Little kids enjoy spending time with their parents working on projects. Children feel like they are almost grown up when they can do woodworking projects alongside Mom or Dad. Before you begin your next woodworking project, consider doing something that you and your child can work on together. Let them help you and watch the smiles appear on their little faces.
Getting Started
Before you choose a project, take into consideration the age and skill level of your child. Older children are able to use more tools and do harder work, where younger children can only really help with small, discrete aspects of the project.
Think about where you are going to complete the project. The kitchen table is probably not the best place for beginning woodworkers. Outside, in a shop or garage, work better.
Make safety part of your woodworking project, no matter how old the child is. Show children use each tool properly. Have safety goggles on hand. Do not leave them unattended to work on their projects when machinery is around.
Select the Wood
When choosing a project, think about the wood needed to complete it. Some projects, such as airplanes, require lightweight wood like balsa--difficult to work with and easily broken, and thus perhaps unsuitable. Pine or oak are easier for little hands that do not understand the concept of being gentle.
The Project
Bookends are a simple project for even the smallest of woodworkers. For each set of bookends, purchase four pieces of wood that measure 6 inches tall by 4 inches by 1 inch. On two of the pieces allow the child to trace a design using a pencil. Give him a hammer and one nail that is easy to hold. Show him follow the design by hammering the nail in just enough to make a hole. Pull the nail out and make another hole along the line. Repeat this until the design is completely covered.
Nail one of the designed pieces to one undesigned piece so that they will stand up, to form one bookend. Make sure the side with the design on it will show when the ends are propped up against the books. Repeat with the other two pieces of wood. Stain the wood with a stain that already contains polyurethane and allow it to dry completely. Add a second coat if desired.
Let the bookends cure for a few days before stacking books up against them. The stain might still be sticky and cause harm to book covers.
Tags: pieces wood, woodworking project, your child