Tool Choice
It should go without saying that power tools stay on the shelf until the child has developed the manual dexterity and confidence to use them safely. Fortunately, there is a manual alternative for just about every power tool. A backsaw replaces the chop saw, a coping saw can be used in place of the bandsaw or a scrollsaw, a brace and bit is a fun alternative to the electric drill, and elbow grease and a sheet of sandpaper will do the job of a power sander.
Here's a little secret best not shared with the kids. Layout tools such as squares, rulers and angle gauges are essential to any project, but they also relate math and geometry lessons from school to real-world applications.
When the children are ready to move onto power tools, gradually introduce them to equipment that's easy to manage and not overly intimidating. Electric sanders and power drills are easy to control and low on the danger scale.
For cutting wood, start with the scrollsaw-the cutting action is not exceedingly aggressive and it's relatively quiet, which will minimize the child's anxiety level. To help youngsters use the scrollsaw safely, have them grasp two pencils with erasers on the end to guide the workpiece. This will keep fingers well clear of the blade while maintaining full control of the part.
Now that you're ready to introduce your kids to the benefits of woodworking, start with the great project on the following page. Have them follow the plans and instructions in the same way you do with regular CHW projects.
Equipment All Their Own
Smaller youth glasses and goggles are meant for five- to 12-year-olds (Uvex adjustable youth glasses, $13, and Sellstrom goggels, $12). You can protect their hands with work gloves designed for little fingers (Horizon junior work glove, $6). Save their hearing with soft-tipped corded ear plugs (Uvex, $6). All products available from www.leevalley.com.
Kid-Friendly Resources
If you're looking for additional help or inspiration for kid-appropriate projects, there are many excellent sources:
At the annual Canadian Home Workshop Show, kids can build a project from start to finish under the careful supervision of trained staff. Visit http://www.canadianhomeworkshop.com/show.
Sign your child up for the free kids' program offered at most Home Depot building centres. Kids are provided with the materials and tools required to assemble a precut kit that they take home.
As well, there is a similar program called the Little Hammers Club, which is offered by many Rona building centres.
The library is an excellent source for books that focus on woodworking with children. My personal favourite is Woodshop for Kids, by Jack McKee (published by Hands on Books, 2005). It provides an extensive collection of tips and jigs that will help kids to work safely and includes many interesting project ideas.
Kids Projects
Check out these projects featured in Canadian Home Workshop:
http://www.canadianhomeworkshop.com/kids
Read more in Woodworking Projects and Kids
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