Hey, if the grandson is too small to learn to turn by himself (like mine), what I do let him hold a tool for some easy cuts so he will be "making it himself", then finish the top up to finishing the handle tip, then turn the lathe to it's slowest speed and let him add color with some small markers. He really likes this, for tops, Christmas ornaments, or just round scrap pieces! Sometimes he gets very creative with his coloring. :-)Originally Posted by Randy Red Bemont
Also, until he learned how to spin one himself at 4, I did not give him one to take with him. He had to "earn" it first by learning to use it. Good fun!
BTW, I don't know if I mentioned this, but I always make a smooth point on the top of the handle so the tops can be spun upside-down as well as the normal way. I challenge kids (and big-uns) to learn to spin them inverted. It is hard for a little kid but they alwasy get a huge amount of satisfaction when they finally get it.
JKJ
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