Originally posted to rec.woodworking by chimento@ursa.arc.nasa.gov (Thomas Chimento) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Below is the compilation of the responses I received to my query about woodworking projects for my 6 yr old. The text is unedited, but all the headers have been removed,except for the e-mail address of the originator. Thanks to all who contributed, and my son also thanks you. WARNING!! This is pretty long, about 8 pages printed out> There is an article in 'Fine Woodworking on Spindle Turning', called (more or less) 'A Spring Pole Lathe for Kids'. The author says that this is a good tool for kids to do woodworking with, because it is foot-powered, so pretty safe, and that lathe-turning is fun. It is my understanding that Pole Lathes work quite well, providing one turns soft or green woods, and first roughs the project to round using an axe or drawknife. The article might be of interest to you - it is only about 2 or so pages long. If you like, and send me a fax number, I will fax it to you. I am sure people also cited the boot "Woodworking with Children" or whatever it is called. If nobody did, send me email, and I will find out the exact title and author for you. My daughters are 2 and 4, and they frequently sit out in my 'shop' as I work. I recently completed a pair of small Windsor chairs for them - what fun! Steve C. From: sfc@ajax.asd.sgi.com (Steve Cobb) I found the name of the book, so I thought I would just send it along. "Woodworking with your Kids", by Richard Starr. Available mail order from Linden Publishing for $14.95. Phone orders 1-800-345-3520. Linden Pub. is in California. I am not affiliated in any way with them. Steve C. From: desrosde@europa.eng.gtefsd.com (Donald Desrosiers) My two kids (7 and 4.5) love to come down in the shop to "make something" Usually their ideas seems to be on the order of "make a doll house" or "make a new bed for my room" or something like that. At least I have to encourage them for thinking big. Since they don't have the patience to do anything that takes much more than about 15 minutes, they seem to have the most fun just playing with anything in the scrap bin and/or making shavings with my hand planes. Gluing and painting are always a hit, but rather a pain to clean up after. Things that I have had particular success with are things that I can pre-cut all of the pieces and have them put together. Bird houses are always a big hit. Not too many pieces, not too many nails, easy to visualize. I had gotten some books on wooden toys that are a help. Again, I just have to pre-cut everything. Airplanes, cars, trucks, trailers, and the like go over well (at least at my house). Last year I took some scrap wood, drilled a few holes, added some small shaker pegs and voila, a necklace holder (great holiday gifts). Have also had some success with Japanese hand saws with the kids. Being able to cut on the pull stroke is much easier for them than on the push. I guess what I am getting to in my rambling way is any project that can be assembled quickly works well. Donald Desrosiers From: ralph@spss.com (Ralph Brendler) The way I approached teaching woodworking to my son was through building a few simple jigs with him to help him make his first project. Each jig got him used to using a different tool (or tools), and could be completed in an hour or two. The starting few projects were: -- A drill bit holder (Basically a bunch of holes in a piece of 2x4, with a piece on the back so it could hang on the wall) - A bench hook (used to hold a board as you crosscut). -- A miter box (I cut the saw slots for him, but he measured/marked everything and cut the pieces) Using these jigs (about 3 nights work total), we then took a Saturday and he built his toolbox while I worked on some other projects. I was always there to supervise (and gush over every straight cut ;-)), but he did almost all of the work (I did some planing-- he's not quite strong enough yet). All in all, I'm really happy with how this has worked. He's now completed several interesting projects of his own choosing, and is always improving. ralph >Ralph >How old was your son when you did these projects. That is a really >important factor in deciding what is reasonable. Thanks. Agreed! You certainly don't want to overwhelm your son with something too difficult for him. Coordination is still somewhat iffy for a 6, but he should be able handle at least a brace/bit and a coping saw. If he is a little more coordinated, a boy-sized crosscut saw or backsaw is not out of the question. Before my son was ready to tackle "real" projects, he still liked to fool around with a brace/bit and some scrap pine. Just find something he's comfortable with, and take it from there At the time of the series of projects I described, my boy was about 7-1/2. He is now almost 9 (another week), and is getting his own brace with a few augurs for his birthday! From: tardiff@apollo.hp.com My almost 6-year-old has been helping for a few years now. Perhaps the best early projects are scrap based - just give 'em a big pile of small (6" max) cutoff and a bottle of glue, and let 'em loose. It'll be messy, but they have lots of fun assembling various modern sculptures. Our next was a workbench - sized for her. Neanderthal, really, and actually just a bench made from scraps - one slab of 2" pine about 9" by 24" and a 2x4. She (with help) drilled 4 angled holes in the top with a brace and bit, I ripped the 2x4 into 2x2 legs, cut to an appropriate length, and she helped form round tenons on the ends to match the top holes, also with brace and tenon cutter. Simple assembly with mallet, not even any glue or wedges needed. Now she uses her bench to hammer on, saw on (a small clamp-on vise added), and whatever. We've also made simple birdhouses. These can be cut by you and assembled and painted by the kids, and they also like to drill the holes and decorate. After a simple box one from scrap, my daughter wanted to tackle a martin condo that she found a picture of, so we assembled that (pretty crude) from pine and shingle and plywood scraps. Once again, she did the boring (a 12-holer, no less) and has been enjoying the painting. You don't want to take over yourself, as they don't enjoy that. Kids aren't very perfectionist, and you want to keep it fun so they'll stay interested enough to develop the skills later. Go for the crude bench first, as a bench and vise makes almost everything easier to do. (You can always build a bigger and better one later as a future project.) So far, in my experience, kids enjoy the process almost more than the product, and are often thrilled to leave with just a block of wood full of holes that they drilled. Dave Tardiff Phone: (508) 436-4537 From: rodn@sundae.triumf.ca (Rod B. Nussbaumer) My 7 year old son is building a tool box. Just a simple affair, no drawers or moving parts. No critical cuts, and it doesn't matter too much if it doesn't turn out perfect. Its going to be functional, durable, educational, fun, and I hope, memorable (for both of us). We designed it, based on a toy plastic (Fisher Price) model he already had. --- Rod. From: kassover@ra.crd.ge.com (David Kassover) I have two books near to hand. I'm sure I have others, but they seem to have migrated into deeparchive. _Woodworking with Your Kids_, Richard Star. Taunton Press 1990 ISBN 0-942391-61-6 _Housebuilding for Children_, Lester Walker, Overlook Press 1977, 1988 ISBN 0-87951-332-2 Why not ask your son what *he* would like to make; then you can guide him through the steps of accomplishing it. Whenever possible, (e.g. when it would not violate gross general safety or specific procedural rules in your shop) allow him to make decisions, or at least supply the bulk of the input. David Kassover (reply) >This past weekend my son once again said he wanted to make something in the >'shop'. His suggestions are in the categories of "lets make an engine model >or something". I'm not sure how long it has been since youve had to deal >with a 6 yr old, but they have fabulous imaginations, but little sense of >what is possible. That is why Leggos are so great. They can put together >pieces that fit in almost any configuration imaginable, but you dont need >to cut, glue, nail or drill anything. I think after a few simple projects >he will begin to get an idea of how much work it is to make even a simple >project, but to start with guidence is definitely needed. Thanks again for >the book refs. >Thomas Chimento From: jaf@a2.cim.cdc.com (James Foster x2912) Why not the old standby, the birdhouse? Small pieces, no critical joinery but you could do the joints a couple of different ways for learning, and you end up with something that's usefull no matter how badly it's executed. Jim Foster I've done many projects with my two sons as well as with their Cub Scout dens. By far the projects which received the most enthusiastic involvement have been: 1) A simple open toolbox - Nail , screw, or glue two deeper ends to the two shallower sides. Use an old broom stick for the handle. 2) Birdhouses - Many different styles and varieties can be made. Let the kids design their own versions. The tool boxes are still being used after 3 years since they were put together. I still see parents of the Cub Scout den whose kids are still using theirs. We also have birdhouses throughout the yard which are in constant use. I know my sons love those projects because they were the ones who did the assembly, sanding, and final finishing. They don't look perfect by any means, but they're their creations (for the most part :)). From: Gary Straub Through the years I have taught quite a few kids woodworking. I ahve found through these experiences that it is most important to let the child make things quickly at first. I am a very strong advocate of learning hand tools first. I would not allow any kid to use power tools until they had at least three years of using hand tools. The most basic handtool is a hammer, and I find that that is the tool of choice for the begginer. I usually put out a bunch of scrap wood of various sizes and give the kids a hammer (suitable size) and a can of nails and tell them to make whatever they want. This holds there interest for quite awhile, and no matter what they pound together they know what it is. I believe this is most important as it allows them freedom of choice and a chance to learn a little eye hand coordination. Next I introduce the handsaw, and this opens up new possibilities for them. This teaches that you can make something a certain size. I have found that usually an hour is the most they will hold interest. After each session I have them clean up their mess, and put away their tools. I introduce each tool one at a time, never telling them what to do, only how to use it. I give them all the help they request but do not impose any ideas on them. The purpose of this is to get them to learn the basic function of each of the tools and to let them, through practical experience, get a feel for the tools and the wood. It isn't long before they begin to ask for help and/or ideas about how to make something. This is when the fun begins. There is no better learner than a child who wants to learn something and knows what it is. The point is; If you try and teach any type of `fine woodworking' to a child before he/she is ready, you face a good chance of losing them. Once they make a bunch of stuff, which they seee as something, it won't be long before they begin to notice that there thing doesn't look like what it should. Then if they are interested they will be open to how to make it better, or they will lose interest. Everybody doesn't like woodworking. Does this method work? If you think 10 year olds who can handcut dovetails, do inlay, polish out a fine finish, 13 year olds doing marquetry, than yes it does work. Remember that first comes the craft, then the art. Gary Straub From: mpeele@b4pph133.bnr.ca (Michael Peele) p I would explain the process they needed. As they got older they began to make all of the presents they gave. Kids have to have a reason to do woodworking or they won't. They would find things in mags which I would help them make. Colonial Homes was a good source, it has a page with plans for simple hosehold items. As they got older they began to make things for themselves. My kids loved to drive nails. By age 5 they were able to handle a hammer and nail. Sawing was easy at 3 or 4 with a back saw. I made a special handle for two small hands to hold on to. They never showed much interest in using power tools, I was always the "power man". The one power tool they would use was a scroll saw, more there size. One very important thing is to build them a kid sized bench with a vise. They usally have to use both hands on the tool. Rembember a kids idea of woodworking and yours are different, they are more interested in the activity than the acomplishment. Michael Peele From: LENOIHJ@wkuvx1.wku.edu (Joel Lenoir) My dad (and now myself) always had a bunch of simple projects for the local kids. -- 5-board step stools -- cutting boards (What is the best finish... :-) ) -- book stands, with the three dowels in the ends and the sliding book stop -- ring toss games using rubber jar sealing rings from the grocery -- simple tool boxes with hinged lids (he cut them open on table saw) -- tool totes of various sizes with dowel handles -- gumball dispensers using mason jars as globes One possible reference may the Cub and Boy Scout offices for simple plans for wood projects. From; CyC55r.LJA@network.com My 7 and 5 year-old have been building 'stuff' for the last year now. First, buy them a few tools: hammer (7 oz.), saw (Stanley has a good toolbox saw that's short), square, screwdrivers, tape measure. Then, the first two projects are a toolbox and a workbench, either order. I bought a 'carpentry for kids' book (don't remember the exact title or author, but there were several similar books at the bookstore). It has good simple designs for the toolbox and workbench. Depending on your budget, you can get them a brace and bit(s), or you can drill any holes they need. Now although this is more carpentry than woodworking, I found it to be a good introduction to using tools safely, and to get them thinking about how things are built and how to plan a project. This past summer they built a tree fort and a go-kart (old lawn-mower wheels) with very little help from me. For my 7 year-old's birthday, I bought him a woodworking combination 'tool' that works quite well with balsa wood. Although this is more like a toy than a tool (it cost about $35, runs on 4 D-cells), it has a lathe, drill press, disc sander, and jigsaw. It's been a great/safe introduction for him into working with wood that's less than 1 1/2" thick and cut at something other than a right angle. His favorite project is a paper airplane stand, which is a turned dowel that's glued to a flat base and slotted on the other end to hold an airplane. I got our stuff at a regular bookstore and toystore. Paul Georgeson e-mail: paulg@network.com From: ""Frank D. Nevius A cd rack seems to be an easy project for young ages. The kind with two squares of wood for ends, held together by 3 dowel rods stretched between and a sliding board in the middle which holds the cd's from falling. With a simple miter box clamped to a bench, and wood to be cut clamped in the miter box all he has to do is push a handsaw back and fourth until through. Then you move the wood and let him go again. Make 3 pieces of same size, roughly 6' square. Then give him a hand drill and clamp a drill jig to the boards and let him drill. Clamp the boards together in a vise. Clamp a piece of wood with a hole bored through it for a guide and then let him spin until drilled through. Move the hole guide to the next hole and so on until three holes are drilled. After taking out of vise, expand the holes in the board to be used for the middle, put dowels in one board, slide on center board, attach other end board and let him finish with something easy like Watco. Something that looks ok and you can actually use it. I've found alder wood to be a good choice for easy-to-use-but-still- look-good wood rather than pine. Have fun. Frank D. Nevius From: Would Rather Be Fishing I let my son, 5.5yrs, use my scroll saw under my *VERY CLOSE supervision. Two nights ago I had a 14" scrap of wood from a scarecrow that I cut out for a new owner. The profile was perfect for a 'rail' formula fuel dragster. Derek used my mini files to knock down the edges. He then drilled holes for the axils. Since the Yankee driver did not have a large enough bit, we had to enlarge the holes with the drill press. Derek has become the master with the drill press under *VERY CLOSE* supervision. Next he sanded the car down with some 220 grit paper in a sanding block. He cut the axils to length with a coping saw. He put on a pair of my disposable gloves (really cute to see these tiny hands is the oversized gloves) and tung oiled the car. I let him dip a toothpick in the glue and apply it to the inside of the wheels. I did the final setting of the wheels. Though a lot of my stuff is in production runs (10+), Derek is always encouraged to be in my shop. Sometimes he will nail scrap boards together, sometimess he'll sand. He really likes using my drill press so I let him drill holes for me after I align the piece up under the drill bit. I pretty much keep a buffing wheel on the machine for him set at 250 rpm. About once a month he polishes up my wrenches for me. It's no so much what you make, but rather the time you spend. I will reply back to a request from Mark Williams next week when Derek am me get back from Disneyland (we'll both see CA for the first time on Wed) on toys for penal challenged folks(girls). Until then, just spend time with your kids in the shop. Their little gears turn fast enough and they will let you know what they want to make. Stephen Butti From: wbarry@mhnj.sbi.com (Walter Barry) My 5 yr. old daughter has her little workbench next to mine. I have an one old hand drill alway w/a brad point bit in the chuck, and she likes to drill oversized pilot holes in soft scrap pine. Then I let her use a small screw driver to drive small square-drive screws. McFeelys carries them, and the driver doesn't slip out as easily as slotted or philips. We always put the stuff back when done so her 2yr.old sister doesn't get to it. Gluing scraps of wood together with "white" elmers glue is something they like. They really think that their building a house or furniture. I think its a great way to make use of those little scraps we throw out. She also loves to use a spokeshave to make "curly's" (shavings) like me. I have a few & just found an old Stanley that's undersized (only 6" long) so perfect for little hands. I cleaned it up & can't wait to have her use it. Please note, that the sharper the blade is, the safer it is. ....below is an extract from an old email.... > Any books, sources for projects for kids (7-10) that use handtools? I live in New Jersey and they have some Barnes & Noble bookstores with good selection and I have seen one or two out there. I haven't browsed them, so I can't give an opinion. However, I will agree with the other poster about Richard Starr's Woodwrkg w/your Kids book, from Tauton Press since I've read so many of his articles on handtools in Fine Woodwrkg magazine over the years. Next, check out a back issue of Woodwrkrs Journal Jan/Feb 1993 Vol.17-1. In it Roger Holmes wrote a good article about introducing kids to woodwrkg with handtools, including using a shaving horse, a drawknife and a spokeshave. Walter