Real Tool Workshops?

Anyone know any great workshopping tool set for a 9 year old boy? My son is obsessed with tools and making things.

I purchased the 4 in 1 Workshop from Mindware for my son for Christmas. This was #1 on his Santa list. It is defective (I had a feeling as box was not sealed - thought it could have been a return item). It is now on backorder and not sure when if at all I can get the item again (PS worse customer service at mindware - hands down! this was not the only issue with my order and before Christmas I was on the phone dealing with them - they were horrible!!! I would never buy from them again and warn others to stay away. Had an item ripped up and missing parts and of course that was on backorder til February. They couldn't even tell me the mfg name of an item and told me it would take 2 weeks to get me that answer since they are busy now and can't deal with such a question - after I was holding for 20 mins to talk to them. I only asked that because I wanted to know if the ripped up item was needed to work with something else I ordered since it was a set. They couldn't of course answer that so I wanted to ask the mfg myself but of course they couldn't help me. Other item I ordered went on backorder until February....basically all 3 items I ordered had issue and they offer no help a tall).

This was the item he wanted...how do I say to a kid on the fence about believing in Santa - he can't make him a new one...
http://www.mindware.com/p/4-in-1-Cool-Tool-Workshop/45021

Re: Real Tool Workshops?

Bad customer service stinks. I have never ordered from them but the products we have from them are good. I am sorry that the item you wanted had issues as that must be extremely frustrating. I would expect the company to refund your money, but things happen that are outside of our control. I would use this as a life lesson that patience is a virtue. While February may seem to be a long way off, it will come soon enough. In the meantime, I would look to see if you have a local seller who has the product in stock if you have to have it immediately. But based on the fact that it is back ordered I think the entire product run may have had issues rather than your particular one being defective.

I also found the same toy listed for $20. i would so ask for my money back and return it. It sounds like you were completely ripped off.

http://www.studica.com/us/en/TheCoolTool/playmat-4-in-1-woodworking-workshop/901110.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&kpid=418639&gclid=CJWGkPbG0LsCFTNp7AodLUsAmA

Also - I found these items. I am not sure of the quality, but they are child sized tools.

http://www.reevesintl.com/p/red-toolbox-10-piece-toolset/toys-for-8-year-olds?pp=24

They also make kid size wood working projects. http://www.reevesintl.com/c/toys-for-8-year-olds?pp=24&pg=1&sb=recommended

Message edited 12/27/2013 9:02:14 AM.

Real Tool Workshops?

Skip the kits and go to to Home Depot or Lowes and pull your own kit together. My brother did this for my son a few years ago. They have smaller hammers and pliers add a few screwdrivers a small level, measuring tape, small hand saw and one or two of their I built kits. Package it in a tool box and you have a great starter tool kit that will last and will actually be useful. My son loved it and has used it often.

Message edited 12/27/2013 9:07:55 AM.

Re: Real Tool Workshops?

I don't know if this is what you are looking for but we got real tool sets for our boys. It has a hammer, saw (2) kinds, mallet and I don't remember what else. My sister also bought them the workbench. We got them from cptoys.com.

Re: Real Tool Workshops?

Thanks all. He already has a tool bag with lots of real tools. He has a real hammer, tape measure, screwdriver sets, etc. He also has several small wood working projects he has made or has to still make - tool boxes, birdhouses, cars, etc. Started with cub scouts last year as that was an achievement he had and we (the scout leaders) bought all the kids some starter tools. His communion present was a tool bag and real hammer - lol.

This set was so different for him because it had the sander, drill press and stuff like that - things he doesn't have. Maybe I can just get him a real drill and that will suffice. Just wasn't sure I was ready to give my 8 (almost 9) a real drill yet...I will check out cptoys as someone suggested...

Was just hoping someone saw something like this.

Also to poster who saw it for $20 - not sure what that site is but I did see it when I was researching this item and that site doesn't let you add to the cart and buy it...it was strange. Everywhere else the set was the same price as what I paid or similar but sold out but most places (and now most everywhere I found) but mindware. And February is a long way away for an 8 year old who had his heart set on one thing....also who isn't really understanding why Santa gave him a broken toy - lol. I told him Santa must have hit a lot of bumps along the way!