Cannot believe this is happening. He asked if we could build something in the garage together. I'm thinking a birdhouse or a simple shelf as a starter project? I've got basic tools already. Anyone done woodworking projects with kids this age? What's a good first build that won't be too frustrating? This might be my last window before he decides video games are cooler lol
Sounds like a bonding moment coming. The fact that HE asked is huge - hold onto that energy and don't make it too complicated with perfection. A wonky birdhouse built together beats a perfect one you made for him.
Not woodworking but related - YouTube has some solid beginner tutorials for this age. Watch a couple together first so you're both on the same page. Makes the actual building way smoother.
this is awesome. get him some safety glasses early so he takes the safety part seriously. makes them feel grown up too
Birdhouse is perfect for starting out. Teach him to measure twice, cut once, and let him lead most of it. The mistakes are where the learning happens anyway. My 11yo built a pretty janky one and was prouder of that than anything else.
birdhouse is perfect for that age. start with it, let him pick the wood color or paint it. my kid was so proud hanging his on the fence he checked it like 50 times a day
Same situation here but my 11yo wanted to build a toolbox. Pro tip: do the simple shelf but let HIM design it. even if it's wonky it means more
lmao my post got cut off but yes please share what you're thinking. i have basic tools too and no real woodworking experience
Go for it. Woodworking is one of those skills that builds actual confidence because it's so tangible. He MADE something. Can't fake that. Start simple, let him pick the next project.
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This is cool but real talk - invest in some good safety glasses and go over hand positioning a bunch of times. 11yo hands are small and power tools don't care. Worth taking the extra 30 mins to make sure he does it right.
The birdhouse is smart but honestly? Ask him what he wants to build. If he's asking to do this, he probably has something in mind already. My kid wanted to build a "secret box" and that turned out way better than my suggested shelf idea.