At what age should one cave in to child's request for a blowtorch?

[vincentvangogh]

DS1 is nearly 6 and very keen to try welding, but I think it's still a bit early. What do you reckon, 9 or 10?

Pah, my lot had a full kit from 5. You shouldn't repress them if that's what they want.

Nah, let him have one, what could possibly go wrong?!

As long as he's quiet...

is it to toast the top of of a creme brulee?

if so, YABU, they are minging

I remember using cans of hairspray and lighting the flame to make a flame-thrower in the back garden.

yy meg, but poss not at 6. 11? i think that's when they are usually passed competent to deal with bunsen burners and melting biros etc/ setting fire to pulled out bits of hair to watch them twizzle up?

i did lol at the title, but dsis was soldering at about 7

well of course mine were welding by 5, but you might want to wait 'til 7. Just to be on the safe side.

oooh melting biros in the microwave. I'd forgotton that joy of childhood. :o

I thought the op was joking, madwoman but having seen your post, now I'm not so sure...