Help a Teenage Woodworker Convince Parents…
Hi, I’m a 14 year old with experience in fine cabinetry and furniture work. With nCov19 and the school closures its caused, my mom suggested that she would consider buying me a lathe. I was abundantly appreciative and equally excited. I was thinking however, it’ll be difficult to do any turning without a way to shape the wood via a bandsaw. The work I mentioned before was completed at the shop in my school. I only have a jigsaw from 1978 and a drill as my mom is a single mother and is unfamiliar with woodworking. She was receptive to the idea of a bandsaw in conjunction with a lathe (as an advance to my chanukah and birthday presents) but was justifiably concerned with safety. I have operated a bandsaw hundreds of times as well as a table saw, miter saw and the rest of the classic tools. I am responsible with them but my mom has never seen this as it’s always been at school.
How can I convince her that I am safe when using high RPM machinery and dangerous tools?
Thank you if you’ve made it this far,
Brett
Replies
Get her in touch with your shop teacher. Adults like to trust other adults ( I am 56yrs old and I know a 14yr old can't know ANYTHING)
Seriously, you teacher is probably the key. Go for the Laguna SUV!
You'll shoot your eye out!
@_MJ_ Ok, I'll do that... Thanks for the advice. (Here are some pictures if you're interested of one of the things that another guy, my teacher and I built together. We stayed after school sometimes as late as 10pm and ended up donating it to our local ambulance corps: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1B5W_PtewM2fE5J0HQto6w6-8V03MJGzy?usp=sharing )
Nice!
John_C2 is truly ancient, just ignore him.
Brett, it sounds like you're really lucky to have a mom who not only cares about your safety, but also cares about fueling your passion.
Let her know that my six-year old son cuts on my bandsaw. I'm always RIGHT there, with my hands right next to his, but I have a hard time believing that he won't be operating it on his own by the age of ten. That said, he's practically grown up in woodshops.
Let her know that the physics of a bandsaw make it one of the safest tools in a woodshop. Can it cut your finger off? YES! That's why they use them in butcher shops. But it can't cut your finger off with the same surprise tactics a tablesaw or jointer can.
If you REALLY want to sell her on this, you're going to need to do some research, and prove to her that you've put the time in. Explore why kickback happens on a tablesaw. Understand it to the degree that you can explain it to a kid. Then you'll be able to explain to that child why it's less of a concern (some would say no concern) on a bandsaw. I think she might come around if and when you can explain to her using facts and demonstrations why a bandsaw is safer than she might think.
I've met my fair share of people who are missing a digit or two. Not a single one of them can blame a bandsaw. She's always going to be concerned. Hell, my wife still winces when she sees a tablesaw spin up. It's good. You're on the right track.
Just don't tell her that I'm more afraid of my lathe than I am my bandsaw... I don't think that would help. Let me know if you need help finding some info... I'd be glad to lend a hand. [email protected]
I started using the bandsaw when i was younger than you and boy did I break blades. My dad would have them welded until they became too short !
Woodturning will require for starter more than à lathe. You Will need of course turning tools, means of sharpening your tools and protection, for this I sugest à face mask. You may also want to manage dust and chips depending on your workspace.
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I think you should also show or tell your mom about the safety devices, setups, and features of the equipment you want to use. Like lowering the blade guide on the bandsaw so your fingers will be protected from the blade.
Good luck!
Good for you Brett! Your work is already really nice. Have you considered a small set up to do some handwork rather than a lathe? You could build boxes and small items of furniture with the bandsaw and and handsaw, a chisel or two etc. Might be a worthwhile consideration. Down the road, perhaps there is a woodworkers guild you can join as well for access to tools and guidance from other woodworkers. Have fun and be safe.
Hopefully you still have all of your fingers to show her you are safe with machines. Otherwise you might be able to bribe her with honey-dos that you can help out with around the house. Perhaps spending time with her doing some woodworking together.
I am also a teenage woodworker, and to acquire my tools, it took a while to convince my dad a table saw is good for a 13-year-old, but he was right there to help me not cut my fingers off! after the trust was built, I was allowed to run it(with a guard) whenever I want
Many years ago (I am 62) my only stationary tool was a table saw. It served the purpose for most of the woodworking I was doing at the time. Then I needed to build a workbench that required a lot of ripping hard maple. My table saw was not only underpowered for the job but I had yet to understand the real importance of aligning the blade and the fence. It was a scary task trying to rip even the shortest pieces as the wood smoked and screeched through the blade. That is when I made the decision to buy a good bandsaw (Laguna 14”). Best tool purchase decision I ever made. It was not only a great tool for finishing my workbench but it became my go to tool for an increasing number of projects. The best news is that it was also cleaner, quieter, safer and generated less waste than my table saw. The first thing I cut on my new bandsaw was an 8 foot piece of 12/4 maple and I couldn’t believe how much easier, safer etc it was than my TS. 10 years ago I moved to Europe and had to set up shop again with new tools due to the different electrical system here. The bandsaw was my first purchase to which I added a sliding TS and combination planer/joiner. With some basic instruction I would feel comfortable allowing my 9 year old grandson to use the bandsaw (with supervision of course). Happy and safe woodworking.
Woodworking supply stores like WoodCraft offer classes you could show her that you know how not to lose a finger with the aid of an instructor. Of course if they are still open in these trying times!
Brett I'm sorry we aren't neighbors. I would be happy to trade tool use for and extra hand for more complex glue ups. Good luck and always be safe.
Hey,
I agree & disagree with EBN. Showing your mother how each tool works and letting her run them is a good idea. The downside is she might get the bug and soon you'll be working in "her" shop.
Mikaol
Chag Sameach!
Congratulations on your Mom's growing confidence in your interest and abilities. Nice work on the podium as well.
I've had the benefit of woodshop classes since 7th grade, High School, College, and even graduate school! (I'm ooooolllld and long-in-the-tooth), now 57. My first advice: become or marry a doctor. Pediatricians are especially vulnerable to the charms of geeky woodfolk.
My wife shares your Mother's concerns, so I am sympathetic with your plight. You've already shown confidence and competence in asking good questions to people who know.
When I'm not in my garage-shop I'm with my wife at one of her many favorite yarn shops. At some of the friendlier establishments I bring a small rolling tool chest with hand tools and veneers for marquetry. It's fun and conversational. Mikaol makes a good point, if your Mom shows any interest herself-encourage it ;-)
Best of Luck!
I second that with a lathe you'll need a lot of other tools to go with. If you have a budget, I would forgo the bandsaw and resaw by hand.
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