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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    werribee
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    Default where to start with son

    I have a 13 year old (tomorrow) who wants to be a builder. I would like to start buying him some tools and would like some advice on what to start with and decent brand recommendations. He is entering year 8 this year. I would also like to start him on a small project over the school holidays. Any ideas would be appreciated.

    I would like to do it with him as a mother son thing. Thanks.

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    North Of The Boarder
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    68
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    16,794

    Default

    Hi and welcome bass070 suggest you do a search of this forum for kids tools kits

    A good site for students http://www.geoffswoodwork.co.uk/menu.htm

    more

    http://www.toysandjoys.com/
    Last edited by wheelinround; 3rd January 2008 at 05:15 PM. Reason: add site

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
    Location
    Port Pirie SA
    Age
    52
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    6,908

    Default

    Some bench seats for the garden would be a good start.
    ....................................................................

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Vic
    Posts
    106

    Default

    My Grandfather helped me make sawhorses and a toolbox when I was a kid.. every lesson started with a trip to the hardware store for one new tool.. we'd concentrate on that tool for the rest of the day.

    Keep him on hand tools for as long as possible.. a good handle on how different edge tools work and the force (or lack there of) required is a really important step towards respecting and understanding their powered cousins and as a result he'll hurt himself less.

    I don't know about werribee.. but where I live they have a great womens only woodwork class that has a good rep. maybe take a short class yourself to get a handle on how to go about guiding him.

    I think a workbench would be a great starter project for the two of you.. a search for "workbench" on this forum will give you some great ideas.. maybe something will grab him. He has to be right into his projects if he's going to keep at it so don't forget that anything can be made from wood.. it doesn't have to be boxes, tables and chairs.. if he just has to build an eight foot tall transformer in the back yard then thats what it has to be, he's far more likely to develop his skills when he's enjoying himself and can be really proud of the results.

    and good on you.. I wish I'd had my lessons with my mum, I think she might have had more patience with me.

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Kentucky NSW near Tamworth, Australia
    Age
    85
    Posts
    3,737

    Default

    Bunnings have a Carpenter Apprentice beginner tool set for $800.00 with everything he would need to start out his apprenticeship.

    When I was fifteen I wanted to be a plumber and my mother said you don't want to do that it's too dirty.

    So I became pattermaker. Now plumbers make a fortune and pattermaking has been taken over by machines e.g computers and CNC routers.

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Armadale
    Posts
    1,150

    Default

    One good saw
    one good claw hammer
    pair of pincer pliers
    tape
    assorted nails and screws
    small saw horse
    mitre box

    this should get him going and yep a garden bench is a good first project
    O and a book of handyman tips.

    Astrid
    Ps dont buy cheap from bunnies, you get what you pay for.

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Dundowran Beach
    Age
    76
    Posts
    19,922

    Default Son's Choice

    Welcome to this madhouse basso 07. Pleasing to see that your son has an aim in life.
    I have always loved timber but was talked out of becming a cabinet maker by a school inspector,a principal and other well meaning people. My best advice to you is to encourage and help your young fella.
    Ther are some good suggestions here already. Might I suggest that you also take full advantage of these forums and browse through all that pertain to wood. Take good look at the safety forum

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Melbourne
    Age
    65
    Posts
    11,997

    Default

    Basso07, in Kororoit Creek Rd there is a company called "Get Woodworking". For an hourly fee, he allows you to use his tools and make a project, with instruction, which might be a good chance to try before you buy. I know the owner quite well so won't say too much, suffice to say that it is an option worth your considering.

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    Toowoomba, Qld
    Age
    31
    Posts
    2,520

    Default

    I started at about that age. Good on you for encouraging him!


    Tenon Saw - Irwin $20
    A few screwdrivers
    A stanley #4 or #5 - Don't buy new! Try and get an old one in good condition
    A good sharpening stone, double sided
    Claw Hammer
    Coping Saw
    Good Try Square - no plastic bits
    Cordless Drill - My little 14.4v Gmc is suprisingly good for the price, $45
    Set of drill bits - A top-o-the-line set won't be needed straight away but DO NOT go for the ultra cheap sets.
    Mixed Screws
    Set of chisels - Strangely enough I bought a set of Chrome Vanadium chisels mainly for the honing guide that came with them but to my suprise the chisels were great. I can easily get them sharp enough shave with! Only downside being that they don't last as long as say...Pfeils. - They only costed $20 at Bunnies and I am extremely pleased with them.


    With all these things, Do not, repeat, Do Not buy cheap junk......My chisels were a fluke...


    Funky C

  11. #10
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    werribee
    Posts
    2

    Default

    Thanks to you all. today is his 13th birthday. Tomorrow I am going to take him to buy a few things. He already has a decent hammer which he guarded quite well when we built the back deck just before new year. There are 5 of us in the family and the deck was built by my husband, myself, our 13 year old Cal and our 9 year old, j. The oldest who is 15 had no interest except to supervise a few times.

    I am quite excited about all of this. I did metalwork from years 7-10 and was the only girl in the class. Here's to the relationship this will bring.

  12. #11
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Location
    Glen Innes NSW
    Age
    80
    Posts
    623

    Thumbs up Welcome

    Welcome Basso, I would like to wish your 13 year old a happy birthday for tomorrow. I concur with all of the above comments but would like to add that some wood dust is quite toxic so make sure your son is aware of this. Dust masks and a general appreciation for some of the problems which can occur quite often very inocently are a must.

    Dont scare him off woodwork, its a great hobby or proffession but endeavour to make him aware. As a famous politician said on one occasion " Be alert, But not alarmed".

    Kind Regards

    Mike

  13. #12
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Sydney
    Posts
    65

    Default

    Hey Basso

    All the above suggestions are fine, but....
    The time spent together building "stuff" is what he will remember and cherish.

    Putting aside the time is sometimes harder than buying a trick tool kit, take it from someone who has spent too many hours at work.(I have luckily woken up to myself )

    I'd avoid things that will only get better with the advent of new technology ie cordless tools.I'd stick to basic hand tools with supplementary power tools that make anticipated projects achievable.

    All the best to you and your son,

    Brett

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