Wood Working Workshop
Thus far, we have made a shoebox, three cat houses, four birdhouses, and a shelf. We also organized the tool room to make it easier to take tools in and out and to improve the efficiency of future activities.
Shoebox:
For the shoebox, we used both large and small pieces of wood that we collected from the garage. Since it was our very first woodworking project, we faced a few small issues during the building process. However, we talked through the problems together and managed to get back on the right track. The finished shoebox is now installed in the new (temporal) reception area and is mainly used for storing dirty work shoes after outdoor tasks.
Cat House:
At first, we had several design ideas, but after discussing them, we decided to build a simpler version because our materials were limited. That choice turned out to be the right one, as we were able to make two cat houses easily and within only a few hours (1).
A few days later, we finished building, sealing, and weatherproofing the cat house and the feeder. This gave the hostel cats a warm, dry, and comfortable place to eat and sleep (2).
We also built another cat house near the entrance. For this one, we used the two-step structure inside the doorway: we placed an old jacket on the steps to create a soft floor, treated the area as the interior of the cat house, and added a wooden board with a circular entrance hole. The board can be opened and closed, making it easy to clean or adjust when needed (3).
Birdhouses:
Since we couldn’t agree on one single design for the birdhouse, we decided that each of us would make the style we personally thought was best. Although we worked individually, we still helped each other when needed, for example, holding wood in place or assisting with drilling screws. This allowed us to work as an independent but cooperative team.
In the end, we produced several birdhouses, each with its own unique characteristics. What they all have in common is that they include a long wooden piece on the back for attaching to a tree or for hanging, and each has a roof designed to keep rain from entering the house.
Shelf:
We repaired and reinforced the existing shelving unit, ensuring it was stable and durable for long-term use. This improvement created a reliable storage space for various farm tools and equipment, helping to keep them organized and easy to access. Additionally, we dedicated a specific section of the shelf for muddy boots after farm work. This not only prevents dirt from spreading around the area but also makes it easier for everyone to find and store their boots efficiently. Overall, the upgraded shelf contributes to a tidier, more functional workspace for daily farm activities.
Tool Room:
We also dedicated time to organizing the tool room. We carefully assessed the space and rearranged all the tools, placing them in clearly labeled areas according to their type and frequency of use. This made it much easier to find and access the right tool quickly, reducing time spent searching and avoiding clutter. We also ensured that heavier or frequently used tools were stored at convenient heights for safety and efficiency. By creating this more organized and user-friendly system, we have dramatically improved the workflow for current projects and set up a more efficient environment for all future woodworking activities.