Ahhh… the chip brush… A disposable brush for all your minor painting and finish work. Just use it and throw it away… But, forget this rule and you will possibly ruin your finish! #woodworking #grownostr #diy

This was one of the most entertaining… and surprisingly insightful replies. “Pre-trade school” really stuck with me. Learning about tools, materials, and how things fit together early on just makes sense. It got me thinking… what if we actually built something like that? A way for both kids and adults to learn real, hands-on skills again. It’s never too late to get comfortable with tools, materials, and fixing things yourself. If there were a modern “pre-trade school,” what would you want to learn first? Drop a comment below 👇 #grownostr #asknostr View quoted note →

MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION WEDNESDAY: I gave clear alder a try for the first time this weekend, and I was surprised by how nice it is to work with. It’s got that same kind of softness and texture as pine, but with a smoother, more even grain. It can get a little chippy when routing edges, but overall it cuts clean and finishes well. For the price, it’s a really solid option, definitely one I’ll be using again. Cheers! #grownostr #woodworking #diy #proofofwork

Thought that old can of varnish was trash? Turns out, it’s not dead yet. I found a simple way to bring dried-up wood finish back to life… no special tools, no waste. Watch below 👇

Option C – Practical STEM / Pre-Engineering This one is a bit more niche. It’s a live, hands-on class for students interested in engineering or design. It would walk them through the real process of turning an idea into something tangible: sketching, choosing materials, using basic tools, and building a working prototype. The goal is to bridge the gap between theory and practice, the kind of practical skills they rarely teach in engineering school but that matter most in the real world. If this sounds like something that would fit your family or homeschool, go back to the original quoted post and choose Option C. No pressure, just gauging interest. Comment or react below.👇 #grownostr #asknostr View quoted note →

GM! In a recent video, I give a tour of my wood shop / metal shop. Haven’t posted a tour in over a year. Lots of progress! #grownostr #woodworking #metalworking #proofofwork

Right now, this trend of manufacturing shops closing is only going one way.

Thanks again to everyone who liked the last post… I wanted to share a bit more about Option B: a hands-on homeschool shop curriculum. This would be a multi-week, live course for students learning at home, something that feels like a real shop class again, not just pre-recorded videos. Each session would cover tool use, safety, basic woodworking, simple repairs, and maybe even a few lessons in electricity or basic electronics. Students could ask questions and get real-time guidance as they work through projects. The goal is to help kids understand how things work, learn practical problem-solving, and build confidence using their hands, all in a guided, interactive format parents can trust. If that sounds like something that would fit your homeschool setup, or if you know a family who might like it, go back to the original post and vote B, or share your thoughts below.👇 No pressure, I’m just gauging interest right now and collecting ideas. #grownostr #asknostr View quoted note →

Love this feedback… Exactly the kind of practical skills I want the adult shop class to cover. Everyday projects or skills that build confidence and independence. If you could pick just one first project to learn in a class like this, what would it be? Or, what skill would make the biggest difference in your daily life? No pressure… I’m just collecting ideas right now, so feel free to drop a thought or suggestion below.👇 #grownostr #asknostr View quoted note →

Thanks to everyone who liked the last post… it’s great to see some interest in the idea. I wanted to give a bit more detail on Option A: an adult shop class. Not just woodworking, but learning how to use tools safely, handle common projects around the house, and understand how things go together. The goal isn’t to become a professional, it’s to feel capable again and confident tackling practical tasks. If that sounds like the kind of class you’d be interested in, go back to the original post and vote A, or reply there with your thoughts. No pressure, this is just me gauging interest and seeing what resonates. Thanks! #grownostr #asknostr View quoted note →