Mechanical Sciences

4-H Woodworking Project

The Colorado 4‑H Woodworking Project teaches youth how to design, construct, and finish wood projects while emphasizing safety, accuracy, and craftsmanship.

• Unit 1 – Measuring Up introduces tool identification, safety basics, measuring and marking boards, simple joints, and using hand tools.
• Unit 2 – Making the Cut covers choosing wood, understanding grain, using squares and saws for curved and miter cuts, sanding, and planning projects.
• Unit 3 – Nailing It Together teaches more advanced tools such as circular and radial‑arm saws, the use of hinges and clamps, staying updated with woodworking technology, and applying finishes.
• Unit 4 – Finishing Up includes workshop design, using routers, jointers, and planers, crafting dovetail joints, applying adhesives and bleaches, and completing complex projects like stools, chairs, or wood vehicles—strengthening technical skill and creativity.

Be sure to review exhibit rules for tool‑use restrictions by unit.

Learn more about the 4-H Woodworking project on Colorado 4-H.