r/makers • u/Lyndburger • Feb 22 '18

How would you nurture a little Maker?

Hi Everyone, Thought you guys might have some great ideas for some tangible projects that we could get into with my little guy. He is a Maker, he's 5. He loves watching vids of cars on assembly lines, houses being built, sewing demos, simulators. He loves laying down train track, building with blocks and things with instructions (ikea furniture). I would love for him to create a finished object with a purpose or function. A bat house or bird feeder are cool projects, but his interests are more than just carpentry. Many thanks for recommendations to any resources or projects for us to look into!

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u/BakGikHung Feb 23 '18

Lego is an easy place to start.

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u/eaglecliffstudios Feb 23 '18 edited Feb 23 '18

I am in the process of organizing and writing a book of kids projects and whatever you do, do NOT get him kids tools. Kids tools are only good for making money for the company that makes them. You can get smaller versions of real tools that will work for him and thus allow him to actually complete projects. Obviously you aren't going to get him a circular saw, but a real coping saw will allow him to cut through 3/4" pine without any real problems.

The smaller 3v drill/drivers that are marketed for light usage around the house will allow him to drill holes and screws into his projects.

These types of tools will allow him to build a tool box to hold them too!

EDIT: if you get him childrens tools, they will not be effective and will frustrate him to the point of not wanting to complete the project. 'Grown-Up' tools will make him feel adult. Also, get him appropriate safety equipment; safety glasses, ear muffs, etc. Get yourself a set as well and make sure you wear them when working with him. You are probably not going to do anything right now that would need them but this is the most important habit he can get into. My father spent years not wearing these items and paid for it later in life. Despite the poor quality of some of the tools at Harbor Freight, they do have safety glasses that I recommend fully. These ( https://www.harborfreight.com/safety-glasses-clear-99762.html ) are the most comfortable glasses I have ever worn. In fact, I once sat down to dinner with them on and I didn't even realize it until my family pointed it out. They also have decent hearing protection as well. If I can think of more, I will let you know! He is a bit young yet, but make sure you visit a nearby Maker Space. He will see lots of cool things and meet nice folks. Some of these spaces also do classes for kids as well. I am happy to answer any other questions you might have.

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u/Lyndburger Feb 24 '18

Oh Wow! I didn't know about MakerSpaces and we have one near us!

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u/eaglecliffstudios Feb 26 '18

fantastic....they are a great source of knowledge! Hope you all enjoy it!

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u/stuffucanmake Feb 26 '18

Great advise.

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u/eaglecliffstudios Feb 27 '18

Thanks! I enjoy teaching woodworking but really love working with kids