Metalworking project for teenagers

[Jose Cuervo]

I have two nephews ages 13 and 15 who have shown some interest in learning metalworking. My first project, many years ago, was a set of brass knuckles I made using files and a drill press. Unfortunately, if I let them make brass knuckles their mom has already threatened to beat me with them. So I'm trying to think of a good first project.

I'm planning on starting them off with hand tools then moving on to the lathe, mill and welder on later projects. So what's a good project for a teenager? I'm trying to think of something with a cool end product but isn't too complex.

 

[TauntDevil]

I think this is kind of based on knowing the people as well as knowing you a bit more. Depending on what they find cool and what you have to work with can depend what will be best to start with. Could work with them to make a gaming rig if they like gaming, especially cars and if they like cars, pretty much anything is possible there to make.

What kind of stuff do they like? Brass knuckles is an interesting start. Maybe if you have the funds, get an RC car and start designing stuff for it. All depends what they are interested in.

 

[spongerich]

Take a look at Instructables. They have a lot of interesting projects for beginners.

 

[gte718p]

My own opinion is the first metal working project is the tool tray to store and tote your basic tools around. Sheet metal, jig saw, drill, rivets, and a 2x4 to bend around. You can be as complex or as simple as you want.

 

[hawkeye2]

Simple steam engine plans here: npmccabe.tripod.com/steam.htm

 

[EdT]

A lot of the choice of what to build will be driven by their expectations. Unfortunately, those are driven by the instant gratification engendered by video games and TV shows. The second driver is whether they really want to do something or it's just something you think they would/should like. Forcing them to build something will be difficult for everyone involved. Spending two weekends building something that they see at the store for $1.99 will be tough as well. W/O knowing them or your capabilities it's hard to pick something. For starters you might try rebuilding something. Say a dead minibike or RC car off of CL. Get it, scope out what needs to be done and see if they're interested in working on it. You could also involve them in the selection process. Of course, the project has to be appropriate for where you live and what their parents feel is OK. In too many cases, we live in an age of helicopter parents and anything that might have the slightest risk is to be avoided. There must be a lot of 18 year olds who are freaked out by having to cross the street unsupervised.

 

[Gizmosity]

Simple steam engine plans here: npmccabe.tripod.com/steam.htm

I've used a modified 'Three Sisters' steam engine from this site to teach basic machining (mill and lathe) as well as using the same modified plan set to teach 3D solids modeling.

The High School and college age students I've worked with have always enjoyed making them.

 

[ilovevocs]

I made key chains with my girls out of 1/8" aluminum. Let them drill the hole at the top with the drill press and file the corners round. Then used a set letter punches to put their names on them. Took a black sharpie and inked in the stampings and let them sand it smooth with 400 grit. It leaves black only in the reliefs of the letters. Very simple project and they enjoyed it.

My girls are 6 and 8 so I used the drill press. It's a nice way to get them used to drilling with out the fear of a hand held drill. I'm sure with your older boys you could tackle this with a hand drill alone.