Neil, What you have done here is exceptional. Not only have you stimulated an interested young mind, you have made a dream come. You truly have promoted serious interest in the craft with this single gesture. Way to go!
Typically, we find that the "experts" are so proud and pretentious that they guard their craft with exorbitantly high prices for their " stuff " ( informational and material ) that potential new crafters are discouraged away and choose not to participate. Then we wonder why interests in the crafts are dieing. Recently, I attempted to grow into a "machinists" disposition and learned from the "experts" that it "requires" an investment of several thousand dollars and a million years to learn - as per those who might have been mentors. I also attempted to learn engraving and was told that it would require a several thousand dollar investment for equipment, and formal classes were an additional several THOUSAND dollars. How proud and exclusive can these "experts" be?
No, they are not going to give away their bread & butter skills and create competition, but they are also not going to encourage new enthusiasts. I can only say, "the heck with their pride" as I attempt to teach myself the crafts. And I too would "give away" all the skills that I have acquired to encourage an enthusiast.
Neil, your contribution of that plane is worth more than the Thousands that the "experts" charge for information about their craft. I am proud of you. Thank you. Ralph
