Cerritos College

July 14, 2008

Cerritos College Woodworking is Awarded Funds to Purchase a Nested Base CNC Router

Thanks to the commitment and efforts of woodworking instructor Mike Jones, the Woodworking Manufacturing Technology department has received over $100,000 to purchase a nested base CNC router!  Jones explains, “Nested base CNC is one of two major computerized technologies for cabinetmaking; the other is manufacturing cell. Obtaining the nested base CNC router ensures that our cabinetmaking students will be exposed to the complete set of cabinetmaking technologies”.

Cerritos College is already equipped with manufacturing cell machinery: a point-to-point machining center, a beam saw and an edge bander. This technology is appropriate in  high-volume manufacturing settings.  The nested base CNC router performs both cutting and machining operations, as well as more flexible 3D machining.  Nested base technology is favored by small custom cabinet shops because it is less expensive and requires less floor space.

With over 2,700 custom cabinet shops in Southern California, the demand for skilled employees with CNC training is growing. With the new router, Cerritos College will be equipped to prepare students for a wider range of jobs in the industry.  The next step is course work. As Jones explains, “After the equipment is installed, we will revise our curriculum to include the new technology. We will touch on nested base CNC in many of our existing cabinet classes. We will also develop at least one new class that involves application of new CAD/CAM software to produce custom machining of parts and products”.

October 17, 2007

Lazcano Wins First Place in the Fresh Wood Competition at AWFS

Christian Lazcano, Cerritos College student and instructional aide, won first place in the case-goods category at AWFS for his piece Ryú (Japanese for dragon).  Lazcano’s beautifully sculpted piece is made of wenge, zebra, and alder woods.  It features mortise-and-tenon joinery, a dadoed carcase and drawers with wooden rails.

Lazcano began taking woodworking classes at Cerritos College in 2005 and is scheduled to complete his certificate in furniture making and cabinetmaking by the end of this semester. In addition to his time spent at the college, Lazcano works part-time for Tried and True building custom furniture, cabinets, and stairways and for Woodcraft in Orange County.  His plans for the future include teaching woodworking and becoming a master woodworker.   

Students Elect New Club Officers

The CSAW club elected new officers for the 2007-2008 school year!  Please help us welcome our new members.

Ellen Benkin, President
Janna Vandenberg, Vice President
Dave LaPane, Treasurer
Deanne Harb, Sergeant-At-Arms
Mike Cohen, Secretary
Erik Mortensen, Faculty Advisor 

The Annual Holiday Gift Sale

Have you made woodworking items that you would like to sell?  This is your opportunity.  For the first time, the annual Holiday Gift Sale, organized by the Cerritos College Art Department, will include objects made by current Cerritos College woodworkers!

The sale will be held on Sunday, December 2nd in the Student Center.  Current students can enter any woodworking item they’ve made, including furniture, wooden crafts, and turnings. Prices will be determined by their makers (you).  The Art Department will handle the cash and record keeping and retain five percent of the sale price.  Twenty percent will go to CSAW, and the maker (you) will get seventy-five percent.

The sellers will be responsible for bringing their objects to the sale and for picking up any items that did not sell at the end of the day.  We encourage you to attend the sale so you may answer questions about your items. The sale is open to the general public and parking is FREE on Sunday. 

This is a great chance for Cerritos woodworkers to display and sell their art, so think about what you might want to sell.  We will have more details in the near future. This opportunity was organized by CSAW Vice President Janna Vandenberg.  Should you have any questions regarding the sale please contact Janna at csawclub@gmail.com

A Candy Machine for Woodworkers

The Cerritos Students’ Association of Woodworkers (CSAW) maintains the “candy” machine in the woodshop.  It is located just outside the department library near WD-15.  Instead of the usual snacks found in vending machines, you can purchase items for your woodworking projects. 

If you forget your hearing protection, there is no need to panic.  You can purchase a pair of ear plugs from the “candy machine”. You can also purchase brushes to apply glue, biscuits for gluing up projects, and many other commonly used hardware items such as a screws and Blum hinges.  So, stop in and check it out!

If you have suggestions for new items, please let us know.  You can email CSAW at csawclub@gmail.com or leave a note for the officers in the WMT office.