Last weekend, I did a project that was pretty different for me. I had asked my 5 yr old son if he wanted to build something with me in the shop. I think he was afraid of the tools, noise and the fact I yell at him when he touches anything. So, he didn't seem excited. So, I told him he could draw something and I would help him build it. He said "Yeah, but later". So, a couple months go by and he says he wants me to build him a robot. So, I tell him he has to design it for me and I'll build it. But, he will have to help some.
Pic1 shows his design. He told me about his drawing mistakes and how he wanted the head square and the body rectangular. He also wanted the arms and legs to move.
I knew it had to be a quick project, as the thrill would wear off. So, I threw together some scrap and proceeded to hack away. Since I really didn't think much about how it would go together, there are some pretty big hacks I wouldn't have made otherwise. But, it turned out pretty good for a couple hrs. from design to completion. Plus, I didn't really want to make it my design, I wanted him to feel like part of it.
Nick came down to the shop every 10 minutes and helped with dimensions and approved details. He did a little sanding, but really wasn't that interested in doing the actual woodworking. The big design issue was the pointy fingers he wanted. He eventually settled for hands that looked like mittens. I could tell he was starting to get bored by that point and just wanted to get it to him asap. He had some surprisingly good ideas, so I hope to get him involved in the design and construction of his bedroom set later in the year. Hopefully, he'll have a little patience and "help" do some of the work this time.
Pic 2 is the completed robot.
Pic 3 is what is left of the big smile by the time I grabbed the camera. He was thrilled that I built something for him. Definitely worth using up my weekend shop time.
Jay