Galoots,

A week or so ago someone asked about tools for GITs.  Mine are 2 and 4
and I thought I'd share what I've learned so far.  Some of this may
seem counter-intuitive, but it's what has worked for us.  Your mileage
may vary.  In no particular order, here are the findings:

Pre-drilled holes in a 2x4 cutoff move GITs to independent hammering
quickly.  Also, while they tried many of the smaller hammers, we've
found that the extra weight of regular sized hammers is helpful.  So I
cut the handles down to size.

Their favorite tool by far is the spokeshave.  Pulling with a 2-handed
grip on the edge of a board, they can produce shavings that make them
proud.  They love the curlies.  Surprisingly, with a little
instruction, we've found it to be a very safe tool.  Haven't had a
drop of blood from it yet, but we have had bruised fingers from the
hammer.

They like to clean up shavings with a hand broom and dustpan.

They get a lot of use out of the workbench that is their size.  The
vises and dog holes are just as handy to them as they are on my bench.

They like to mark boards.  A pencil and a simple square can entertain
them for quite a while.

Similarly, the 'toy' measuring tape with a vinyl tape is fun (and
doesn't slice fingers like a steel tape would).

A small brace (6") with a sharp 1/2" auger can be fun.

An eggbeater is (for some reason) a bit more tricky and can be
frustrating.  Also, smaller bits tend to break very quickly, so go
with larger, sharp bits.

They like to wear eye protection (and ear protection when Dad fires up
unmentionables).

They like to wear shop aprons that can be obtained free from those big
box stores that are frequently cursed on this and other forums.

They are proud of their old, beat up toolbox that stores their tools.

Small scraps with many biscuit holes along with plenty of biscuits can
be put together to make interesting structures.

Sandpaper is fun.

Here are some shots from their shop:

http://tinyurl.com/fd5sw

~Jeff
near Memphis, TN where it is way too hot to do anything in the shop
but quickly take a couple pictures of the GIT bench.
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