I teach a couple 4-H technology and robotics teams of 9-16 year-olds on
top of my kids having run of the garage. I would hesitate to teach
other people's kids without their umbrella insurance policy.

One 13 year-old boy this year had never drilled a hole before, he was
very excited when I showed him how and let him at it.

#1 Kid sized safety glasses for all - strictly enforced! I like these
because they are cheap and fit kids: http://amzn.com/B0010ZCPDY
#2 Hearing protection on all loud tools
#3 Repeated instruction and close supervision to start


Here is the order of power tools as they gain skill and confidence:

1. keyless hand drill - work clamped
2. scrollsaw - with foot switch and light
3. soldering
4. drill press - with vise. I like my delta quick release 4-inch drill
press vise
5. wood bandsaw
6. wood miter saw - only with holddown clamp and roller stand
7. hand jigsaw
8. dremel tool - clamped work, no bits with teeth
9. pneumatic cutoff tool- work clamped - they love the sparks!
10. mill-drill - supervised only

Nobody has gotten to lathe, table saw, or circular saw yet and I don't
have a welder (yet).

Enjoy,
Chris



Ignoramus10488 wrote:
My older son will turn 9 soon and we are thinking of some present that
is mechanically related. We bought a drill press type of holder for a
Dremel tool. At first I thought that it was a mistake and I would be
better off looking for a small, low power drill press. But after
looking for such a press, I realized that they are not suitable for
kids, due to belt drive and too much power. The high speed presses
seem dangerous to eyes. (though he knows to wear eue protection, he
could forget).

So, I guess my question is, are there little drill presses that could
drill up to 1/4 and would be kid friendly, available.

i