Our son (11) was able to put it together himself. Couldn't get blade to run at first (sander ran); it worked when we realized the casing holding the blade had to butt directly against the main casing. So far the belt has jumped off its wheel twice (this is the first day he's used it). You have to completely disassemble the housing to get to the belt. Involves 4 or 5 screws, which are recessed. It works fine when it's working, and he likes it a lot, but if we have to spend 20 minutes resetting the belt for every 10 minutes of woodworking time, it's gonna be a pain.
Jonah'sMom
January 05, 2010
Bought for my very creative 7-1/2 year old, and this was by far his favorite gift. Great purchase!
January 16, 2024
Verified Purchaser
Durability is a must because of break down for different tool
Grandson’s Christmas gift - he is enjoying it ! Has done several small objects on his own - very independent worker!
Liked:
Quality,Value,Educational
January 19, 2022
Verified Purchaser
Get’m started early
This was a Christmas gift for my 11 year old grandson. We all love it, it’s powerful, not very messy, doesn’t seem to be dangerous. Great confidence builder. Endless possibility’s. The best part is NO batteries required 😎
Liked:
Quality,Value,Educational
June 16, 2020
Verified Purchaser
Works Great
I was worried this wouldn't work or would break or be hard to use - but it was fantatic!! My ten year old loves it and is making all kinds of stuff. The only thing is make sure you order more wood.
Liked:
Quality,Value,Educational
YaYa
January 02, 2018
This was an amazing gift
My grandson and his father was astonished at the quality and utility of this gift. it is not a toy. It is a real, honest-to-goodness working tool set. Applause applause applause
!
Lync
December 01, 2011
Very lightweight plastic housing, motor has insufficient power and burned out after only a few uses. The lathe would stop when just enough pressure to cut a groove was applied. Very disappointed, particularly given the steep price tag, and it is currently listed at $20 more than we paid last year.
Jonnie
January 05, 2010
My twelve year old grandson is in love with the tools. He has already spent many hours getting a lot of practice in hopes of moving up to the real thing.
September 19, 2025
– CAMBRIDGE
Verified Purchaser
A genuine woodworking station
I actually ordered this for myself for working on small projects--I wanted the more advanced (adult-focused) set by the same company, but they are no longer shipping it to the US due to our stable genius president's tariffs, so I settled for this. This set is impressive! Modular, sturdy, and quite powerful for a toy. It cuts 1/8" wood which is what I needed. Note that you can't change the drill bit (one size only), and the frame is plastic. But it's great quality & value and works well!
Liked:
Quality,Value,Educational
January 22, 2024
Verified Purchaser
Wish I didn't purchase this item!
This product was a HUGE disappointment. It didn't work like it appeared in the photos. It was challenging to get the machine (red part) to hold onto the wood tight enough that it would actually carve when the child was using it.
Disliked:
Quality,Value,Educational
MindWare
January 29, 2024
Staff
We're so sorry you were disappointed! We want you to be completely satisfied with every purchase and when you're not, we can help find something that you’ll like better. Please contact our Customer Service team directly at 1 (800) 274-6123 if you would like to exchange this for another item.
January 15, 2024
Verified Purchaser
Great Gift
My grandson loved this. He spent the whole day out in the garage making things. This was a winner!
Liked:
Quality,Value,Educational
January 12, 2024
Verified Purchaser
Perfect gift
Six-year-old grandson loved this. His father, a contractor, also thought the toy was well-made. He did pitch in a little to help, but I think a child who loves tools and how things work would easily master the process. Highly recommend for children with those interests.
