I have kids. My oldest two have done a lot of framing with me, punched holes for electric, connected electric on dead circuits…
But also I am very apprehensive in letting them use some tools – angle grinder, nail guns, torch, circular saw (they can use the miter) along with a few others are strictly off limits right now. I want my kids to learn but not go to the emergency room.
What are some good guidelines for kids learning DIY stuff? At what age would you allow them to operate more dangerous pieces of equipment?
Best Answer
I'm young(ish) and still remember learning how to use power tools, so let me offer you a few thoughts from when I was learning:
I always find it helpful to hear about (or think about) what could go wrong. I.e. what's the danger that the user is trying to avoid. For example, a table saw is loud and scary, but what's really the dangerous situation you're trying to avoid? Answer: pinching the wood against the blade causing a kickback. OK, now that I know what the danger is, I'm better prepared to avoid that situation. (Just a single example; obviously a table saw has other dangers.)
I think the most dangerous tools are the ones that don't look scary. E.g. everybody knows that a chainsaw is a powerful and could kill you if you're not careful, but a hand-held router could actually cause some serious damage but they basically just look like a drill. Think about it: they've got powerful motors, long and sharp bits, are prone to grabbing the wood and kicking back if not careful, and can swing / fall / twist in pretty much any direction. Plus depending on how you're using it the bit may not even be visible.