Where can I find relatively safe power tools for kids to use? For example, a band saw that doesn't cut skin?

Question

One of my friends has a bandsaw that doesn't cut skin, making it safer to use with children. However, it doesn't have a brand on it and the guy got it at a long time ago at a store that went out of business a few years back. Since then, I've been looking for power tools that are relatively safer to use with children (and by children, I mean ages 11-14) with complete supervision. Does anyone know of a place where I can find tools that are designed to work with maximum safety, such as a band saw that doesn't cut skin? Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

I'm not aware of any such band saw for wood.  Band saws for glass use a blade that probably would not cut your skin but they wouldn't be good for anything else.  Start with a table mounted scroll saw.  You can cut out small parts and it is pretty hard to get seriously hurt with one of those.

Answer 2

best teach them safety, the only way they will respect the tools is to show them the bloody mess they can make, and someone with a few missing fingers!   Also can you say PAIN!

Answer 3

As Lee W said, there's no such thing as a safe power tool, that will actually work as a tool, and no adolescent in the 11-14 age group should be using power tools until they've learned to use hand tools properly.  Depending on where you live, there should be some group or organization around that works with kids to teach them all the things they'll need to know as adults, such as Boys and Girls Clubs, 4-H Clubs, YMCA, YWCA, etc.    

Answer 4

Safety comes from the user, not the tools. Been building and playing shop for over 30 years. Its great to have the young ones intrested in the craft. There are specific safety rules all us pros know and teach.

Solution and answer here is knowledge based not the equipment.

Must be some good books on shop safety !

Answer 5

"safe" "power tools" is an oxymoron

Toys-R-US had, once upon a time, plastic toys that resembled power tools, they bad a battery operated noise maker that made them sound like they were doing something. Daddys usually disabled these noise makers sometime between Christmas and New years.

Answer 6

I am not sure  about a bandsaw, but this company makes a table saw which will not cut the skin, or barely break it if contact is made.  http://www.sawstop.com

the only problem is that it is very expensive and if you ever do cause it to lock it can be pricey to replace the parts, but it beats losing a thumb.  I am not sure if there are any other tools which use the same technology, but im sure they are working on them.

Answer 7

Any power tool that actually works will cut your fingers off. They are coming out with commercial saws that are supposed to instantly shut off if you touch the blade but they are something new and cost thousands of dollars. Most power saws have guards and if you leave them on they are pretty safe.

Answer 8

either take the time to teach them the correct way and supervise every moment or go old school and start them off as every person should with hand tools. Buying a good hand saw works just as well with less chance of losing digits. They will thank you years down the road as their skills flourish because they can properly use hand tools. Any one can be taught to hit a switch but to be a true craftsman hand tools make the differance.