[bwanab]

My step-father taught shop for over 30 years at the 7th-9th grade level using all the tools you mention. I can't recall a single serious accident under his watch. Not to mention, at his funeral, you'd be shocked at how many of his former students came to pay their respects. Many talked about how it had changed their lives irrespective of the fields they worked in as adults.

Further not to mention, I'm sitting next to two Appalachian dulcimers that were among the 100s he built in the 70s and 80s.

[ryandrake]

My old man taught shop at the high school level for a similar amount of time, and (even though I am admittedly biased) I can say that he was measurably the most beloved teacher in the school. To this day, he gets messages from former students who are now successful tradesmen, thanking him for getting them on the right path.