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06/07/2017 |
Father’s Day is not only a celebration of fathers, it’s a celebration of fatherhood. For most fathers, this means passing along values and traditions, and for woodworking dads, it means passing along a love of woodworking and craft.
For some dads, this can be done by having kids help along with a project. One of the many benefits of using handtools is how relatively safe they are to use. Woodworkers who (reasonably) hesitate to gin up the chainsaw for a father-child joint venture could consider some supervised work with one of our Flexcut carving sets.
When I was about 8 or 10 I don't remember my father bought be a copy of Whittling and Woodcarving by E. J. Tangerman and fifty years later I still find it inspirational. I should mention that at age 8 or 10 I wasn't skilled enough to do the projects - but fortunately I am now.
Other option: a finishing project. I can speak from personal experience that kids love finishing - and even love watching demonstrations of finishing. "Want to watch the wood! Want to watch the wood!" my then-toddler son shouted when I attempted to turn off a video demonstrating polishing. We sell many finishing supplies that are non-toxic and perfect for a joint project with your kid like shellac and milk paint.
We also sell many books that can help you pass along your love of woodworking to your kids or give you ideas for projects you could do together. Here are some great ones:
For the young (not a project book) Grandpa’s Workshop.
Wood Pallet Projects
Speed Toys for Boys
Whittlin’ Whistles
Kids Crafts - Woodcarving
Kids Crafts - Woodworking
I don’t underestimate the challenge of prying kids away from their phones, but I encourage you to try. The joy of working with your hands and making something of value is worth it!
For older kids and adults we have Roy Underhill's very fun novel Calvin Cobb: Radio Woodworker!
Of course, we have plenty of great other gifts for fathers. Here are some of our most popular gift ideas:
Hardware Store Saw
Ben & Lois Orford Spoon Carving Tools
The Joiner & Cabinetmaker
And of course if you don’t know what dad exactly wants, but you know he’d love a woodworking present, there’s always the option of a Tools for Working Wood gift certificate.(We’ll send the certificate via mail or email, in any amount you choose.)
I also wasn't going to mention this because I thought we were sold out but I totally screwed up the count and we have a few "Plane Spotting Posters" left (update: all gone). A few - under ten. First come first served.
Happy Father’s Day!
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