Keeping Busy Woodworking

Since arriving at Caswell Clinic over a year ago I have tried to occupy my time as much as possible. Once I had sharps access, woodwork is one of the first things I enrolled myself on.
The woodwork shop is one of the occupational therapy sessions offered by Caswell to its patients. Neil Watkins, OT Technician, runs it. On most weeks you can find Neil there working on something.
There is some demand by patients to do the session, so there is a waiting list to utilise the workshop and Neils expertise. Neil is there to guide you and help you out while teaching you.
The workshop has the facilities and tools to fabricate and make many projects. There is a good selection of hand tools, all you would need like tenon saws, squares, chisels, screwdrivers, drill bits etc. There are also power tools like a drill press, table saw, bandsaw, router with table etc. We utilise materials such as pine, plywood and MDF.
Projects ongoing include a chessboard, a box for drums and a desk I’m making. This is my second project, my first was a magazine rack that I’m very pleased with. As part of my voluntary role I offer my help working on interesting projects and generally helping around the workshop.
Neil explains all the best practices, how to mark the project out, how to properly use the hand tools and using the power tools like the router without losing any fingers.
If you’re interested in building your own woodwork project and want to learn some carpentry skills talk to your OT about it.

 – by Thomas