Something for 9yr old to make

[David Hill 5Participant @davidhill5]

Our grandchildren are coming for Christmas and my 9yr old grandson wants to make something in my workshop, probably from wood and for it not to take too long. I guess 2 – 3 days working about an hour each day. The thing is, he wants to make it all by himself (obviously with guidance from Gramps). Anybody have any ideas?

[David Hill 5Participant @davidhill5]

[Frances IoMParticipant @francesiom58905]

A box Kite ? then hope for good flying days

[Dave WoottonParticipant @davewootton]

Not really a wood project , but a fairly simple project that had me fascinated at a similar age when we went to stay with a relative ( who had been an RAF radio mechanic)  was a crystal radio, made from basic materials, coils hand wound around card formers, only purchased items must have been an earpiece and a diode. Still remember the excitement of making something that actually worked and did something. I think the instructions came from a Boys Own Paper annual that was old then, but checked and there are many instructions online.

Edited By Dave Wootton on 03/12/2022 17:38:39

[Mike HurleyParticipant @mikehurley60381]

Something simple but novel. In the time available, he'll not be able to make anything too complicated. Perhaps a simple wooden puzzle, he'll then be able to 'amaze' the rest of the family and have a few laughs over the festive season.

If nothing comes to mind, I have a few suggestions that may suit & would be practical for a 9 year old in the time suggested. Just say if you need one. Regards Mike

[TrisParticipant @tris]

Simple model biplane? Lots of good skills involved there. Can be as simple or complicated as his ability needs.

Sword and shield are always popular at that age, but maybe not so much with the parents

[Tom SheppardParticipant @tomsheppard60052]

Chuck glider.

[Rob McSweeneyParticipant @robmcsweeney81205]

If they arrive before Christmas, how about turning some tree decorations?

[pgk pgkParticipant @pgkpgk17461]

Water bottle rockets are always fun and this version looks quite cool with some real bits of building
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMI5JaTy0Mg

[ALLAN QURASHIParticipant @allanqurashi51750]

Hi Dave,

What about a tasteful hardwood stand for his mobile phone or laptop? I find things usually take at least twice as long as anticipated, so best not go too ambitious with those available 'boy hours'.

[Speedy Builder5Participant @speedybuilder5]

Bird box

Bird table

Bug Hotel

Something for Mum – typical garden TRUG

Show him how to make a box by cutting sides, gluing on both top and bottom, then sawing the lid (and its sides) from the bottom. then add hinges and catches.

Good luck

[DalboyParticipant @dalboy]

I think what may help is to know what machines you have and which tools he will be allowed to operate. Also what is he into.

I may be able to help if you can answer those questions. Remember that anything that needs gluing will need time to dry as well as some finishes if you intend to apply any.

Edited By Dalboy on 03/12/2022 19:36:54

[SillyOldDufferModerator @sillyoldduffer]

In another thread Carl said: "Conkers ! that brings it all back… I tried pickling in vinegar, baking in the oven, ageing in the airing cupboard, all kinds of hocus locus but never could get that unbeatable smasher…"

That's what I wanted aged 9, so how about making the boy a case-hardened mild-steel conker, carefully finished to look and weigh the same as a real one.

Dave

[HollowpointParticipant @hollowpoint]

I'd make something on a lathe, assuming you have one. It will probably be more interesting for him.

A model canon

Captive nut puzzle

A turned pen

Spinning top

[Mick B1Participant @mickb1]

If you've a lathe you can set him up with, a pen kit can be a good little project. In the kit you get a ballpoint and ink tube, a twist in-out mechanism, cone, centre ring, clip and retainer. Basically the maker needs to turn and drill the outer tube and cap. I don't have a pic of the one the eldest granddaughter made, but here's one I did for the daughter-in-law a few years back:-

[BazParticipant @baz89810]

+1 for the pen, something useful and will last him years.

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

When I was a youngster, my oldedr brothers mtaught me how to make ma "tank" from a cotton reel, a matchstick, a panel pin and a rubber nand.

later I was taught how to solder, to make a simple steam turbine form a syrup tin, a Meccano shaft and some other bits of tin. Mounted on the cooker, it ran well,, until the water had all been used up!

These might binterest him, although the soldering and running may need some supervision.

Howard

[noel shelleyParticipant @noelshelley55608]

If a lathe is to hand then a cannon that will fire caps or rio snappers ? Noel.

[Ebenezer GoodParticipant @ebenezergood76202]

A rubber band gun is a favourite, simple to make and lots of fun shooting at empty drink tins.

[jacques maurelParticipant @jacquesmaurel42310]

customized caps for his bike tyre valves.

[John HinkleyParticipant @johnhinkley26699]

David,

Last evening I watched Professor Anna Fry's programme "The secret genius of modern life" on BBC2 @18.30. Found it thoroughly entertaining and informative. If I was 9, I'd be badgering my Grandpa to make the demonstration electric motor and battery as shown by her. You could watch the programme together and then venture out into the workshop where you will have already gathered the materials to repeat the experiments.

Whatever you decide, have fun!

John

[David Hill 5Participant @davidhill5]

Well, thanks so much people, for an amazing selection of ideas. Just to answer Dalboy's question, I have a good metal workshop with lathe, milling machine etc. but my wood workshop is limited to a good bench and hand tools, no wood turning lathe. I too saw the Hannah Fry prog and that was an excellent demo of a simple electric motor. I think that from all the ideas we will be able to fill the time very profitably! Thanks again to all. David

[David George 1Participant @davidgeorge1]

Hi David the first things I made with granddaughter was a dice. I piece of square aluminium saw off and help to face ends on for jaw chuck and Stamp numbers. We also made a hexagonal dice with Y and N stamped on sides for a yes , no game.

David

[DalboyParticipant @dalboy]

Posted by David Hill 5 on 04/12/2022 09:32:05:

Well, thanks so much people, for an amazing selection of ideas. Just to answer Dalboy's question, I have a good metal workshop with lathe, milling machine etc. but my wood workshop is limited to a good bench and hand tools, no wood turning lathe. I too saw the Hannah Fry prog and that was an excellent demo of a simple electric motor. I think that from all the ideas we will be able to fill the time very profitably! Thanks again to all. David

The second part of my question was what is he into the reason I asked the questions was that I have many plans of things to make a lot of them are free to use so copy right is not a problem. The others I would not be able to share as they are under copyright

[Dave HalfordParticipant @davehalford22513]

My lad built a basic Roman Ballista with me, mostly from 6mm sguare wood and string. The wheels came via a budget mulit- hole saw and thin ply or you make the stand version. A bit of 2mm or 3mm dowel provides the bolt.

Not too long to build and needs tuning to get some range (it's all in the number of string turns and twists of pre-load).

Pictures all over the web

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