I don’t know if I can get away with asking this on THIS site, but… 🙂 I was thinking of subscribing to a wood magazine, and wonder if anyone has any specific recommendations. I have subscribed to Fine Woodworking in the past, but as a beginner, a lot of the material is over my head. I was thinking of something a little more nuts and bolts – tool comparisons, plans, basic joinery, shop ideas, etc.
Thanks!
Replies
Well, I don't mind if you ask :-))
I'm an insatiable magazine reader -- had to do "armchair woodworking" for two years before I could really power up any tools (due to uncontrollable circumstances). I've read, to varying degrees of faithfullness:
IMHO, Fine Woodworking is the best by far, but like you I'm often left in the dust with some of their more advanced articles. That's OK, and I certainly don't want them to change -- then they'd be too much like the other mags.
I'd recommend the top three for subscriptions. Your resulting library will serve you well in years future, and you can discontinue #2 and #3 if you outgrow them (doubt that you'd ever outgrow FW :-)
As to the last four, I check them out (figuratively speaking) at Barnes and Noble when each new issue comes out. If there's a plan or article that is relevant to my needs, I buy them, if not I don't. I used to hide the Popular WWer in a brown paper bag, LOL, but I've actually seen a few oustanding ideas in there so it's not to be overlooked.
As far as tool reviews go, it won't be long before you're experiencing deja vu all over again with the "New Products" columns, but actual tool reviews can be very helpful, as long as you cast a critical eye when reading them.
Have fun!
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
I subscibe to Wood Magazine and go to their web site and the message boards. Its a good beginners magazine with some quite intresting articles and the message boards are very intresting. I was at their general wooding message board last week when somebody asked if somebody knew where to find a jig for cutting circles on a Table Saw. My heart skipped a beat until I read the replies. There are actually people out there that do that.
Dave in Pa.
Yep, there sure are. Actually, if you stumble across power tools books from 40 years ago or so, this procedure is described in detail. There's a "Woodworker's Quiz" somewhere out there that I played with a few weeks ago. One of the questions was (roughly) "Which of the following tasks cannot be done on a table saw" and when I clicked on "Cutting round pieces" (or something like that) I was wrong much to my surprise.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
This is something I would rather not do. Most of my Woodworking skills were taught to me by my Dad who was a Tool and Die maker. He stress the importance of "The right too for thr right job." This to me is no the right toll ffor cutting circles.
Dave in Pa.
P.S. How's the jointer?
My sentiments exactly -- that's what my bandsaw's for :-)
Jointer? Must be someone else -- not to say I don't need one! Thought that was going to be next on my list, but I'm about to go nuts not having a planer. forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
CAMPBELLDUST,
Well, what the heck.......Shop Notes has great shop ideas and tool maintenance articles, Woodworker's Journal and (gasp) Popular Woodworking also have good tool reviews, articles on basic joinery, and projects. Workbench is another decent magazine, IMO.
Not knowing where your interests lie, it would be difficult to recommend any specific books, but, I would recommend that you consider building a small library. A used junior high or high school shop text would be a good start in that direction. FWIW.
Dano
Fine Woodworking is my most read mag. and I get every copy. Wood and Shop Notes get picked up almost every month. The rest would depend on what they have between the covers.
When I teach woodworking in my spare time I usally try to push people as far as they can. Once most people see how it is done they feel better about it and will be happier with the end results.
Scott C. Frankland
Newfoundland Wood Worker
Fine woodworking is my favorite
Recently I got an offer of 3 years of WOOD magazine for 28.00, ..:o) so I got that too
I actually think they are getting a bit better lately,
checkout theyr'e site they may still be offering that deal!
They sent that 3yr offer to my sig-o (don't know how he ended up on their mailing list though), so since my subscription was about to expire, he signed up for 3 years and I'm going to let my lapse. Tee-hee.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Only thing bugs me is they are all doing 6-7 issues a yr, Guess I like to read alot lol
One Magazine that hasn't been mentioned yet is Woodwork. It's the closest thing as far as for the professional to FWW that I've found yet. It's a good mag. They cover a wide range of woodworking. If you're wanting to learn how to do some turning, you'll love this magazine even better. Their slogan is " A magazine for all Woodworkers" There is at least one person who frequents this forum that I know of that had a article in there within the past year, Richard Jones. It's worth checking out, it's only every other month though. Oh well.
I agree regarding Woodwork. I usually end up picking it up at B&N whenever I see the new issue. I like that they cover more than just projects. They get a lot into the people that do woodworking. They had a great interview with Frank Klaus a couple of issues ago. They have also done some good articles on woodworking schools lately. I highly recommend it, at least for an occasional read. Both FWW and WW give you a target to aim for if you are a beginner.
Brian, who picked up the July/August WW yesterday.
Brian Brady
"If you keep doing what you've been doing, you'll keep getting what you've been getting." - Unknown
I really liked the article in Woodwork awhile back about Tage Frid. It was about a couple of his students describing how it was like learning under him. It was really interesting. He's a true legend in his time. I read this excerpt from Tage Frid in a book once. In short, he was totally opposed to pegged M&T, alternating grain(up,down,up,down) for tabletops and many other practices you see everyday in magazines and books. He says it in a comical way too. He said something like "alternating boards is fine if you want your top to have the washboard look, if you're into that". Had to be there I guess. John E. Nanasy
There was an article in the 25th anniversary issuse by Harry Gilpin about Tage Frid. Is it the same one? I found that article very intresting to say the laest.
That was a good issue , I have it. Just recently I bought Frank Klauz video on making a dovetail drawer. He is amazing , the speed in which he cuts them. makes it look sooo easy...HA
My wife and kids got me a book for Fathers Day titled "The Fine Art of Cabinetmaking" by James Krenov. What a wonderful book.
I think thats the one of his I have, I need to read it again, I bought it yrs ago when I wasn't into woodworking as much as I am now. One thing about where I live (Phoenix area) there is not much classes (if any) available locally. I read online other areas of the country offering woodworking courses. You can learn alot from books, But I think its nice to take an inspiring class with the experts too.
I left outside Philsdelphia and I have the same problem. The nearest Woodcraft store is 30 + miles away and the WW expo comes here in November. In March you get the Firniture expo but that is about it unless you want to do some serious traveling.
Gosh - you are in the diarrr straights for furnotuire making!!(G)
With all of the history of furniture making comming from this area of our fine country you would most likley hard pressed to find any furnituremakers in your area. A bummer of a day trip to get to go to the Mistic Sea Port or or or the Rohdes Island School of Design or or an number of 50 or so national furniture shows
bert
Bones,
I have been subscribing to WOODWORK for several issues now and wholeheartedly agree w/you. I believe it is well written, nicely done and the variety keeps my interest. I would put it very close to FINE WOODWORKING. wb
Uh-oh. Now you've done it. You've mentioned James Krenov and Richard Jones in the same thread. There's gonna be trouble if Sgain ever finds out... <g>
Scott
Edited 6/7/2002 6:24:34 PM ET by the rev
Edited 6/7/2002 6:25:38 PM ET by the rev
Campbelldust:
Let me put in a heavy plug for Woodsmith magazine. Yes, it only comes out 6 times a year, and sometimes the projects do not fit my needs, but as a beginner to woodworking, I find the magazine's detailed explanations invaluable. For example, on a recent project instead of telling you to "make a locking rabbet joint" and then moving on to the next step, they include a sidebar with clear drawings which show you exactly HOW to cut a locking rabbet joint. The other nice thing is that Woodsmith does not assume that you have the full arsenal of powertools; they often try to show a lower-tech solution, such as one on a table saw.
For many, Woodsmith may be too simple in some regards, but I really enjoy the clear explanations, even if I hijack the techniques to employ in projects of my own design.
I do, though, also subscribe to Fine Woodworking for the inspiration it provides!
Purds
A good new series from FWW is those hard cover books about cabinet making , shaping and Joinery. I have the first 2 with the cabinet making book by Andy Rae being my favorite (they are expensive, but I bought 2 from Amazon.com and saved 30%). I like the full color layouts on more than one way to do most things. Thing I hate about those woodsmith magazines is like you said some issues don't have anything I like to make in it... so I go to woodstore and buy the back issues i want.
Ed,
I agree. Stay with quality; FWW has it. The new series you mention has good info, which is where the beginner ought to focus anyway. In trying to get off on the right foot, a beginner could do far worse than Andy Rae's book.
I also find interesting perspectives by turning my attention abroad. The English magazine, Furniture and Cabinetmaking, is terrific. I've subscribed for a little over a year now. We have lost some of our vocabulary over here, and with it some of our ability to communicate with each other. Sgian actually remarked regarding something like this recently. "A muntin is different than a mullion", etc.... A plinth is not a "base-thingy". It's more than words, though; techniques too, and an understanding of what and why.
Damn. Will that get censored? I said, D_a_m_n. My name, or my handle-- same person, keeps coming up in this thread and I don't really know why. But I agree that both Woodwork out of Califruitcake, and Furniture & Cabinetmaking out of the UK are both good magazines in their way, and I have to admit an interest in that I've had articles published in both. And I know Woodwork is about to publish more of my inane drivellings on designing and making a bed-- I can't help suffering from verbal diaerrheoa(sp?.) I've always like words. Both those magazines offer a good read for a certain readership. Fine Woodworking is also a good and informative resource. If all these choices are out of a beginner's depth, Woodworker's Journal, American Woodworker, Wood, etc., are all also worth buying. I know nothing about the other magazines suggested in this thread, so no comment. My advice, for what it's worth to a beginner would be to read something like Woodworker's Journal and Wood, neither of which I read, for the 'how to' aspect of basic woodworking and more, but also read one or more of FW, Woodwork, and Furniture & Cabinetmaking for the dream to be fulfilled, which perhaps may never happen, but at least it's something to aim for. Slainte, RJ.RJFurniture
Califruitcake ? Is this a wood species or something? Could you please explain? John
Califruitcake? Explain? I know you're just jerking my chain. :-) Slainte, RJ.RJFurniture
Yup..John
Sgian,
Sorry for dragging your name into this. Ironic that I'm actually from California, used to farm nuts and was introduced to woodworking by my grandfather, who had a couple thousand acres of peaches, plums and nectarines, among other fruit. Now I just deal with the human kind. Woodworking helps stop, or at least mask, the madness. I respect your thoughts, but how about I let you volunteer your own name next time.... Apologies.
Cheers,
Greg
Greg, I wasn't bothered that you'd mentioned my name, or more precisely, handle, and no apology is needed-- your observation in your post was, by the way, an interesting and valid contribution. I didn't look at this thread until it had more than twenty responses. I was surprised to see my name/handle mentioned a couple of times. As this had happened I felt I ought to make a contribution, but also declare my conflict of interest so anyone reading my message could evaluate my opinion knowing that it might be tainted by self interest.
I've never used my real name in a forum, and anyway my alter ego Sgian is a much nicer bloke than the real me, ha, ha. Any email addresses I supply to forums are 'altered' too. There is always a link at the end of all my posts which takes anyone that has the urge to click on it to my website. All anyone might want to know about me can be found there. Actually, I didn't really think anyone was fooled by my handle anymore after all these years of posting verbal drivel in forums. Slainte, RJ.RJFurniture
Sgian,
I know, I know, it's really Dark Knife, right? I actually have visited your site a time or two, finding it at the end of your posts. Nice work. Names don't really matter so much in a place like this one, though.
As to my point, it isn't sharp enough yet. One day I'll think of a way to put it concisely and in the form of an invitation to discuss it. The "it" being the differences between approaches and training here in the USA with those in the olde countries. It goes beyond our silly and dangerous tablesaws.
You might remember a profile of an architectural carver in Furniture and Cabinetmaking a few issues back. He retired from the RAF, learned carving and eventually came to the USA. He now operates a very large carving business based in San Francisco. Anyway, when asked what the differences were between Americans and Brits (in the carving business) he reduced some of it to the word, "vocabulary". The Americans have lost, or never learned some of the vocabulary of that profession. In England, he could communicate over the telephone with someone and discuss something like an acanthus leaf carving and have it mean something precise at both ends of the phone line. In the USA, someone might clumsily try and describe this leaf-thingy I that looks kind of like an oak, only longer....
It seems Americans tend to have (and even need) less formal or traditional training. No certificates, no "pedigree" (a point of pride, for most of us!), just some examples of work and off we go. On the other hand, we are less inhibited. Why be restricted from thinking outside the box when we don't even consider there is a box. Anyway, it seems a bit sad to lose the links to the past, even if our boldness and inhibitionlessness (see, there's a new word!) have their own special American value. It's also a shame to have so much good info (both regarding hand and power tools and techniques) only a quarter of a world away but largely unknown and unshared. As just one example, I'd like every woodworker , tool manufacturer (and products liability lawyer) in this country to read all the things said in this forum about tablesaw safety....
Back to the present point. There are some terrific benefits in seeing what furnituremakers are doing across the pond. A magazine such as Furniture and Cabinetmaking helps me do that.
Cheers,
Greg
"On the other hand, we are less inhibited. Why be restricted from thinking outside the box when we don't even consider there is a box."
I agree with you up to a point, Greg. Not knowing that there is a box allows you to be free. However, that also leads to reinventing the wheel time after time, and being stuck within the confines of your knowledge, or lack of it. There is almost nothing new in traditional wooden furniture making, and a thorough in depth knowledge of the history of the subject can also lead to enlightenment. After all, if you don't know what's been done before, how do you know that your new whacky idea wasn't invented 500 or 2,000 years ago, and is now common knowledge amongst those, like me, 'restricted' by the box? I actually find my formally trained 'box' rather liberating. Slainte, Sgian Dubh, aka, Richard Jones.
RJFurniture
Edited 6/10/2002 9:38:43 PM ET by Sgian Dubh
Richard,
Actually, I agree with you and sort of wanted to discuss this in its own thread one day. Maybe because I get kind of sick of the blame America first attitude in other contexts that I didn't wish to sound as if criticising my own while pointing to an attractive aspect of another "culture". I don't want to try and reinvent every wheel ever tried, and recognize, for example, the word, "prototype" rightly implies only the first step in a process of improvement. (unfortunately, my own work consists of a series of prototypes; with improvement, they may one day be "one offs"!) It may seem elementary, but tools, hand and other, were designed with intended purposes and methods, best achieving their intended result when used properly. Beyond simply the practical, I think it's very sad when our knowledge of and links to the past are lost. I like the idea that an acanthus leaf has a specific meaning (probably has a specific spelling, too...) and that a mullion is not a muntin. These things are not merely trivial. Obviously, there are other things too. I think we in this country could benefit from such knowledge. It's one of the main reasons I subscribe to F&C along with FWW, and must be why I consider your posts carefully too.
Cheers,
Greg
Well Greg, let's let the topic revert to magazine choices. You raise interesting points that might benefit from airing, but a new thread, as you suggest might be best, but only when you're ready. I'm pretty sure I'll be out of town for a week or two in a few days so you won't see much of me. Got to go to the Olde Countrie, talk in a funny accent, and knock back large quantities of beer, etc.. Slainte, RJ.RJFurniture
Richard,
Via con Dios.
Cheers,
Greg
Greg;
I have to take exception to your comment about having to go a quarter of the world away to catch up to the old cabinetmaking traditions; it's still alive in Canada, certification system, language and all. I have two journeyman certificates, one as an industrial woodworker, and one as a cabinetmaker with an Interprovincial (we call it IP) red seal on it, that means I've been tested against a national occupational analysis (and I did 8-10,000 hours under journeymen before I wrote the exam), and I can go anywhere in Canada to work. I can probably go anywhere in the world that still has that system (definitely the English speaking ex-colonies) and work, because we all have a similar, measureable standard with which to compare competencies....a third year apprentice in Australia or Britain is at the same level as a third year apprentice in Canada, not counting differences in ability between individuals. I couldn't say the system here is without problems, but it's still going. In my region, the exam is available, but it hasn't been possible to register as an apprentice before; I've been involved over the last year in trying to get it really up and running here, including reviewing the curriculum that will be used; (if I'm still teaching next year, it will remain a major priority for me, and the certification as a journeyman is definitely a motivator for my students). That curriculum is based on the National Occupational Analysis for Cabinetmaking, which in turn is compared to similar documents in other countries. I'm not trying to bash the U.S here, but in a lot of ways, you're the only industrialised country that doesn't have a system like this....although there was a guy on the cabinetmaking forums last year or so, who claimed that traditional apprenticeships were still on the books in most states, but they simply weren't in use.
I'm also involved with a national organisation for commercial cabinetmakers (the canadian version of AWI), and one thing on their agenda is a lot of post-journeyman level certifications.....you could (potentially) get qualifications as a lead hand, then a foreman, and eventually as a Master (this used to be available in Alberta at one time, I understand, but it lapsed). We're not close to that now, but there are a lot of German and Swiss cabinetmakers in Canada, and some of them that are in this organisation are pushing this.
Anyway, I disagree with you about Americans not 'needing' formal training; I think if you had more of it available, the value would be more apparent. This is a living, breathing thing, not just history.cabinetmaker/college instructor. Cape Breton, N.S
Adrian,
Thanks so much for your comments. I always did like Canadians.... It's pretty clear I've spoken from a point of ignorance, and based in part on some assumptions. (as an egocentric American, I do that sometimes) As you can see, though, it's also clear my thoughts were expressed a bit prematurely and I said so. I hope the overarching message is that there is an enormous value in learning, apprenticeship and standards of practice and communiation. Also a great sadness in losing the links to these. Couldn't agree more with you on the topic of the living and breathing aspect of furniture and cabinetmaking (not just history). Hopefully, there is no end point to our evolution; hopefully, the positive steps in our evolution will have been fully incorporated and not lost to history. It sure seems the certification system you describe assists in this preservation, among its many other attributes.
This whole thing started (with me) in the form of thoughts about the value of other magazines. It's really a question of the value of other perspectives and where to find them. I'll have to dig up the Furniture and Cabinetmaking magazine article profiling the former RAF officer now making stunning architectural carvings in San Francisco. Maybe more direct quotes would better convey the man's thoughts. My sense was that he was simply responding to the question of differences, and being quite complimentary at the same time. Different, the Americans are, but good in their own ways.
As someone thoroughly enjoying trying to learn on my own (which really means reading a lot and asking others, as well as diving in and trying) I am just also noticing the benefits of the more thorough educational process you describe. Putting it in non-America-bashing-type terms is a neat trick too.
Do you think there would be an interest/benefit in discussing this general topic in its own thread? Would you be willing to contribute again? As you can see, my own thoughts are pretty disorganized at this point. More of an itch in the back of my brain.
On the other hand, maybe I should just sit back, knock back a few cold ones, and be quiet.
Cheers,
Greg
Because California Is full of fruits and NUTS?
Taken from local Phoenix talk shows...(they are all moving here!!)
Really, didn't know that. I'm in Phoenix about once a month. I haven't found a reason to move there yet. I'm not "NUTS" about the heat, but I guess you would get used to it after a while.John
Not a heat thing , I think its Cost of living in Cal.
Interesting. Are there many jobs in Phoenix that pay as well as they do in California. If so, then I can see why people make the move. I can also see why folks might choose to retire there.
I think we're way off the topic here so maybe we should let it get back to the original subject. Interesting conversation though, thanks for the info.
John
Edited 6/10/2002 1:28:03 PM ET by John
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled