Replies

1. 
   notDusty | Sep 01, 2004 12:12am | #1

                The answers may depend on the age of the kid's , and your ability to prepare the stock , and teach them how to perform the tasks required . A nice starter for kids aged say , 8-11 is bird houses , also a planter type box , and perhaps a napkin holder or what have you . Of course safety is paramount when children are involved.

                        good luck                    dusty

2. 
   BArnold | Sep 01, 2004 12:36am | #2

   Depending on what you're looking for, you might be interested in the following book.  I have a copy of it and the projects range from incredibly simple to very complex.  The key for getting kids involved is having most of the components milled and leaving the assembly to them.  Afterward, they have a 'toy' to enjoy also!

   http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0941936570/ref=sib_dp_pt/104-6367970-2601506#reader-link

   Here's a link to a couple of paper towel rack and napkin holder designs:

   http://www.woodzone.com/plans/free_wood-plans.htm

   Good luck!

   Bill Arnold

   Food for Thought: The Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

3. 
   WayneL5 | Sep 01, 2004 04:20am | #3

   A ladder is a toughie because it really has to fit well and be secure for it to be safe.  A box-like step stool would be better.  Of course, it depends on the age and ability as was said above.

4. 
   Patto | Sep 01, 2004 05:47am | #4

   My 8-yo has carved his initial on a door stop (wedge in pine) and shaped a boat hull out of pine with a spokeshave last weekend.

   Other tasks, he suffers from boredom before he exceeds dexterity limits.

5. 
   BG | Sep 01, 2004 01:51pm | #5

   iyang949,

   A ladder is a great idea...if that is what has her interest.  What kind? Will is have steps or rungs?  Will it be for climing or plants? Can she do the math for the angle of the steps?  Will the two of you check out as-builts at the hardware store, furniture store?
6. 
   EdHarrow | Sep 01, 2004 04:49pm | #6

   I posed a similar question six or so months ago, and received some very good ideas. 

   I now have one kids' (5-9) carpentry class under my belt, and can offer the following.

   1.  That was too big an age group, LOL!

   As was suggested, I pre-cut, drilled, etc, etc.  In addition to that, I supplied bench hooks, etc, to provide reasonably stable working conditions in a room that was not a shop.

   We built two projects, a carry-all (classic "carpenter's tool box"), and a step stool, from a design I adapted from one at my mother's.  The ends are trapazoidal in shape, using 1x8 stock.  Three 1x3s, with maybe 1/2" space between, make the top, and two 1x3s, ripped on the correct angle, tie the bottoms together, and widen the base still further, improving stability. 

   I'm off today to sell more carpentry classes (along with robot and rocket programs).   One project, aimed specicially at girls, is a doll cradle.  I'll try to remember to give you the book's title.

   Edited later - sorry, thus far all I've found are copies of pages from the book, and nothing, not even a hint, of title or author.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 9/1/2004 11:55 am ET by EdHarrow

1. 
   gnarlyone | Sep 01, 2004 07:32pm | #7

   Here's a site just chock full of kids projects. Enjoy

   http://absolutelyfreeplans.com/PROJECTS%20FOR%20CHILDREN/projects_for_children.htm

1. 
   gnarlyone | Sep 01, 2004 07:38pm | #8

   Sorry couldn't help myself. Here's another site.

   http://www.thewoodcrafter.net/jr.html

1. 
   jyang949 | Sep 04, 2004 09:24pm | #9

   Thank you for the suggestions and links. The ladder was my idea; I figured she should make something useful, and I was curious about different types of ladders. But since numbers are involved (angles and whatnot), I'd better choose something else.

   Would you let a nine-year-old use your drill? It's a cordless, so it doesn't go all that fast. Or I could buy a manual drill, if they still make them.

   Janet

1. 
   EdHarrow | Sep 04, 2004 10:40pm | #10

   Two things!

   One, the name of that book: Carpentry for Children by Lester Walker.  Try to get it from you library, I don't think it is so good as to be a "buy" book.  This features plans for a simple doll cradle, stilts, workbench, saw horses, and other widgets I can't remember (a few more useful than most of them). 

   My suggestion, at least for younger kids, is stick with hand tools as I think it helps to develop a sense for the craft and, usually LOL, it takes longer to get into trouble.  Having said that, the nice thing about a powered drill is that it becomes a one-hand tool, hand drills take two hands, and I think they are a little bit more difficult to control (drill straight).  If I didn't have a suitable hand drill I'd let someone 9 years old use my "other" cordless (9.6V) drill.  I think my corded drills have too much omph for someone that age, however.

2. 
   WayneL5 | Sep 05, 2004 03:16am | #11

   An electric drill is a good power tool to start with, and I'd let most 9 year olds use one.  I'd probably show them to use it with two hands for better control, and because the weight might be a bit heavy for a nine year old.

7. 
   bones | Sep 05, 2004 03:05pm | #12

   Bird houses and the like are good starters. If the age is young (8-11) and you have a Home Depot close, talk to them. They have a monthyl activity for kids on Saturday's. All you have to do is sign them up. They provide the kits (free) and they are simple. There is help there, with drinks and goodies, and a certificate & pin of accomplishment when they are done. I take some cub scouts there. It is pretty cool. The last kit was a periscope. They loved it. I asked for some donated nail aprons from Lowes and they said forget it.

1. 
   jyang949 | Sep 05, 2004 08:47pm | #13

   Great idea, Bones. As soon as I read your post, we rushed over to Home Depot. Normally the Kid Clinic is on Saturday, but they held it over because of the holiday weekend. The kits have pre-cut pieces; all the kids do is sand, glue, and hammer--a good place to start practicing. Thanks!

   Janet

1. 
   bones | Sep 06, 2004 01:45am | #14

   No problem. With scouts, we have to be creative to find things that don't cost much.

2. 
   SawdustSteve | Sep 06, 2004 06:47pm | #15

   Try to find a copy of 'Woodworking With Kids by Richard Starr. (published by Taunton Press) It's been out of print for a few years but I think it's a very worthwhile book. If you can't find it, ask your librarian if it is available on inter-library loan.

   Battery powered drills are a good and safe tool that kids can use. The lighter versions are easier for small hands to hold. Don't forget to teach a bit of safety to the children too. It's never too early to start wearing safety glasses when woodworking.

   Another great source of woodworking kits (and ideas) can be found at http://www.brandine.com. They may be a bit slow in answering questions as they are located close to the point where the hurricane hit land.

   SawdustSteve (Long Island, NY)