Mr Vic
Member
We've got the "Youth Pen Making Contest" coming up next month as part of the 14th Birthday BASH. The question comes up from time to time: How Young Is Too Young? Here are my thoughts.
Getting young folks interested in turning is great. I wish I'd been introduced as a youth. I'm sure my skill set would be greatly enhanced. I turned several pens with my grandson when he was about 9 or 10. In my opinion 5"might" be a touch young. Generally speaking the attention span and motor-skills of someone that young are just starting to develop. Of course it varies from child to child. As the mentor it's ultimately up to you to decide. That said, there are some "adults" I would't trust with and electric toothbrush.<?xml:namespace prefix = "o" ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>
I would recommend not using the micro tools. I have a set and use them often. They require close attention and skill and are designed for small, fine detail work or objects. A sharp 1" bowl gouge, 1" skew and parting tool would be a better choice. Large and easier to handle. Being sharp makes them much safer than being dull. Here's an article on the AAW website on "Tips for Teaching Young Turners".
All the safety equipment that an adult would use applies to a child at the lathe as well. Maybe more so. As adults, we know better and hopefully have a healthy respect for the hazards associated with turning. Children typically have no fear. As a mentor or teacher it's our job to keep them safe.
So, what are your thoughts, tips or experiences?
Getting young folks interested in turning is great. I wish I'd been introduced as a youth. I'm sure my skill set would be greatly enhanced. I turned several pens with my grandson when he was about 9 or 10. In my opinion 5"might" be a touch young. Generally speaking the attention span and motor-skills of someone that young are just starting to develop. Of course it varies from child to child. As the mentor it's ultimately up to you to decide. That said, there are some "adults" I would't trust with and electric toothbrush.<?xml:namespace prefix = "o" ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>
I would recommend not using the micro tools. I have a set and use them often. They require close attention and skill and are designed for small, fine detail work or objects. A sharp 1" bowl gouge, 1" skew and parting tool would be a better choice. Large and easier to handle. Being sharp makes them much safer than being dull. Here's an article on the AAW website on "Tips for Teaching Young Turners".
All the safety equipment that an adult would use applies to a child at the lathe as well. Maybe more so. As adults, we know better and hopefully have a healthy respect for the hazards associated with turning. Children typically have no fear. As a mentor or teacher it's our job to keep them safe.
So, what are your thoughts, tips or experiences?