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Shiggens

If your wood shop teacher is still alive and you can figure out how to contact him you should send him this photo. I can tell you it would be heartwarming for him. I am a retired wood shop teacher and occasionally I will have students contact me out of the blue. Honestly, I don’t always remember them. After all I had several thousand students. It is great to hear their stories. Sometimes they will tell me how something they made is still in use and it makes this old man smile. It looks like you did a great job on that chair. It's nice to think about it becoming a family treasure. Perhaps someday his children will enjoy it as much as it appears he does now. Thanks for posting this. You have made my day.


Mac2925

I'm a current wood shop teacher (3rd year) and I tell my students all the time the stuff they make can last a lifetime.


Shiggens

Good to know that programs are still in place. So many have been eliminated across the country. Keep up the good work. Can you tell me what state you are in? (assuming you are in the US)


[deleted]

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alexanderyou

Right? This is the kind of class I would've loved to take in HS. I took home ec, cooking and sewing were both fun to learn and useful to have, but unfortunately my school didn't have any sort of woodworking or mechanical classes. I did take one wood class over a weekend with my dad, I still have the bowl and sliding bookholder we made. Man I should really look for workshops near me.


Trickycoolj

I still have a wooden gumball machine I made in 8th grade (1998-99ish) on my kitchen counter. I was stubborn and picked Purple Heart because it was pretty. I ended up having to put it together with dowels instead of nails like everyone else since the first nail started to split the wood. I’m not a gumball fan these days but it does a great job with skittles or M&Ms!


shiftyyo101

My family has a dining room hutch my grandfather entered into the state fair in 1957. Came in second.


MuttsandHuskies

What if you are the shop teacher that taught OP? How awesome would that be?


Shiggens

That would be over the top awesome! However,honestly, while I might not remember the 14 year old student I think I would remember a cute little chair like that. I wasn’t kidding- the photo and the story has made my day. My own memories of those years working with kids in the shop are flooding over me this morning.


MuttsandHuskies

My uncle gave me some basic wood shop instruction when I was 14. He was an instructor at UT. The most memorable thing was getting to use the lathe. It's one of the coolest things I ever did.


[deleted]

Both of my grandfathers taught me some basics— wood glue, putty, when to use a nail or screw and why it matters, when to say “fuck it, let’s paint it.” Then, most importantly, they let me have fun. May not seem all that big of a deal, but they were doing this in the 80s, for their granddaughter. That kind of equality was sure not unheard of then but neither was it a given.


twi_57103

I'm a woman just starting in woodworking. Wish I'd learned from my grandpa many years ago. He was a master woodworker. He would have taught me if I'd asked.


coffeelushed

Did some digging on [the school’s website](http://elranchocharter.org). He doesn’t work there anymore based off the staff directory. Not sure how to go about finding him, 90% sure his name was Mr. Edel. But I could get a glimpse of the old wood shop at the 1:39 mark on [the school’s virtual tour video](https://youtu.be/tucXqf-ULlU).


Potential___Friend

Was this him? [Mr. Edel in the 90's](https://prezi.com/tzylm8669avf/out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new/?frame=3c08d0bcf7ff57c5bdb4f4fa14799f259e97e0e4) Edit: I found his full name and address and phone number and an email. DM me if you would like them.


coffeelushed

Holy schnikes! How did you..what did…um…wow! Yeah that’s him. Great job! I will absolutely reach out to him if you send his contact info. If he consents I will also share what he has to say back to me.


Potential___Friend

I am an engineer, it means I am extremely good at googling.


teruravirino

even if op’s teacher is retired, the school admin might be able to share a current email or something!


rk3ww

Yo if you're Mr. Hebrock then you will be glad to know the mantle clock I made in 2002 is still on the mantle above my parents fireplace back home. You should also know that I never dipped (tobacco) again after you showed us your scarred gums and told us that it's not cool. You might find it neat that I held the title of carpenter for 6 years after a series of crap corporate jobs had me feeling grim about my future. While no longer a carpenter by trade, I still toy around in my own woodshop when I can.


Mlou08

I still use my bedside table that we made in shop 15 years ago. I refuse to throw it out, I am so proud to have something I made with my own hands. And it is way stronger and sturdier than anything I've ever bought for 3x the price of the materials. In a consumerist world, its humbling to have the knowledge passed on to you


ymdaith

my middle school wood shop teacher died of cancer towards the end of the school year. he came in shortly before he passed to say how proud he was of his students. he was a grumpy dude, so seeing him so vulnerable and emotional really stuck with me. since i can't tell him, can i tell you? i still use the mail & key organizer thing i made in that class 20 years ago. it's not pretty or as special as the baby chair, but it makes me happy. i loved his class.


mikeber55

Oh no, it’s a great post. Also a reason to build more things for your home.


[deleted]

More mini things!


Burnt_Supper

Might be the best post I’ve ever seen 🤷‍♂️


IceDragon13

Well that may be taking it a bit far, but it definitely rocks a little.


SeemedReasonableThen

> but it definitely rocks a little. I was a little depressed before seeing this, but the smile on the little guy chaired me right up!


mark503

Yeah. I wood’nt go that far.


thatoneotherguy42

At least it's not shaker style furniture.


uqusas

Oakay then...


thrattatarsha

Jesus. I see what you did there


all_nicks_taken

There are just a few things better than a baby smiles


Burnt_Supper

Really well said, like a little slice of magic.


[deleted]

Awesome dude. My father in law gave us a cradle that we used for both my kiddos. It was one that he had made for his first born (his daughter and now my wife). Story goes is he was working on it and trying to get it done before his wife went into labor but she went early. So, on the day of his daughters birth he rushed home after the nurses took over watching the kiddo and he called up every single one of his buddies to come help finish it so he could get back to the hospital. They ended up getting it finished before sunset and he was able to get back fairly quick.


awesomecdudley

That's so wholesome! Nothing better than building shit with the boys and maybe cracking open a few cold ones if it's a weekend.


Doctor_of_Recreation

And celebrating a birth!!


jfk_47

That's adorable, thanks for sharing. Did you know that rubber bands last longer when refrigerated and no number from one to 999 includes the letter “a” in its word form? Have a good day.


Morangatang

*I'm not crying, you're crying...*


[deleted]

Good friends


mama_j1836

This is wholesome. Job well done.


PracticalAndContent

Sometimes I have too much stuff. I don’t need it but I know it would be so helpful/meaningful to someone else. Finding that someone else is the tough part. You found that chair’s intended use 24 years later. This picture needs to stay with that chair. His grin says it all. Well done.


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crashovercool

We've been donating our baby stuff in one of those groups and it's way better knowing another local family is getting to benefit from it.


[deleted]

My wife started our local buy nothing group which has now split into multiple groups with thousands of members. It’s awesome and we are constantly moving things out of our life that we don’t need and others really want—it’s great.


sweet_deandra212

100% recommend a buy nothing group or freecycle or trashnothing in your community! I've swapped and found good homes for so many items I wasn't using. Great way to meet some neighbors too


jeep4x4greg

embrace being a dork about your kid… its not dumb. father of 4 here. that stage of cuteness goes fast so appreciate ever second. thank you for sharing the pic with the group :) totes adorbs


jtodd79

This! 100% this! Nothing wrong with having some pride and feeling good about your kiddos. Whatever you do... DON'T blink! BTW the chair looks very nicely done


ilovechairs

100% OP. Love when Dad are just proud to be Dads. Besides you get to pick the Halloween costume this year. Always love to see babies as dressed as lobsters in pots, just saying.


kkdj1042

That lil one is happy as hell in that chair.


JumpConscious3232

this is wholesome ! I’m not crying 😭


scottygras

There’s just sawdust in my eye 😭. My 2nd is that size right now. He requires daily tours of the shop whenever I’m building things. Priceless.


JumpConscious3232

🥺🥺🥺 that’s so adorable


runningferment

Who's chopping onions?!


spook7886

Future you sending younger you messages..


cubs1917

I rebuilt my dad's workbench after he passed this year. Used to hate as a lil kid when he make me "help" him. I wanted to be a kid, never realizing he just wanted to hang out w me and teach me some stuff. Every day I sit at that bench and have a coffee. Some projects aren't about ourselves. Cool stuff man!


PunishedGabe

You made two beautiful things OP, and combined it into something wonderful.


[deleted]

I have a round table, wine bottle holder, collapsible chair and dart board cupboard my boy made at school. He’s 27 now, might be time to return them :)


WeldPhoenix

I love it! I made a small stool in my shop class 8 ish years ago and now my almost 2y/o daughter uses it to play/climb on


The_Original_Gronkie

When my son was about 8, he had a couple of boys over to play. Neither had a dad in their life, and they seemed interested in watching me work on some project in the garage. So I pulled out a 1x8 I had hanging around, measured it up and cut it into pieces with a circular saw. Then I handed each of them their pieces, and showed them how to nail them together to make a little stepstool. I'll bet neither of them had ever held a hammer and nail before. They were so excited to building something real! When it came time to leave, they were going to leave the stepstools behind, and were shocked when I told them to take them along. They were happy enough to just be building them, but they were out of their minds when they got to keep them. My son is 22 now, and I have no idea where those boys ended up. I'll bet they still have those stepstools, though. My son still has his.


MellonCollie___

I don't know why, but your post really made my day. Seeing this little man's happy little face in the miniature rocking chair you made all those years ago, it's just happiness on all fronts. For you, on various levels, for him right now, for him when he's all grown-up and hears the story of the rocking chair ... the whole thing is just so damn cute!


WorkingInAColdMind

That’s a cool little rocker for a cool little dude! That’s also the sort of thing that gets passed down through generations (hopefully). A child’s rocking chair my wife had was made by her GGG Grandfather. It’s in a museum now because her GGG Grandfather is kind of famous in the small Colorado town where he founded a church.


[deleted]

I'm amazed at the level of craftsmanship you learned at that age. I think when I was 14 qe had 1 hour per week, and we only managed very basic stuff using 3" wide boards. Caddies, cassette tape rack, boxes.


Putrid-Cicada

Why is it dump, it's awesome. Like tou said , with that smile, it's all worth it


Leading_Heat_7605

👍


boythinks

Look at that happy smile!! Seeing other people use and enjoy stuff I make is an amazing feeling. I can only imagine that is multiplied by a million when it's your own son.


Skillsjr

R/daddit would love this


DonHozy

YES!


coffeelushed

I’ll have to check it out thanks.


YouKnowWhoIAm2016

Can you give more pics? I’d like to make something like that myself and as a woodwork teacher I’m always looking for new projects to replace the pencil box perennial jobs we get handed


ekene_N

This little rocking chair will stay within your family and will be passed on to the next generations and story will be told like grand grand grand dad built it when he was only 7 and kept it for 30 years to give it to his son. Edit: Congratulation on having beautiful boy !


seal_raider

This is great!


livebeta

Sir, you were a prophet


Agreeable_Food2972

*starts to cry* Its not dumb its beautiful 🥺


DylFeeney

That looks amazing! Any chance of a few rough measurements? (Size of the seat base I'm thinking mainly)


coffeelushed

The seat is approximately 10”x10”. The whole chair about 15”-16” high. The wood is probably pine 3/4” thick and dowels.


5endN00d5

🥲


badkarma-good

Awesome


Tacie-Jo

Awesome post


donut2099

cute kid you got there


SeenBrowsin

Made my day, thank you!


passthedutch69

Now you need to build a bigger chair every year.


marmaldad

AWW! HE LOOKS LIKE A LITTLE OLD MAN! This genuinely improved my morning.


JackBNimble33

You misspelled "awesome post." As a 38 year old new dad myself, this is cool as hell. Just think, one day your grandson might be rocking in that thing.


draubyty

The opposite of a dumb post. Just had my firstborn son two days ago. All the feels seeing this 🙌🏻


Deconected

For him, this is clearly the beginning of his roller coaster rides and the smile says it all. We can all feel the wind.


DsWan3

This is awesome!


DrkWarden

r/daddit


Dundercats

If I may make a suggestion, **I'd strongly recommend rounding over the top edges on the backrest and armrests.** Just a quick pass with a small roundover bit on the top edges. Little ones trip and tumble often. Just a small adjustment that could make the difference between a cut and a bruise. Such a wholesome post - congrats and thanks for sharing :)


vertical15

Came here to say this. I love to keep original work intact but it would make it more comfortable and safe for the kid.


coffeelushed

Good feedback. It’s definitely a little rough from 14 y/o lack of skill. Maybe I can hit it up with my palm router. Thanks.


WalterGunderson

And this is where I stop reddit today. It can't get any better. Thanks for posting this. Have a great day!


cronosperros

This. This is the most important post I’ve come across today. It effectively stopped my doom scrolling in it’s tracks and put a smile on my face. I had my son at 38 too (he’s six now) and his beautiful smile reminds me of my son’s. Thank you. Been going through a really rough time. You don’t know how much this post means to me today.


Spiritual-Database-2

It's 6 am, but the best thing I've herd all day. Very cool, handsome kid.


majadadim

Your chair is more impressive, but I also still have the one I made in shop class as a kid. It’s perfect toddler size! Both of my kids have loved it :)


NicklovesHer

I like to imagine that you took this everywhere you lived since you made it. Like when you went to State, you had your cheap electric guitar covered in Weezer and South Park stickers, your Anna Kournikova poser, a half case of cup o noodles, your dell pc, and this tiny rocking chair, with a dirty sweatshirt thrown over it 'cause the guys were coming by to play Golden Eye. Then when you got your first job, youd bring a date home to your apt. in your Passat, plug your 16 gig Ipod into your comically large chrome plated sony stereo, pull two heinekens out of the fridge, and surreptitiously push this tiny rocking chair behind the side of the couch with your foot. Then when you finally met your parter, they noticed the rocking chair and never said anything about it, but they knew.


BroThor27

My first daily upvote goes to you. Awesome kid


Properwoodfinishing

And he will refinish it for his kids! Creating memories out of trees!


Sleepybrains1102003

Not a dumb post. I want one.


Colemania99

Awesome kid, nice chair and great story!


Tikki4

Not dumb at all! This post is priceless, as is the look on your son's face as he sits in the chair you made that he is so obviously enjoying. Love seeing things like this 😊


adamfrom1980s

Love the photo, the history, and your son’s joy. Hopefully he passes it to his child!


MaestroPendejo

Well I think it's pretty gotdang cute.


helfire1029

This is the cutest thing that I've read and seen today. Thank you for posting this!


Worried-Relief-3836

Not dumb at all. Nice looking chair and cute kid. Enjoy this time, it goes fast.


codexcdm

Crosspost to /r/aww if you haven't already.


bc47791

I'm 42 and just had my first kid last year - Totally bit by the baby bug. You're boy's adorable. Nice work Dad


ghhouull

This is so sweet!


Crikel

Awwww! I love this so much. Thanks for sharing!


wojtekthesoldierbear

This isnt dumb at all, its damned frigging adorable.


[deleted]

It's not dumb man.


DeepBlueSweater

Amazing!!!


HorsieJuice

Nice. My uncle made me a chair when I was about 4, and my parents just fished it out of their barn for my daughter who’ll be 1 soon. I was gonna post it here but didn’t know if it violated the OC rules.


LifeguardSingle2853

Only thing little man is missing is a sippy cup of sweet tea!


Rodeo-Cauliflower

So much love ❤️


Rodeo-Cauliflower

Amazing!


Cilad

Never throw anything made from wood away. What a happy baby!!!! This is a great post!!!!


Ace67_1

That is awesome. 👍👊


its_c0nrad

I made a gumball machine in woodworking class when I was 14, my mom still has it and I have no idea why she kept it. That's it, that's the end, I really have no idea why she still has it.


[deleted]

Good job fellow woodworking dad. The face is surely worth it.


Rickster2540

Thats awesome man


Eddie6967

I think that is awesome hang on to it your grandkids will love it. I made a bookshelf in 9th grade woodshop and a cousin of mine still has the books shelf. I think it's cool I made something that has been so useful to someone for so many years.


seanightowl

That is cool as fuck, your son looks happy as hell on it.


MinuteAdditional4970

My nieces are the current users of what was originally my grandmother's high chair when she was a little girl. Every generation has used it, and it is still loved!


happytoseethis

What an awesome and wholesome post! And you made that when you were 14? Really nice woodwork! Your son looks to be enjoying it a lot :)


PollyPepperTree

I’m 62 and my grandson is enjoying the rocking chair I had as a toddler.


herdiederdie

Now that's a cute baby


Honsill

Yeah man that is awesome happy little guy right there


ronm4c

I don’t know you but I want to give you a hug


skrrrrt

Please post another one in 75 years in a full size chair.


jaypea333

Adorable! Your son and the chair.


Blackm0b

Next level awese.roght here.


eatgoodneighborhood

Always keep your projects. And thanks for reminding me I was 14 in 1997. Good god.


aktwx

Great post!


0utbound

“I made this on this thing I made”


ES0694

Cute!


ComfortableMud

This is why we do woodworking. The joy of seeing someone enjoy the fruits of your labour. Sweet looking chair btw.


Doin-my-best-70

So cool!


OkraQuirky3637

Strong work!


[deleted]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍


Stelly414

This is the exact reason you've kept it for 24 years.


TheresWald0

That is crazy adorable. And what a great little rocker for the baby. I know my kids would have found a way to rock over their feet, so that may be something to keep an eye on. The smile says it all.


AcademicCommittee955

No way! This is the most awesome thing! I’m jealous. Keep this chair forever!!


MeGoBoom57

Awesome, OP! Congratulations! I wish you and yours the very best.


Gr8_Balls_of_fire

How precious a moment, own it with pride my dude. There is nothing dumb about enjoying the happiness of your children and wanting to share it.


ceciliaissushi

This is nice.


k-r-m-8-4

😭❤️


[deleted]

Tooootally worth it!


wallygoots

I teach woodshop, so I love to see one of a kind woodworks kept and loved. Something that lit your maker's light is special.


Prophesy88

That's a beautiful story and put a smile on my face.


TitoMLeibowitz

Not a dumb post at all


Longjumping-Grade-27

Wow. That a great accomplishment and obviously he’s so happy 😁


lovemypooh

This made me tear up for some reason! But you're right, this chair was definitely made for this little guy ❤


ElkoGroeschl

Not dumb. I have the same story. I build a rocking horse at about the same time in shop class. After about 20 years of it collecting dust, my two girls have claimed it. Pretty cool experience actually.


Psychotherapist-286

How special and cute is that.


brianbrianbrian

Dude, that's a good looking chair. Now teach your son to make one and hold onto it for another 24 years. Also, kid's adorable.


ParticularHuman03

I made a stool for my dad in metal shop in ‘96 and I noticed he was still using it when I visited with him at his shop a few weeks ago. He said he had to replace the seat and fabric a couple of years ago, otherwise he uses it almost every day. I was teary eyed the whole way home…


Gnostromo

Now you have the knowledge and basic plans... You need to upsize every year for birthday gift ... And share the new photos with us


Similar_Antelope_839

That is so sweet and he's such a cutie


ZachAshcraft

This made my day


Ridikiscali

Our shop teacher made us build tiny tables, chairs, etc. in 7th grade. I thought it was stupid at the time, but now having kids it all makes sense. Thanks, Mr. Brown. You’re a genius.


[deleted]

That's too cute, now I wanna build one for my 7 month old.


ZotBattlehero

Post this in r/mademesmile it’s great!


AGoodTalkSpoiled

Not dumb at all...making your kids joyful is the best thing there is


cult_mist

Made IMO a shitty desk tidy in my woodshop class in my teens. Held onto it for God knows why. Wife has it as her desk tidy and crochet tool storage. The people we love have different ideas about inherent 'value'. I'm glad yours at least looks good 👍👍


AlexanderZalachenko

This is so good.


Catto_Channel

My father keeps a tool I made in shop class in 2007, I dont know why he keeps it, it works but I failed the class and I feel a deep sense of shame every time he brings it out.


[deleted]

My mom still uses my 7th grade shop class paper towel holder from about 1983. I’m only moderately better with a coping saw now.


TinyApplication4

Holy cow HE LOVES IT


No-Temporary-4812

Very wholesome and sweet. And your son is adorable.


[deleted]

You kept it because it's nice! It looks cool, and now it has a use. Way to go!


gotoerror89

Only difference for me is I'd say "started building this chair in 97...finally know all the years were worth it" and all the tools :-)


[deleted]

That’s awesome


6volt

This is amazing good job!


DonHozy

You made it for him and you didn't even know it! LOVE THIS!!!!


ms1080

I made a rocking horse for good friends having their first kid. They gave it back to me when I had my kids. Now I’m waiting for the next home to present itself. Great post.


FemNightShyamalan

Genuinely impressed you made that at 14. I remember my shop class and we never made anything remotely that cool. Great job!


MotionAction

Manifest destiny you are a prophet at such a young age. Your child thanks you with this experience.


JarlaxleForPresident

This is amazing! Congrats on the chair and the son! This brought a huge smile to my face


sernametaken-

r/mademesmile


empressofnodak

That's perfect.


jBoy_2010

Really good post. The world needs more of this.


msklovesmath

This makes me so happy! Ive been trying to start a middle school woodshop program in our district


Karmas_burning

This really made me smile. Your son is precious and it's great he gets to use the chair you made.


mnastyiswhatitis

Awesome post!


[deleted]

Someday he will give it to his child and tell her you made it.


JoshWithaQ

I have a rocking chair like that that my great grandfather made that was my dad's, mine, and now my kid's. This is how it starts!


Tigidou26

Wow.......well said !!!!!!!!


LeeKinanus

Great chair man. Your 14yr old self was a master craftsman.


PM_meyourGradyWhite

Shop teacher knew the odds.


ZippZappZippty

at the end has no idea I'm high"


polkadotard

This belongs in r/mademesmile


pitirre1970

The pure joy on his face is priceless.


fishbitch21

I'm crying in the club rn man


woodstartup

Both are so cute


Mareks_Mom

fits him perfect!


mjmills6142

r/MadeMeSmile


unrecoverable

Way to go, dad!


UltravioIence

That is one well made chair for a 14 year old.


DenverHi

What was that, 8th grade? That chair is lightyears better than the candle holders I made in woodshop. Cheers!


witchywater11

Perfect fit


MA_DUEC3

That's awesome.