Books/Magazines/Publications Etc.

[woodrat]

Ok, here is a question that is going to elicit a lot of differing opinions.

But then, you know what they say about opinions...Everyone has one
and is perfectly entitled to it.

I need to know which books, mags, etc, that most of you consider to be
the most helpful, informative, the best 'how to', and has the best plans for
projects. Tips, tricks, helpful hints, etc.

The picnic gave me the idea that I want/need to subscribe to some sort
of publication to get ideas and to further my skills. I'm just an amature
beginner but have the desire to do more than I'm currently doing.

Thanks for your input,

Woodrat aka Archie

[GregSmith]

Your choice of reading material probably depends on your project goals - What do you want to make? - furniture for kids, antique reproductions, pens, boxes, etc.

I'd say blow $50 and subscribe to 3 woodworking magazines for a year. You'll get enough tool reviews, joinery techniques, and project plans to keep you busy while you're learning.

Whatever you end up making, you can't go wrong with one of the books on finishing from either Bob Flexner or Jeff Jewitt.

[PeteM]

I'd suggest the on-Line subscription to Fine Woodworking. You can search past articles; View bunches of videos; etc. etc. etc.

Also check out:
http://thewoodwhisperer.com/
His videos are pretty good and his Links page will point you to other good sites.

pete

[Don Sorensen]

Seems like there's something in every issue of ShopNotes that I want to do or build. And I think it's bi-monthly so you won't get buried in a stack of magazines "to be read".

Fine Woodworking gets a vote from me, as well.

[Glennbear]

I am a voracious reader so I subscribe to several and find all helpful and informative. I tend to agree with Greg, try several since most give a hefty discount deal to new subscribers.

[DaveO]

Fine Woodworking
Popular Woodworking
Wood
Shop Notes
Woodsmith
and sometime Woodcraft (although it's going downhill quickly) are some of my favorites.
If you would like you can borrow several years worth of back issues of most of them from me...I can't throw anything away.
That might feed your head for a long while.

When I first started having an interest in woodworking, I raided my FIL collection of ww'ing mags. He has decades of back issues of just about every publication out there. I would read through a few dozen every time I visited. I learned a tremendous amount from them.


Dave

[rcorne01]

I enjoy:
Wood
Popular Woodworking
Woodsmith

I have taken Shop Notes in the past, but didn't get enough new material when compared to the above magazines to feel like it was worth my effort to keep my subscription going.

I will be adding Creative Woodcrafts before much longer, and most likely letting my Popular Woodworking and Woodsmith subscriptions expire.

I would recommend subscribing to a few (maybe a couple or three for a year) and find out which ones you enjoy. There is nothing inherently wrong with the magazines I am dropping, it is just that over the years I have subscribed to them, I have found which ones I enjoy and look forward to, versus those I read because they show up.

[cptully]

My personal favorite is Fine Woodworking (subscription I share with my dad) along with Fine Homebuilding (complementary both very different focus). I also read Wood regularly, and periodically peruse the shelves at Borders or Barnes & Noble for interesting issues from other journals. As I am only drooling over it at this point, I can't really recommend it but I have put Tage Frid's three volume set on my wish list (set the FWW website for details). My dad also subscribes to Shop Notes which I usually find interesting.

[woodrat]

Hey, thanks everyone for the words of wisdom. I'm
very appreciative.

Now, I can take all the suggestions, check each one out
online and make a more informed choice.

Thanks a lot everyone.


Woodrat

[ScottM]

Archie, since most of my past wood working has been scrolling I found Wood magazine a good starting point for my "stepping it up". One suggestion to to go to Barnes & Noble or like place and browse a few different publications. Then you can purchase one and get started.

[dancam]

My favorites are;
Popular Woodworking (has gotten much better in the last few years)
Fine Woodworking
Wood
Woodsmith.

I'd also agree w/getting a few to start and see what suits you. You can try the following website for deals.
http://www.magazinepricesearch.com/

Dan C.

[DaveD]

Even as a beginner I think you should subscribe to Fine Woodworking. I subscribed to it for years back when I was really into 'basic' woodworking.

I liked it for the very reason that 70% of its projects were beyond my capability. I felt I learned a lot about techniques, jigs, finishing ideas, etc. from those articles.

I tired of the other mags I subscribed to (on and off throughout the years) because after the 18th article about building an endtable (or whatever) or reviews of the same run of the mill tools it got 'boring'. Exactly how many articles can you read about how to apply minwax products?

I tend to use the same philosophy for other areas of interest and I think it really helps me to aspire to learn more and more.

[adowden]

I like the suggestions that everyone else has made. One "free" way to learn more is check out the wood whisperer at:

www.thewoodwhisperer.com

I find Mark's podcasts both informative and entertaining. I think what I appreciate most is his willingness to admit mistakes and show that he is human.

I get both Fine Woodworking magazine and the online subscription. I really like when I get stuck being able to search for any FWW article to get the information that I need. This has bailed me out numerous times.

I also like and get Wood magazine.

Amy

[LeftyTom]

Check Ebay for cheap subscriptions to some of those mags. Sometimes, you will find a better deal there. Remember to buy from a seller with a good amount of positive feedback.

[JimD]

I will add my 2 cents worth.

I currently subscribe to FWW and Wood. I used to subscribe to Woodsmith and still have several years worth of back issues. I also pick up the American Woodworker router issue off the stands every year in March. Several years ago they had a homemade router lift in this issue and I incorporated it into a "Norm style" router table I like very much.

I have only built one project based upon plans in FWW. I buy it mostly for good reviews and articles. Plans are not too tough for me at this point, just not something we want/need. They are tougher than the other mags I have subsribed to, however.

Wood has some good plans but I like Woodsmith plans the best. They look good when you are done but are not too tough. He also does not waste wood. You can order Woodsmith plans online as pdf files for a few dollars. Last time I looked, they would give you an issue for free to try them out. American Woodworker will also sell you prior articles or issues for a few dollars. Wood does something like this too. It's good to subsribe but when you get ready to make something, it's also good to look online for what plans are available. I consider $5-10 for plans cheap. I mostly use hardwoods these days to materials cost a lot more.

Jim