Hands On Deck teaches traditional industrial arts to build mechanical skills in learners of all ages.

Elementary Mechanical Skills and Industrial Arts students have a great semester of classes ahead including making their own paper, ink, quill, and of course the box to hold it all. Thank you @hank_powell08

We are working on new tool storage for fall classes. #youngstudents #realtools #mechanicalskills #communityshop

Thank you Kate at @insightpubs for a great article.

@hank_powell08 Great job on these with a $20 pull saw (and a @blue_spruce_toolworks mallet)!

Nuts and Bolts Camp #2 is in full swing. Photos by @hank_powell08

We have new projects for our fall #elementarymechanicalskills and #industrialarts classes at the shop!

#hankasaurousrex is most talented young woodworker I know…possibly in existence today. This prototype shaker table came to life in a few hours…design to finish. He is on staff, he volunteers, and he just likes hanging out cause we&rsquo

1. Hank working on tuning his @benchcrafted vise. 2. Hayden slicing plywood for kits. 3. Rick is bringing us down the home stretch on the “nook” area. #wednesday #attheshop

"The value of manual training lies not in the finished product, but in the development of the child."
— Otto Salomon

Elementary Mechanical Skills

Elementary Mechanical Skills introduces young builders (ages 5-8) to essential tools, materials, and hands-on techniques for constructing practical projects for everyday use. Through guided projects and open ended exploration, students develop critical thinking skills and learn how to approach and solve problems creatively.
Semester Macro Projects: Mortise and Tenon Box, Paper Making and Pen and Ink Set w/ Box, Laser Engraved Cheese Board, Laminated Name Stool, Double Signature Journal, Puzzle Board, and Labyrinth Marble Maze
Semester Micro Projects: Knots, Tool Making, Model Construction, & Build and Bolt
Industrial Arts

Industrial Arts meets older students where they are at with a goal to build individual and group projects in community utilizing techniques and projects to foster success with challenge in every class. Projects range from a simple scroll saw puzzle to full size furniture including lamps, tables, and chairs.
Outcomes: • Enhanced Technical Skills - Students will develop stronger mechanical and technical abilities, particularly in woodworking and boat building. • Fostering Craftsmanship and Creativity - The program emphasizes craftsmanship, encouraging students to take pride in their work and think creatively. • Improved Problem-Solving and Teamwork - Students will learn to tackle challenges collaboratively, enhancing their problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively in teams.
Wooden Boat Building and Restoration

Wooden boat construction is the thin red line that runs through the core of Hands On Deck. We started building boats with youth in the central library on the third floor in 2016, and since then we have constructed and restored over 300’ of boats with youth and volunteers.
This hands-on class introduces students to the fundamentals of woodworking through the lens of boats and boatbuilding. Each day focuses on key skills like measuring, cutting, joining, and shaping, while exploring how boats are built, how they work, and their connection to history and the water.
Community Groups and Clubs

We started in 2016 working with the Brown County PALS program, and since then we have hosted scores of community groups and organizations interested in building mechanical skills and abilities with their youth and adults.
Please reach out if you are a scout leader, club director, or program courdinator to see the variety of programming we can offer your group. We offer programming to all ages including large senior groups.