I don’t always read the owner’s manual when I purchase a new woodworking tool. My first impulse is usually to remove the entire contents of the box, survey the parts, and begin making guesses as to how the pieces fit together.

My success at that point varies. Sometimes the screw holes match up, the parts that go together click together, and it’s only a matter of time before the tool is plugged in and churning out sawdust. Other times, a snag will prompt me to consult the owner’s manual.

If you’ve gotten this far on FineWoodworkingNetwork.com, it means that you’ve taken a similar approach with this new tool. You’ve torn through the shrink wrap, and the entire contents of this site is strewn across your computer screen.

Now what? You can continue clicking around, or you can pause and consult the owner’s manual. For those of you who choose the latter option, I can help. Visit my profile page to join an ongoing forum discussion where I’ll be available to answer questions about finding content and contributing to FineWoodworkingNetwork.com.

But first, an overview
This site is divided into seven major subject pages (we call them channels), which are represented with links in the top navigation bar. Each link leads to a homepage where you will find highlighted articles, videos, and active forum discussions relevant to that channel. 

Each channel is further divided into category pages, which can be accessed through the drop-down sub-navigation bar. On each of these pages you will find a list of all the articles, videos, and features available for that particular subject. There are more than 130 category pages, from dovetails to milling lumber to shellac.

If you’d rather search than browse, you have two options. In the top right-hand corner of your computer screen there is a “Network Search” window that will scour every piece of content that exists on this Web site. For a more focused search, each channel has its own search window that will limit your query to the content within that channel.

Finally, there is the Knots discussion forum, which is integrated into several aspects of the site. Active discussions appear as links in many areas of the site, including the channel pages, The Gallery, and the expert forum pages. In addition to logging on to FineWoodworkingNetwork.com, you will also need to sign in to Knots when you visit the site.

Instructions for the operator
So what does all this mean for you, the user of FineWoodworkingNetwork.com? It means that if you are looking for an answer to something in particular, you should have no trouble finding it in just a few clicks. And if you aren’t looking for anything in particular, there should be more than enough to keep you occupied. And when all else fails, join me in the forums.

Matt Berger is managing editor of FineWoodworkingNetwork.com