous. Students should be take written tests and physical demonstration tests before operating any of the equipment.

• Proper safety gear must be worn to protect students from injury.

• No horseplay should be allowed at all during this project.