tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2190301782234302233.post9092795818113276931..comments2024-03-06T05:16:31.573-05:00Comments on Wood Trails - Dave Brock: Woodshop Christmas Project #2- Reindeer & Christmas Critter's (part 3)Dave Brockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16074715438584429020noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2190301782234302233.post-49961532219000798332009-12-21T16:44:47.907-05:002009-12-21T16:44:47.907-05:00Like you I too was using a pocket knife by age six...Like you I too was using a pocket knife by age six but I also had good parental supervision during those early years. In Scouts we usually try to train the kids for using a pocket knife by about age 9 to 10 but we start them with carving Ivory soap with plastic and wood Popsicle sticks in an effort to teach safety and technique. I would have to say that the correct age to start a boy or girl carving would have to be a judgment call on behalf of the parent.<br /><br />As for the reindeer the kids in my classes are between 11 and 16 and most of them can easily manage making this project. Some of the smaller kids need help so I have to give them extra attention. For really young kids I would suggest prepping their sticks so that only a very little carving is needed to make the legs and neck tenons fit... that is, cut your sticks close in size to the holes you drill. Once again this is a judgment call on whether you think that your grand kids have the maturity, experience, and competence to use the necessary tools to complete this project but I believe there's potential for kids younger than 11 to have a great time with the proper supervision. Thanks for your interest!Dave Brockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16074715438584429020noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2190301782234302233.post-92120168142421112672009-12-20T18:32:06.119-05:002009-12-20T18:32:06.119-05:00Your reindeer look like a good grandchild project,...Your reindeer look like a good grandchild project, but I'm wondering - what age do you think it is ok to let a kid do simple woodcarving - i.e. sharpening a pencil or making reindeer legs fit? (assuming direct looking over the shoulder supervision). I know I was doing it before the age of six, but I was also splitting wood with an ax and filling coleman lanterns.Timecheckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03655966328174898998noreply@blogger.com