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#1
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Workshop with kids around? Hints?
Well, I finally decided to move in with my GF, and everything's rosy &
bright, but... A5 yr old boy, who gets into everything, and his older sis. There's some basement space, so all things sharp & nasty could be there, but anyone (with kids) have any advice on settin' up a fairly child-friendly shop? Thanks in advance, -dim |
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#2
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Hi RATs!
Just do SS until they get move out  Happy Ears! Al Alan J. Marcy Phoenix, AZ PWC/mystic/Earhead |
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#3
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Build pre-amps with tubes like a ECC86 .....
(Ua-max.=30V but works nice at 12V) "Shiva" schreef in bericht ... Well, I finally decided to move in with my GF, and everything's rosy & bright, but... A5 yr old boy, who gets into everything, and his older sis. There's some basement space, so all things sharp & nasty could be there, but anyone (with kids) have any advice on settin' up a fairly child-friendly shop? Thanks in advance, -dim |
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#4
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"Ronald" wrote in message ... Build pre-amps with tubes like a ECC86 ..... (Ua-max.=30V but works nice at 12V) I think it's 90, if memory serves... If you can make ends meet buildin' preamps, I'm all ears... "Shiva" schreef in bericht ... Well, I finally decided to move in with my GF, and everything's rosy & bright, but... A5 yr old boy, who gets into everything, and his older sis. There's some basement space, so all things sharp & nasty could be there, but anyone (with kids) have any advice on settin' up a fairly child-friendly shop? Thanks in advance, -dim |
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#5
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Hi dim,
The only way I know of protecting 5 year olds from themselves is to educate them. It will serve them well for the rest of their lives. In the mean time, you need to discipline yourself to turn off anything HV when you leave the shop, and it would also be a good idea to unplug the cords. Don't worry about soldering irons, a few self inflicted burns are very educational, and not usually all that harmful. Drill presses and grinders should be disabled, or unplugged when not in use... mistakes with power tools are too awful to contemplate. 5 yr olds aren't usually all that interested in going to a lot of effort to make things "work", but they will flip the switches, and crank the knobs.... and move your tools into the strangest places. Your biggest danger is finding your screwdriver stuck into the holes in an HV cage, or finding all your solder cut into short lengths and stuck in every thing that will hold a piece. Don't expect them to tell the truth about what they have done in your shop. Instead, calmly explain what the result of the misdeed was, and show them what you have to do to correct it. They will come to respect your work and efforts more that way, than they will if you wail into them. You didn't say whether these kids are yours, or not, but if they are not yours, your life with your SO will be much happier if you pick a nonviolent educational way of correcting their behavior. Also, teach the kids to always wear shoes in your shop, that food of any kind is NOT allowed, and to always wash their hands on leaving. They will do this if you tell them to, and if they see you do so yourself RELIGIOUSLY. Kids can smell a hypocrite from a mile away. Good luck, it will work. -Chuck Shiva wrote: Well, I finally decided to move in with my GF, and everything's rosy & bright, but... A5 yr old boy, who gets into everything, and his older sis. There's some basement space, so all things sharp & nasty could be there, but anyone (with kids) have any advice on settin' up a fairly child-friendly shop? Thanks in advance, -dim |
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#6
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"Chuck Harris" wrote in message ... Hi dim, The only way I know of protecting 5 year olds from themselves is to educate them. It will serve them well for the rest of their lives. In the mean time, you need to discipline yourself to turn off anything HV when you leave the shop, and it would also be a good idea to unplug the cords. Don't worry about soldering irons, a few self inflicted burns are very educational, and not usually all that harmful. Drill presses and grinders should be disabled, or unplugged when not in use... mistakes with power tools are too awful to contemplate. 5 yr olds aren't usually all that interested in going to a lot of effort to make things "work", but they will flip the switches, and crank the knobs.... and move your tools into the strangest places. Your biggest danger is finding your screwdriver stuck into the holes in an HV cage, or finding all your solder cut into short lengths and stuck in every thing that will hold a piece. Don't expect them to tell the truth about what they have done in your shop. Instead, calmly explain what the result of the misdeed was, and show them what you have to do to correct it. They will come to respect your work and efforts more that way, than they will if you wail into them. You didn't say whether these kids are yours, or not, but if they are not yours, your life with your SO will be much happier if you pick a nonviolent educational way of correcting their behavior. Also, teach the kids to always wear shoes in your shop, that food of any kind is NOT allowed, and to always wash their hands on leaving. They will do this if you tell them to, and if they see you do so yourself RELIGIOUSLY. Kids can smell a hypocrite from a mile away. Good luck, it will work. Thanks for a serious reply. I already use main breaker to kill shop power, so that's going to be an easy one. And, no, the kids aren't mine (well, i guess they kind'o are *now*) - the only responsible thing I've done in this life was avoid spawning.... It should be fun - the solder bit already happened - only a pound was turned into "monsters"... -dim -Chuck Shiva wrote: Well, I finally decided to move in with my GF, and everything's rosy & bright, but... A5 yr old boy, who gets into everything, and his older sis. There's some basement space, so all things sharp & nasty could be there, but anyone (with kids) have any advice on settin' up a fairly child-friendly shop? Thanks in advance, -dim |
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#7
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Shiva wrote: Well, I finally decided to move in with my GF, and everything's rosy & bright, but... A5 yr old boy, who gets into everything, and his older sis. There's some basement space, so all things sharp & nasty could be there, but anyone (with kids) have any advice on settin' up a fairly child-friendly shop? Thanks in advance, -dim The workspace you have MUST be locked up when you ain't in there. You cannot trust that friendly but firm warnings about electric shocks will be heeded. I often have clients bring me items or pick up items for repair, and they sometimes have their kids along, so I have to be careful to watch them so they don't touch something dangerous, so the soldering iron has a metal cover over it, and no chassis are left turned on, just waiting for little innocent fingers to explore. I have a sixth sense, and I know when its dangerous to be in my shed. Some adult customers are a bit nosy, and I offer them a seat..... You have a challenge to engage the children's curiosity about WTF you are doing, but chances are, that unless those kids are endowed with naturally scientific minds, they'll come to see your activities as dead boring, and leave you alone. Beware the child who likes to connect the mains up to the input of an amp when you ain't around, just to see the smoke...... That GF must be really something, to put up with you! ( she ain't got an older sister by any chance? ) Patrick Turner. |
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#8
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"Patrick Turner" wrote in message ... snip That GF must be really something, to put up with you! ( she ain't got an older sister by any chance? ) Nope. Would a younger rother do? ducks Patrick Turner. |
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#9
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Shiva wrote: Well, I finally decided to move in with my GF, and everything's rosy & bright, but... A5 yr old boy, who gets into everything, and his older sis. There's some basement space, so all things sharp & nasty could be there, but anyone (with kids) have any advice on settin' up a fairly child-friendly shop? Thanks in advance, -dim Sis won't be a problem most likely, but little bro might need to be educated in the reality that he could get seriously hurt by that cool-looking stuff. Include him in your interest, but make it clear that nothing is to be touched unless it's under your direct supervision. A few little demonstrations wouldn't hurt; carefully set up some controlled experiments, such as direct shorts across charged filter caps, low-value small resistors connected across a B+ line (the old carbon comps are best for that because they crackle and glow and smoke and stink), reversed polarized electrolytics (the cheap 1000 uF at 16v jobs from wallwarts are cool because they blow the rubber plugs out the end and fill the room with alkali-soaked paper shrapnel), IOW all those things that impressed on YOU that electricity demands respect. One of two things will happen: either he'll find it geeky and boring and eventually move on, or else he'll find it geeky and exciting and be on his way to an electronics hobby or career. Cheers, Fred -- +--------------------------------------------+ | Music: http://www3.telus.net/dogstarmusic/ | | Projects, Vacuum Tubes & other stuff: | | http://www.dogstar.dantimax.dk | +--------------------------------------------+ |
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#10
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"Fred Nachbaur" wrote in message .. . ..... A few little demonstrations wouldn't hurt; carefully set up some controlled experiments, such as direct shorts across charged filter caps, low-value small resistors connected across a B+ line (the old carbon comps are best for that because they crackle and glow and smoke and stink), Those finned chassis-mounted wire-wound jobs *explode*. Looks like a wire-guided missile when one of the plastic but-plugs blows out of the aluminum extrusion, trailing some wire behind it... Wait. Must not show that - he'll think it's fun.... reversed polarized electrolytics (the cheap 1000 uF at 16v jobs from wallwarts are cool because they blow the rubber plugs out the end and fill the room with alkali-soaked paper shrapnel), Hey, that happened to you too, huh? Funny, those things have kind-o a trident stamped into the top of the can to intentionally weaken it, and *that's supposed to blow open... Never does. Oh, on some axials (i think older sprauges) had a scratch on the side to deal with that, though I've only "blown up" puny cans, usually on real-densely populated boards. IOW all those things that impressed on YOU that electricity demands respect. Umm... I don't think I want him to take my aproach, which is pretty much borrowed from ridin' bikes. Most people try to never wipe out, but my take on it was "learn to crash", and crash & crash I did (dirtbikes, pretty safe), untill having to lay a bike down in the street was a mundane thing . Same with electricity - i still do many things which are considered "unsafe", and plan for the worst-case scenario, as in "i'm not goin' to hold the chassis with my left hand & lean into it while puttin' on a 'gator clip" and "make sure you don't take the whole workbench down if you get a slight shock". I still do stuff like brush my finger aginst HT wires after dischargin' the caps, 'cos I don't trust just using a meter... Anyhow, to cut it short, it would be nice if he didn't have to go through the same series of accidents & mistakes as I did (though that's the only way I ever really learn anything...) Thanks for the reply, though, there's stuff that even I have to take seriously... -dim One of two things will happen: either he'll find it geeky and boring and eventually move on, or else he'll find it geeky and exciting and be on his way to an electronics hobby or career. Cheers, Fred -- +--------------------------------------------+ | Music: http://www3.telus.net/dogstarmusic/ | | Projects, Vacuum Tubes & other stuff: | | http://www.dogstar.dantimax.dk | +--------------------------------------------+ |
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#11
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With my kid, I found it most effective to set up a few tempting booby traps,
so she'd get zapped with 300 or 400 volts dc. By the third time, she steered clear. Of course, she still has no feeling in her right arm & her hair is still frizzed. Now, the lessons for staying away from the power tools, that's where it really got ugly. Heh, heh. (Of course, you realise this is all fiction.) -- Stephen Sank, Owner & Ribbon Mic Restorer Talking Dog Transducer Company http://stephensank.com 5517 Carmelita Drive N.E. Albuquerque, New Mexico [87111] 505-332-0336 Auth. Nakamichi & McIntosh servicer Payments preferred through Paypal.com "Shiva" wrote in message ... Well, I finally decided to move in with my GF, and everything's rosy & bright, but... A5 yr old boy, who gets into everything, and his older sis. There's some basement space, so all things sharp & nasty could be there, but anyone (with kids) have any advice on settin' up a fairly child-friendly shop? Thanks in advance, -dim |
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#12
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"Stephen Sank" schreef in bericht ... With my kid, I found it most effective to set up a few tempting booby traps, so she'd get zapped with 300 or 400 volts dc. By the third time, she steered clear. Of course, she still has no feeling in her right arm & her hair is still frizzed. Now, the lessons for staying away from the power tools, that's where it really got ugly. Heh, heh. If an arm comes off it's just enough meat to have meatballs for the family for 2 dayz ;-) And it works in just one time I think ..... If not , she has no arm left so she's not able to eat anymore .... This way you have an extra meatball for yourself !!! |
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#13
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"Stephen Sank" wrote in message ... With my kid, I found it most effective to set up a few tempting booby traps, so she'd get zapped with 300 or 400 volts dc. By the third time, she steered clear. Of course, she still has no feeling in her right arm & her hair is still frizzed. Now, the lessons for staying away from the power tools, that's where it really got ugly. Heh, heh. (Of course, you realise this is all fiction.) I should adopt your tagline in all my emails... -- Stephen Sank, Owner & Ribbon Mic Restorer Talking Dog Transducer Company http://stephensank.com 5517 Carmelita Drive N.E. Albuquerque, New Mexico [87111] 505-332-0336 Auth. Nakamichi & McIntosh servicer Payments preferred through Paypal.com "Shiva" wrote in message ... Well, I finally decided to move in with my GF, and everything's rosy & bright, but... A5 yr old boy, who gets into everything, and his older sis. There's some basement space, so all things sharp & nasty could be there, but anyone (with kids) have any advice on settin' up a fairly child-friendly shop? Thanks in advance, -dim |
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#14
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"Shiva" wrote in message . ..
Well, I finally decided to move in with my GF, and everything's rosy & bright, but... A5 yr old boy, who gets into everything, and his older sis. There's some basement space, so all things sharp & nasty could be there, but anyone (with kids) have any advice on settin' up a fairly child-friendly shop? Thanks in advance, -dim Definatly keep it locked when you aren't around,It will save all parties alot of grief. ;-) I can relate to the "Solder sculptures"..My little cousin has run around in my workshop once or twice..Odd balls of clay (where'd *that* come from?) with resistors,caps,and miles of solder sticking out..maybe a screw or two,and a nut for good measure..or maybe make "additions" to your newest project.. Keeping a clean shop,and keeping dangerous things out of thier reach is definatly a good idea. And let them know whats dangerous when they are around.. Heavy items up on shelves,High voltage,hot things (tubes,soldering irons) sharp things (razor knives,etc..) But it's gonna be up to you to make sure they don't,and can't get into that stuff,atleast without your supervision. If they seem interested,it might be good to educate them a bit about the basics..Maybe get them one of those 200-in-1 springy-connector-board-kits,if they seem really interested,and want to play around.I think it would be good to kind of mentor them in electronics,if they end up enjoying it. My friends are scared to go into my workshop..they are scared that something is going to zap them! Bwhahahaa! Wonder what gave them that idea? couldn't be the high voltage projects,and occasional capacitor discharge,could it? Not to mention those darn 3-legged silicon firecrackers going off now and then.. :-) |
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#16
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"Rich Andrews" wrote in message
.44... Speaking of exploding caps, many years ago I was visiting a friend who owned a TV repair shop. One nice summer morning we were drinking coffee and shooting the breeze just inside the back door of the shop. Suddenly a bang drew my attention to a 80@450 that is sailing in our direction from over a 6ft high wall smoking and fizzling. This now airborne projectile, formerly known as a capacitor, landed near our feet. My friend calmly got up and kicked it out the door. He then hollered to one of the techs working and said, "Experimenting again Jerry?" and continued with our conversation like this was a normal everyday occurance. I nearly died laughing. I still don't know if that was a 'bit' or not. LMAO! Tim -- In the immortal words of Ned Flanders: "No foot longs!" Website @ http://webpages.charter.net/dawill/tmoranwms |
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#18
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Lock the door...period.
It's ok to come in when I'm there, but all other times it's off-limits. There's just too much dangerous stuff there. When they're a little older (than 5), it may be different. I locked the 357 revolver away, and got out the old .45 ACP, as I can remove the clip and locate it elsewhere where I can get to it, as well as the gun. The .45 has three safeties, and doesn't do much without a clip. Even if you get the clip in, it takes strength to pull the reciever back, and one of the safeties prevent one from pushing on the barrel to push the reciever back. Our bedroom is off limits and everyone knows it, but just in case... Lock the door.. Small children don't really know better, older children should be educated, and even then use caution. Just my humble opinion.. bob H. "Shiva" wrote: Well, I finally decided to move in with my GF, and everything's rosy & bright, but... A5 yr old boy, who gets into everything, and his older sis. There's some basement space, so all things sharp & nasty could be there, but anyone (with kids) have any advice on settin' up a fairly child-friendly shop? Thanks in advance, -dim Bob H. Just grab that plate in one hand, the chassis in the other, and FEEL the power of tube audio!!! (not literally, of course, just kidding. DON'T DO THAT!) |
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#19
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"Bob Hedberg" wrote in message ... Lock the door...period. It's ok to come in when I'm there, but all other times it's off-limits. There's just too much dangerous stuff there. When they're a little older (than 5), it may be different. I locked the 357 revolver away, and got out the old .45 ACP, as I can remove the clip and locate it elsewhere where I can get to it, as well as the gun. The .45 has three safeties, and doesn't do much without a clip. Even if you get the clip in, it takes strength to pull the reciever back, and one of the safeties prevent one from pushing on the barrel to push the reciever back. Our bedroom is off limits and everyone knows it, but just in case... Lock the door.. Small children don't really know better, older children should be educated, and even then use caution. Just my humble opinion.. bob H. Bob, I'm neurotically careful with nugs - even when I lived alone, I never kept clips /shells /anything in the chamber, and I'm really not plannin' on nugs with kids around. Too much weird stuff happens. I once had a loaded 44-40 remington aimed at a guy I thought was a burglar (this was NH - the "Live free or die" state), but when i told the guy to "freeze (cinematic obscenity omitted)", the flashlight flew out of the guy's hand as he threw up a badge (which flew out of his other hand), as he yelled "State police!" At that point my knees started shaking & i thought i was going to be known by a long number for a long time... The guy was super nice, though, and actually apologized to me as I was stuttering something about thinking that he was a burglar. We both went down and looked for his badge, flashlight was still on... 3rd nice state cop I've met in my life. Stuff like that, though, makes me a bit weary 'bout having guns around. F8ck the safety's - get a trigger lock. And no, I'm not an anti-nugger - i love the things, everything but 25's - *those* suckers should be made illegal... -dim e there, but anyone (with kids) have any advice on settin' up a fairly child-friendly shop? Thanks in advance, -dim Bob H. Just grab that plate in one hand, the chassis in the other, and FEEL the power of tube audio!!! (not literally, of course, just kidding. DON'T DO THAT!) |
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