My son is looking for input

[Brian Worrell]

Hello,

My son (13) is new to turning, but started a YouTube channel as part of his learning. He had the idea that he wanted to teach other kids, as he learned. Since I wanted to encourage his idea, I have been teaching him what I know, but only started turning myself about a year ago.

With that in mind, we are curious if you could look at his videos on turning, and offer advice, guidance, next steps, and/or corrections. Not all of his videos are turning related, but I would guess of the videos done, filmed, or planned, that 75% of them are / will be.

His latest video is here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wozI_wia6lg



His channel is here
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD6MFbN5IvDzEsepcCxQa1g

Thank you
Brian

 

[Richard Coers]

I think he is out of his element right now. Appears that it's too soon for how-to. He should stick to inspiration type videos. Also ease up on the marketing, unless the real purpose of his videos is to get free stuff. Get him a shorter bench for the lathe. The center line of the lathe should be no higher than his elbow. When he's done 30-40 pens, have him get a friend to run the camera and get close ups. No one could learn to turn a pen on what he showed in this one.

 

[Brian Worrell]

Richard,

From the first video to the third, we did raise him up about 2 inches. Can do so again, if you think he is still too low in that one.

Marketing wise, again that was his idea, and done for now. He got lots of cool stuff and it excited him a lot.

Agree about the content, hence my asking. Trying to keep the videos to 10 minutes or less, as most people will not watch anything longer than that.

Skill wise, he has natural talent, his pens turn well, though I think he did rush the finish on the last one a bit.

Since I am going to show him the feed back, before his next video, can you explain what you mean about inspiration?

Thank you
Brian

 

[Richard Coers]

I'm thinking 3 minute videos about what he made, what he's going to make, wood he likes and why, what he likes about the lathe, how he learned what he has so far, why others his age should take up turning, and what turning is really about. He could talk just about the kits and how they work. Really just information. I really don't think 10 minute how-to videos from a raw beginner is going to be well received. I also suggest he spends more time in editing. It was a bit painfull watching him with the epoxy syringe.

 

[Tom Beatty]

feedback

I like his enthusiam and really like seeing someone his age involved in woodturning. His video is better than some I have seen that were done by more experienced older turners, but agree that he has a way to go before making anymore videos.

Suggest he put together an outline of all of the steps required and then at least talk to them like he did about cutting blanks, drilling and gluing inserts. Since in this video he left out some important things like why you need bushings, why he used a mandrell saver, tools actually used, sanding to what grit, finishing and pen assembly, erc
Trying to provide some constructive criticism, since if making videos keeps him involved in woodturning then I support his efforts.
Also would suggest he decide what his goal is in making the videos. If he is trying to do an instruction video, then he needs to learn more about woodturning first. If he is trying to get more people his age interested in woodturning then he should stress why he likes turning and the fun involved. Nothing wrong in showing a video on here is what I learned my first time making a pen/bottle stopper/ bowl etc

Jyst stay interested and keep learning. If not a member of a local woodturning club, then find one and join, a really great father/ son experience

 

[Justin Stephen]

Do you have some other experienced turners in the area that you know?

The reason I ask is that there are two elements in your son's video idea that are quite good in fact:

1. Creating videos that allow people to learn along with him.

2. Creating videos that may appeal to other young people who might be more interested since he is also a child.

The problem is, as has been pointed out, that he is the source of information/expertise in the video and he isn't there yet.

So, I'll suggest an alternate idea that accomplishes the first two but addresses his lack of expertise. Create videos with more experienced turners where they teach your son something. Your son can still play a very active role and still be the "star" of the video, introducing the guest, talking about what he is going to learn, asking questions on camera, summing up what he has learned, etc.