Can i use the cd/dvd from an older mac mini as a cd/dvd for a newer one via a thunderbolt cable?

I am not a power user of macs but i have an early mac mini with a dvd drive and a 2011 mini without a dvd drive, and wondered if i can connect the 2 to use the older mini as an external dvd drive and possibly storage for time machine? Also i have put in an ssd into my 2011 mini and want to put on a fresh copy of the snowleopard o/s [which i have] onto the ssd using - if i can - the older mini's dvd to do so. Any help would be appricated