Surf Handplanes for schools

A Complete Design & Technology Project in a Box

Searching for a practical, engaging project that aligns with your school's curriculum? Our DIY Paulownia Handplane Kits are the perfect solution for middle and high school technology, design, and woodworking programs. Each kit provides all the core materials needed for a single student to design, shape, and finish their own functional product, creating a highly rewarding learning experience from start to finish.

This project goes beyond simple craft—it provides a dynamic platform for students to apply theoretical knowledge in a tangible, exciting way, building confidence and practical skills for future careers in design, engineering, and the trades.

Core Learning Outcomes

Our kits are more than just a product; they are designed to be a complete learning module that fosters key educational outcomes. We provide project templates and comprehensive guidance materials to assist educators in every step of the process.

• Practical Woodworking Skills: Students will learn how to safely use hand tools and power tools (under supervision) to shape and sand timber.

• Design & Engineering Principles: The project requires students to consider ergonomics, aesthetics, and material properties to design a functional product.

• Understanding Material Science: Students will gain a deep appreciation for the properties of different timbers by working with Paulownia’s unique lightweight and sustainable characteristics.

• Physics & Practical Application: The project provides a real-world example of physical principles, allowing students to see the direct results of their design choices.

• Project-Based Learning: This activity provides a clear, achievable goal, teaching students how to plan, manage, and complete a multi-step project from raw materials to a finished product.

• Sustainability Education: By working with Paulownia, students learn about sustainable forestry and the importance of using eco-friendly materials.

The Paulownia Advantage for the Classroom

We've specifically chosen Paulownia timber for our school kits because its properties are perfectly suited for the classroom environment:

• Easy to Work With: Paulownia's soft, knot-free grain makes it exceptionally safe and easy for students to shape and sand, reducing the risk of accidents and tool-related frustration.

• Lightweight & Manageable: Its low density makes the timber easy for students to handle and transport throughout the classroom and workshop.

• Naturally Sustainable: Paulownia is the fastest-growing hardwood, making this a great opportunity to discuss environmental responsibility and sustainable resource management with your students.

• Clean & Low-Dust: Compared to many other timbers, Paulownia produces less dust and no oily residues, making for a cleaner workshop environment.

Finishing Touches: A Safe & Natural Finish

For the final stage of the project, we highly recommend a non-toxic finish that is safe for classroom use. A fantastic option is a mix of tung oil and citrus terpene. Tung oil is a natural, durable, and food-safe finish that brings out the natural beauty of the wood, while citrus terpene (derived from citrus peel) acts as a natural, pleasant-smelling solvent that is a safer alternative to conventional mineral spirits.

Each Kit Includes:

Our all-in-one kit simplifies the procurement process for your school. Each kit contains the necessary components for a single project:

• 1 x Paulownia Timber Blank: A premium, ready-to-shape blank 23x250x330mm in size.

• 1 x High-Quality Neoprene Hand Strap: Pre-sewn for durability and comfort.

• 2 x Injection-Molded Plastic Plugs: Designed for a secure, easy-to-install strap connection.

• 1 x Braided Paracord Wrist Strap: For added safety and to prevent loss.

Ready to enhance your school’s curriculum? 

We already having a number of schools around NSW using our kits in the classroom. Feedback has been very positive, with lots of happy teaching staff and students. By having the Paulownia blanks pre-cut and ready to go it helps to reduce the workload of teaching and support staff.

We have substantial stock of pre-made blanks and strap kits ready to meet your schools requirements. We offer easy ordering via Purchase Order and Net30 terms to fit most schools. Delivery around Australia is quick and economical thanks to the discounted, volume rates we get from our freight providers/couriers.

Below is an overview of the process of the project.