Sag Harbor Union Free School District

Pierson High School students construct Adirondack chairs

Students in grades 10-12 at Pierson High School put their skills to the test in Michael Piro’s
Production and Manufacturing class, as they constructed their second Adirondack chair of the
year. The hands-on project required teamwork, precision and the careful use of tools as they
worked in groups to craft their chair.
Using a template as a guide, high schoolers started the project by measuring, cutting and sanding
each piece of wood. Tools like table saws, hand sanders and power drills were used to ensure the
parts were accurate and fit together properly.
A key lesson involved was the importance of planning ahead for balance and accuracy. For
example, one group worked together to configure the correct order of attaching the chair backing
to the supporting legs. Students determined how to make sure the chair would sit level and
provided the right measurements for the next piece that would connect the two legs in front of
the chair.
The project also included a creative element, as they used a laser engraving machine to
personalize their chair with a unique design burned into the wood, adding a custom touch to the
finished product.

Students faced the challenge of choosing the right tools for the job. With several options
available for sanding, including electric hand sanders, machine-powered flat sanders and
cylindrical sanders, or simple sanding paper, they had to decide which method would produce
the best finished product for each piece depending on the size.
Safety was a top priority throughout the project. Participants were required to wear safety
goggles and follow proper procedures when using the machines. Cleaning up the workspace after
class was also emphasized as part of maintaining a safe and organized environment.
With each chair, students not only gainied valuable technical skills, such as geometry, material
science and environmental impacts, but they also learned the importance of precision,
collaboration and the satisfaction of completing a well-crafted project.