I watch this show occasionally when there’s nothing much else on, but it seems I always end up confused. The guy seems likeable enough, and the quality of his work seems fine, though a little odd. The main thing I don’t like about the show is that he has never made anything that appealed to me. I realize that’s just taste, though.
But the other thing is that there are several times in each show that I just plain scratch my head and wonder if I’m missing something.
A couple of examples from the show today:
First he made the comment that he only used carbide blades in his tablesaw, and continued on to say that HSS blades get dull “because of the thickness of the blade”. Wha? The thickness? Where is he going to find 10 inch HSS blades in the first place?
Second he has a dust collection system that takes everything outside to a cyclone that drops to a pile on the ground. I have no problem with just letting it collect on the ground cause it doesn’t look like he’s bothering any neighbors or anything. But why does he have the cyclone? Is it just to gather the dust in a tighter pile?
He also said something about using the right blade on his saw, he then showed the aggressive blade he uses for ripping, and then he showed the 40t combo blade he uses for ripping and crosscut, and then he showed his stack of dado blades. There’s gotta be someone out there now that’s thinking that you use the combo and the ripping blade on the arbor at the same time to rip. Why doesn’t he just admit that if he’s in a really energetic mood he takes off his combo blade to rip. Why even confuse the issue for the beginner this segment was aimed at by talking about a ripping blade instead of just saying that the quality of the combo blade you are using will make a difference?
I know, I know, there are bigger problems in the world. But does this show make anyone else wonder if they actually watch it themselves before they put it on the air?
PS. Anyone else out there that has watched the router dad and son that has thought the dad should rout that thing off the top of his haid?
I must be in a foul mood today, Bill
Replies
Well, I watch David Marks, too, and have had a few "huh?" reactions as well. I read that the producers sought him out as their on-camera craftsman, so I guess they had their reasons. But I lay most of the blame for a poorly thought out and produced/edited show at the feet of the producers. My guess is is it's way underfunded, because a lot of the problems would be left on the cutting room floor with the right crew and production staff. They're probably rushing to air, for one thing, because many of the glitches could be caught and reshot if it was really well funded and, hence, produced. Kind of makes you kick up ol' Norm a notch, doesn't it?
'kick it up a notch'? sounds like you have been watching Emeril.
I worry about that thing on the dad's head. Growths like that should be biopsied and diagnosed way before they get that big. I haven't watched the show for awhile, but the last time I did, the thing was gone. Was that an old re-run, I wonder?
Do you ever watch The Woodwright's Shop? That's the hands-down winner of woodworking shows IMHO!
And, Norm at least produces some fairly decent looking stuff. The other WWing shows that I've seen, the end product looks so, uhhhhhh, home-made...clunky I guess, I have no desire to emulate the project.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
The Woodwrights's Shop is a great one. Sometimes I think he needs to take downers, though. LOL he just strikes me as being amped up and that this works against him sometimes when he's trying to demonstrate something. But, all in all it's a fascinating show that I have enjoyed for years.
Norm's show is awesome too. Although I must confess that I prefer his work on This Old House, which ties with The Antiques Roadshow as my all-time favorite TV show now that the Frugal Gourmet's sexaul proclivities have ended his long reign on PBS. I don't blame 'em for yanking his show. But damn... it was interesting! Cooking with Julia Child/Baking with Juia Child was really interesting too. But... they don't have that any more either! The Victory Garden is always good. Although I haven't yet watched one of the new shows with the new host. Then there is Charlie Rose... who is hands down the BEST interviewer in the history of mankind. It's on too late, though.
LOL can ya tell that I'm a PBS nut? Well... except for The Simpsons and Married With Children that is. <G>
Regards,
Kevin
Whatever happened to The American Woodworker with Scott Phillips? I've only seen it a couple of times, but it was pretty good. Do you know?
No, I don't know. Like FG, I don't even remember it. LOL
Regards,
Kevin
Hey, did you know Roy U does the show in one long take? I was amazed when he pointed that out in the anniversary show. Yes, I think he's far and away the best, though I like Norm too, been watching Yankee very little lately.
On TOH I like the plumber/HVAC, Rich Trethewey (SP?). Seems like he'd be great to work around. I like Tommy too, good sense of humor and he knows his stuff. Did you know there's a new guy to replace the host (is the current guy's name Scott?).
By the way, the person that mentioned the bimetal bandsaw blades is right. I missed that one.
Bill
The new host of This Old House is Kevin O'Conner, who replaces Steve Thomas. They've got a bio on the new host at their website along with a bunch of forums.
The show has spawned a drinking game called This Old Souse. LOL
http://www.fred.net/turtle/souse.shtml
Regards,
Kevin
I try to watch most of the woodworking shows on TV when I have the time. Not that I like them all but occasionally you can pick up some tidbits that are worthwhile. Scott Phillips' show the American Woodshop (shown here in Houston on Saturday afternoons) is probably the worst on TV (IMHO). Scott seems like a nice guy but I am not impressed in the least with his show. What sealed it for me was when he told his viewers to use Gorilla Glue for what was to be a finer piece of furniture. Now I know that they are a sponsor but it is irresponsible to recommend polyurethane glue for any furniture other than that intended for outdoor use.
Regards, Paul
Wow, I didn't even realize there were so many different WWing shows out there! Now I know what y'all do when not in the shop or here at Knots, LOL! (just kidding) I spent almost 2 years watching Roy and Norm, majorly frustrated because I had no place to work and hardly any tools to work with. Glad those days are gone!!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
You're right about Scott's love of Gorilla Glue Herb. At least Norm uses tools for their intended purpose and will tell you it's a sponsor's product...
NORM: "Hi everybody. Look at this new $8000 drum sander that TimeSaver donated to the show. Today we're going to use it to sand a big stack of panels"
SCOTT: "Now that we've got a little gorilla glue on these desk drawers, we'll move on to veneering the top with a little Gorilla Glue, and then I'll repair the sole of my shoe with a little Gorilla Glue."
On a side note, someone else mentioned the Victory Garden. Whatever happened to the guy with the beard and bad teeth? He was so cool and really knew his stuff...
Kevin
On a side note, someone else mentioned the Victory Garden. Whatever happened to the guy with the beard and bad teeth? He was so cool and really knew his stuff...
I liked him too. But, he got replaced... presumably for aesthetic reasons.
Regards,
Kevin
You folks better be careful - someone might be listening. This week Norm hand cut a couple dovetails (well almost - he took the waste out with a router) and actually used a scrapper to shape up a leg. Of course he did throw in a couple brads and did run his table top through his wide-belt sander.
Kevin, my guess is that when Roy's not working in front of the cameras, he's much more relaxed and slower-paced. I've always thought that he tries to get sooooo much in that 25 mins. or so that he's rushing. It's pretty funny! Did you see their retrospective anniversary program? Can't remember how many years it was, 20 maybe, but it was hilarious!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Yes, I did see it and you are right... it was hillarious.
Regards,
Kevin
Okay, I have to ask about your opinion of Woodcraft's guy Scott Phillups.
The guys that I didn't like I can't remember their names, 'cause I never went to the trouble of watching the show again. That's not to say they aren't worthwhile to watch, just didn't catch my fancy.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
I also saw the show this morning and watch it every week. I also watch every woodworking show aired. I do notice Mr. Marks has a style that is certainly his own. However, it's OK with me and I appreciate the effort. I feel you can get something out of any instructional program - you don't need to feel the host is suggesting that you change your approach. The bottom line is the shows are there and we should encourage these people to continue - I have only taken their knowledge without being asked for anything in return.
Glad you're there Mr. David Marks.
Regards,
SA
Sa, (South America?) Right on bro!
Let he who is withou ..... Yada Yada.
Is this a wood working forum,or a gossip column ??? Nitpicker's are us?
Except for my extreme dislike for one bearded Sears 'Gizmo' sales man , I like all those guys, (if only to watch for mistakes)
I also like Handy Maam, a guttzy mom with two equally Handy Misses? Handy Honeys??) daughters.
They even tackle the stuff we guys farm out to the pros.
I particularly look for "Missed the nail" and the occasional choking up on the hammer shots that weren't edited out.
There!.. I chided some of the purists out there, and exposed my self as a consumate chauvinist to boot. Stein.
I feel the same way about many of the new yankee projects. I don't really care for the pine stuff that he makes and some of the old pieces I would have no use for. But there are lots of techniques and shop ideas that I like so I still watch. I get something out of those shows.
I have a more positive reaction to David Mark's show even though his taste and mine are quite different. There are some things that do strike me as overboard. For instance, given that most viewers are likely to be hobbyists is it reasonable to instruct us to make all those MDF templates he is fond of using. The work of fairing up the shape of my single piece isn't more than doing the same to a hunk of MDF.
However I read through this thread expecting a comment on something Marks said today. That was the statement that bimetal bandsaw blades are for cutting wood or metal. I thought they were made of two differt metals. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Ronin
Bi-Metal refers to the blade having a strong back with a strip of harder metal bonded to it for the teeth.
So, you are right, 2 metals.
But, teeth, pattern, width, etc. are the criteria's for what a blade
is used for. So, Bi-Metal blades can be used for wood or metal.
Hope that clears up things.
To all:
I just started getting DIY, so far what little I've seen hasn't
impressed me.
But I agree, any knowledge is good.
There always something to learn.
Jeff
Bill487:
I just have to give Marks' Woodworks a nod of approval. Sure there'd been times when something he's said made me go "huh?!??" (e.g., the bi-metal bandsaw blade comment). But consider his mission: He is trying to keep the attention of as many (read "diverse") viewers as possible on a project that has to be squeezed into 30 minutes.
I've seen some of his non-Woodworks work. He is good. And does his style/taste really matter? This show is must-see for me, mainly because in the 30 minutes, I'll catch a pearl that makes me take a mental note. I don't make any of his projects, but by building on and modifying these tid-bits for my own needs, I've added to my arsenal of knowledge.
Test his work, I mean, compare it to what you know, resolve any discrepancies. You'll either learn something new, or reinforce what you already know. I know maybe 95% of what's on the show, but I still find I pick up something new when I watch.
You could watch a Canadian build a birdhouse, or some dude screw together an Adirondack chair, or good ol' Norm with his laser guided tools...point is, I think Marks' show is the best thing going right now for fine woodworking, faults and all. I've commended DIY for serving our knothead community.
PS: I am not knocking Canadian birdhouse builders ;)
Edited 6/29/2003 8:04:29 AM ET by TUFENHUNDEL
No, I'm not saying he's no good, or I wouldn't be watching him at all. And I watch even though I don't like his taste, so I agree that there are some things that he does that are interesting. Heck, Roy doesn't do much that I'd want around the house, but I don't think I've ever heard Roy (or even Norm) ever say something that made me think there are possibly substantial gaps in their understanding of what they are trying to convey.
I don't think the mistakes are from an effort to be diverse because mistakes don't help anyone. I think jimmacmahon had it when he said he thought it was the producers.
If he had a few more people around that know something about woodworking the errors wouldn't make it to air. Or at least fewer of them would.
I never meant to infer that he shouldn't be on the air or that his show wasn't useful. Like I said, he seems likeable. Sorry for the miscommunication.
Bill
I like Roy U- the best sometimes watch Norm
But I watch David Marks and think its a pretty good show- I've seen the show your refer to: the cyclone separates the air from the dust, the dust drops out instead of just blasting out going every where.
I think he does very nice work even though some is not my taste-
Something I learned long ago theres more than one way to skin a cat- I like seeing different ways others do things, I pick up a lot of useful ideas from his show.
Now If you want to hack on a Woodworking show, who really hasn't a clue about wood working I cant stand this guy I think his name is Bruce Johnson.
Hes all ways shaking like he needs to go have a drink and when he talks his head is bobbing around like one of those dogs in the rear window of the car.
And how about that Canadian guy Shlouts he has some descent tools but the prooojects always succcck I don't think he knows what hardwood is the only thing I have ever seen used on the show is 2x4 from the lumberyard.
Wow - ease up already folks!!! David Marks, the host of Wood Works, is a highly skilled and respected furniture maker and artist, which is pretty rare to find on TV. (Think Roy is about the only other.)
While I sometimes wonder why he performs a particular operation in the manner he does, I always come away from the show having learned something. The way I see it, each week I get a lesson from a master woodworker for free. Not a bad deal, IMHO.
Jeff
http://www.djmarks.com/
Edited 6/30/2003 9:58:46 AM ET by Jeff K
Beautiful work by David Marks! I've discovered why I've not seen his show: "4:00 am PST"!!!!! Hmph! We don't get DIY on cable here, so HGTV is the only option. Now, if I could just find the clicker for the video recorder.......forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Dear First Lady of the Forest: You don't get DIY channel..WOW you Poor Gal<G>
no wonder you spend soo much time in your shop..nothing good on the old tv huh..ha..gee even I get DIY & I live in the sticks..
ToolDoc
I really enjoy reading and participating in this forum, but the comments about that "thing" on the top of the router workshop Dad's head seemed a bit cruel and totally unnecessary to me. Without being too specific, that "thing" appears to be an implant of some type....doesn't look too different from a pacemaker in fact.
I would suggest we rethink the personal comments like this. I say the man has an inherent right to continue to work and pursue his profession/livelihood/hobby regardless of his state of health. If the guy had lost his hair secondary to chemotherapy, would we be justified in making bald jokes or demeaning comments about him?
Hey everybody, I've been out of the fray for the last month or so due to a spring and summer full of travel, but just came back online today and this thread caught my eye, because...
... I just returned home from seven straight days (and some nights) of instruction from -- you guessed it -- Mr. David Marks himself. The subject was gilding and patination, which, if you've looked at his own website (http://www.djmarks.com), forms a major part of his work over the last decade or so.
I don't get DIYnet, rarely get up early enough in the morning to watch "Woodworks" on HGTV, don't have Tivo and my VCR was stolen over a year ago. So I can't comment on what he may or may not say or do on the show. And while I realize that no one was saying anything personal about David, let me just throw in my 2-cents and add that, in my experience of the past week, he is a consummate craftsman, a gentleman, and one hell of a knowledgeable guy regarding most aspects of woodworking and furnituremaking. "Kind," "creative" and "giving" are equally applicable -- the guy didn't stop.
While the projects on "Woodworks" may not appeal to everybody, what I like about them are that they are his own designs, simplified slightly to balance his own personal aesthetic and the viewers' (and producers') needs for a project that can fit into one half-hour (or twenty actual minutes) of television time. And you should see what's coming down the pipeline.
Frankly, I had a blast. The stuff I learned over these past seven days will inspire months, if not years, of happy designing and making. It's too bad that the same can't be accomplished through a TV show, but the format is pretty limiting. I'm lucky to have had the experience, and I'm looking forward to studying with him again.
David"The world that was not made is not won by what is done" -- Mundaka Upanishad
David: I really envy your educational experience...
David! What a cool experience! I've had the impression over the ethernet that you're a pretty artistic guy -- I'll bet you really were in 7th heaven. Hope you'll post pics of your first Marks-inspired project.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Thanks Tufen and FG,
I will definitely post pics... just prior to the gilding and patination class I took a class on veneering, taught by Michael Cullen, who happens to live just up the road from David Marks.
Prior to working with these two guys, I had a couple of ideas percolating in the back of my head for a series of "treasure boxes" (for lack of a better description). During the two weeks that Michael and David were teaching, those boiled up to the surface (leaving other ideas behind!) and got fairly well refined. I can't wait to get started on them.
Of course, don't hold your breath. While in class, I also somehow managed to sign two commissions, for a chest-on-drawers and an entry table. Those take first priority -- once I get back from Spain. (Like I said, it's been a heavy travel season -- but Spain is vacation, not business.)
David"The world that was not made is not won by what is done" -- Mundaka Upanishad
david: now I an thoroughly upset :)
Of course you are right, and I hope you accept my apology.
Bill
Thanks Bill.....Of course I accept, but it's not really necessary to apologize to me.... but I can see the strength of your character by your willingness to do so. Actually, I didn't mean to respond to you personally, but rather meant to respond to "All" who had made similar comments in this thread. I am way too far from perfect myself to be standing in judgement of anyone else, but I just wanted to bring everyone's attention to the matter.
Dr. Roger Swain, The Victory Garden host, is on a new gardening show.People,Places and Plants. Filmed at Western Nursery in Hopkington Mass. Almost at the starting line for the Boston Marathon. Why did Steve Thomas leave This Old House?
I was wondering that too. I haven't seen a thing about his plans. Maybe he's going to be a stand up comic like Janet Weebler (not sure about the name) former female of Hometime.
Thats funny, I think her name is Joanne. If I run into Steve I'll be sure to ask him. I'll let every one know. Have a happy holiday. Ron
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