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4.5
Had high hopes - my Goddaughter could not wait to open it up and start to build. There is nothing she likes more than making things from scratch but after a few too many near misses with the real hammer and nails I thought I'd give this a try.I don't like it and she did not like it.The material does not cut cleanly easily, the attachments are not firm, there are no instructions packaged win the box and the instructions online produce printed instructions that are in 5 point font and impossible to read. My GD is used to following prints with measurements and patterns, but this was nothing like what one would expect to make models.Additionally, the raw material was not apportioned to the models one might want to build. For instance, the instructions should indicate to use plank A for this model plank B for the other model, or if you want to make this other model, you'll have to save this or that. Instead, we had to estimate which models we could build and try to ration the material but in the end, we did not have enough to build what we wanted.I think a real hammer and nails and balso or other soft wood and a little more adult supervision would serve the child better than this kit.I hope Workshop 2.0 fixes these issues - it's a great idea poorly executed.My son loved this toy. He got it for his 4th birthday, and was able to do most of the sawing, nailing, and screwing with limited help, and after a month, without any help at all. He’s built all sorts of ridiculous creative things with it.Of course we didn’t build any of the plans. They’re complicated. We started out with a simple toolbox with no plans, and then I let him make whatever he wanted. If you’re gonna be one of those people who complains that there wasn’t enough foam to build all the plans, maybe don’t get it. Frankly, if you’re gonna try to build any of the plans, just don’t get it. They’re far too complicated to do easily with a very young child, and if your kid is already 7 or 8, for goodness’ sake, just get them real tools and scrap wood.At any rate, it’s great. We’ll definitely be getting some replacement “wood”, so our son can continue to build monsters and masks and whatever else he can imagine.My husband bought this for my son who was turning 6. He asked for a tool set and this seemed good. I just don’t think he knew it would be foam. A whole lot of wood colored foam. The best part, the tools were sturdy plastic but the building parts were foam with plastic play screws. For the mess it left, I could have let him play with packing popcorn. Good grief, not at all what I expected. I would not buy it again. It ended up not being very fun because the pieces were not sturdy or durable. It’s not worth it, just pay a bit more for a legit building set. But the tools are still good at least.I bought this product to increase my kids creativity and help them engage in meaningful play. However, this product leaves much to be desired. The material is a Styrofoam type material that is not easy to cut, shape, or build together. The screws are plastic and does not work well with the building material. I would not recommend and not buy again. I feel it was a waste of money. My kids lost interest after one or two plays. if you want your kids to put down their screens and take part in meaningful play look elsewhere; perhaps invest more money and get real woods set if possible. Just my opinion.So, firstly, the quality of the foam and kit is pretty okay. Right off the bat I was thinking it’s 3/5 stars; the saw tool doesn’t cut well and the foam is wiggle and hard to keep still while cutting.But the instructions. I had to break out a magnifying glass to even see them- it was just pictures maybe 2”x2” squares and not every piece has measurements. Not to mention, a lot of the dimensions provided were very precise! Have you ever tried to cut flimsy foam with a plastic knife to exactly 1/4” thick? Because you won’t. It’s like trying to cut a pillow with a shoe.My 5 year old has been enjoying this set. The tools are good and we purchased the power drill which makes the set great. The weak link is the plans they are odd sizes and not clear for a child to work with.Disappointing for my 10 year old. The product is soft foam and the tools are plastic. There are also only a few pieces of foam. This might be a good set for a 6 or 7 year old who hasn't had any experience with tools. Overpriced in my opinion, though, even in that case.Should have read the details to show they are foam pieces and not real wood. There is also a charge to return it.....bummer!
