Hope for the next gen?

[dragoneggs]

Trying to keep a long story short... my son who hasn't taken to DIY much, and the enjoyment of tools until recently... said, "Dad, you want to take a Lathe shop class?".

With my son at 30 years old, I thought there was no hope for my tools after I pass... but now I think there is!

 

[mddorange]

I know exactly what you mean.

When I was young I was taught that if I couldn't fix it myself, it wasn't going to get fixed. Over the years I accumulated a lot of tools.

Later on, I worked in IT and taught my son the trade knowing it was a good career to be in. Now he works in IT and says his time is to valuable to get his hands dirty and pays someone else to fix everything.

 

[Wagtail]

It's maturity on your son's behalf. Confidence too, for that matter... and you've led by example.

Good stuff Mate.

A number of years ago I was perusing a "Community College" course catalogue (in the Navy, but Shore Based at the time) when I saw a course on "Art/Stained Glass" working. I'd never even considered how to work with glass, let alone how to design & make a window (caming was involved). I took the class and picked up a skill and, more importantly, knowledge.

Lathe work is artistry in its own right.

Here in Aus we have a community organisation called "The Men's Shed"... it's a workshop fitted out with woodworking and welding tools and equipment for anyone to use and learn how to make things. A great 'bonding' place for the blokes in small/medium and large towns.

 

[oosik]

My son gave up trying to fix everything with a hammer. Now, he just borrows my tools. It's no wonder I have two of everything and he's starting to get a nice supply of tools.

 

[dieselcrawler]

My oldest boy (18yo) is really smart, top of his classes, but little mechanical inclination. However, he wants his Jeep worked on, I refuse to 'just do it' for him, but continually tell him to get started and I'll help him all I can... but he's doing it, getting dirty, turning the wrenches, finding tools, cleaning up... and it's working. More often he tackles the latest issue on his own. Next on his list is a lift kit... *grin* I remember those days!

Sad how many just don't care to learn, and simply have no mechanical clue.

 

[Alan W.]

dragoneggs, congrats on the invite from your son.
Who cares if he is 30 he wants to do something mechanical with you. Enjoy.

My son has been just the opposite. Started scattering my tools at a young age. He is getting ready to start his second year of industrial maintenance schooling. But he would die first before taking a class with me.

 

[2LaneCruzer]

My son gave up trying to fix everything with a hammer. Now, he just borrows my tools. It's no wonder I have two of everything and he's starting to get a nice supply of tools.

Hmm. I still have some of my Dad's old Craftsman wrenches that I borrowed nearly 60 years ago.

 

[Big Barn]

It’s great your son wants to do something together, Mark.

Irrelevant what it is IMO.

 

[RNeumann]

If your son isn’t into tools and shop stuff that is OK. If passing your tools and some of your knowledge along (leave a legacy) is important to you I’d seek out other relatives or friends that would benefit and appreciate it.
I hope the shop class is something you can enjoy together but I’m thinking it isn’t going to turn out as you dream. This, of course, is OK. We all have different passions.....not everyone wants to be an engineer!

 

[3930dave]

Trying to keep a long story short... my son who hasn't taken to DIY much, and the enjoyment of tools until recently... said, "Dad, you want to take a Lathe shop class?".

With my son at 30 years old, I thought there was no hope for my tools after I pass... but now I think there is!

Sounds like fun DE !

Back in the olden days (mine), Shop was a common elective in most High Schools up here.... probably same USA side, back when. Did your son have any chance to take Shop (not deriding your personal teaching skills ) at school ?

Rgds, D.