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Post by spike99 on Jul 19, 2007 20:53:12 GMT -5
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Today, my middle son came home from summer camp. As a treat and realizing he's "growing up" very fast, I asked if he could help me do a special job. A nice simple job that is within his knowledge and interest skill. Yes, it involved power tools and cordless drills. (yes, a guy thing).
We simply had to take a long steel rod (electric fence post rod), cut to desired length, add threads on the end of it, drive into the ground (re: edgle of mom's flow bed), take a 10 guage wire approx 10 feet long, strip its ends and attach 1 end to our generator. And, prepare the other end to easily attached to the ground rod (that we hammered into mom's flower bed). Nice easy task for a 12 year old (and a supervisor).
During this job, I showed him what cutting blade to use (inside our power saw), showed him the safey controls on our power saw, showed him how to properly hold the saw. After that, showed him what die (thread maker) is, how to create threads on the end of this steel rod, how to strip the 10 guage wire (yes, push the knife away from yourself), etc. etc. In all, he asked me everything from wire guage size numbering systems to why a generator needs a seperate ground wire, and many other questions. At times, I was getting both dizzy and frustrated with so many "why?"" questions. In all, it took us over 1.5 hours to complete this simple 10 minute task.
During this event, I learned something as well. I discovered he learned electricity "math" (like volts, amps, watts) in his Tech school but he wasn't taught why a generator needs to be grounded, and why one needs to follow the instructions within the generator manual.
Not too sure how much he remembers and how much info really soaked in but in the long run, I'm hoping this "guy bonding event" was worth it. If you have a chance, do invite your kids or grand kids over for a "let's build something together day" as well. One's adventure and final outcome may surprise you.
Hope this helps others...
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Post by cheryl on Jul 19, 2007 22:05:49 GMT -5
Spike, It sounds like a very good day to me. I hope you and your son enjoyed!!  |
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Post by morningstar on Jul 19, 2007 22:18:35 GMT -5
Spike,
I bet you both learned a lot. And no better way to have spent time than you and your son sharing time and talk and love. Congrarts. on a good day.
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Post by larrynz on Jul 20, 2007 0:27:03 GMT -5
One of mine had a leaning towards things mechanical, by 12 he could strip and assemble a single cylinder engine, do very acceptable arc welding, by 15 he could remove and rebuild a car motor. Then followed by a few years when he was as silly as a 20¢ watch. Came out of the silly stuff and bought a digger and did contract work, his old skills being very handy, right now he is at university studying civil engineering.
Looking back I see the skills I taught all those years ago gave him something to build on.
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Post by LindaNY on Jul 20, 2007 6:51:41 GMT -5
Great stories about bonding with the young ones.
There are days I dearly miss my kids being pre teens, but now I enjoy the grand kids. I guess that's the way life should be.
Thanks for sharing your stories.
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Post by morningstar on Jul 21, 2007 16:39:23 GMT -5
Spike did your son help you today? And does he enjoy working with you?
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