AW #131.pdf - Karatunov.net

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Started in 1938 as a place for students to broaden their interests, the MIT Hobby Shop still provides a valuable service
to students by carrying out one of MIT's centeral missions-learning by doing.
moved to other locations. Eventually, only the wood
and metal shop remained. However the shop
remained a busy place.
George Pishenin, a technician in Material Science
and long time shop member took over as Shop Master
in 1972. When George retired in 1991 I took over as
only the fourth Shop Master, and the first who was
also an MIT graduate.
During my time as director I've seen an increased
need for the Hobby Shop. MIT had many shops when
I was a student, including a student shop in all engi-
neering and many science departments. Most of these
shops have been closed and the ones that remain are
primarily used for specific classes. At the same time,
fewer students come to MIT with shop experience.
The Hobby Shop provides a place for MIT srudents to
work with a wide range of well-maintained machines
and tools. Their projects can be academic or person-
al, serious or just for fun. We provide individual
instruction, practical design and building advice. We
also offer classes and collaborate with professors and
instructors in manv departments.
Tell us about a dynamic woodwo*ing school or vibrant teaching program. what makes
it work? Point out notable teaching strategies and student accompilshments. Explain how the
program excites students about woodworking and tell us how it helps them develop woodworking
skills. whether the program operates in a public school, community center or a private workshop, we
want to hear about its success. E-mail your story to schoolnews@americanwoodworker.com.
32 American Woodworker ocToBER 2oo7
Hayami Arakawa, MIT Hobby Shop instructor,
is available full-time to assist students with
their projects. In his spare time, Hayami
designs furniture and enjoys creative woodturning,
such as these ball-and-claw bats.
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