Recommended DVD Series, or Resource for A-Z Basic Finish Carpentry

[Grasshopper]

This is my first new thread, so hopefully I am posting in the right place. 

I am definitely aspiring to get the most out of my Festools.  (I am so excited as I was able to buy several Festools at a garage sale of all places, and my business partner surprised me with an order with several from my "wish list", which is shipping now).

I should have all the Festools I need (for now  ;D…first step is admitting you have a problem…right) for a host of projects.

I would love the FOG's advice on their single top resource for a greenhorn such as myself to learn the A-Z's of finish carpentry (I am a YouTube Jock, but I'd prefer a single resource, site, or DVD series that goes over the fundamentals).

Justinh had suggested the Gary Katz Mastering Finish Carpentry DVD Series (10 discs comes in at $284.80+shipping/taxes) to me on another thread. 

I thought I'd start a thread here on the subject which could help me and other FOG'gers learn a good overview (and hopefully keep all fingers and thumbs).

I appreciate any of your suggestions.

If it helps, I am looking to build: Kitchen Island, Window Seats, New baseboard/casings/headers/crown moulding, built-ins, eventually workshop in garage (I drool at erock's setup), finish my basement with stadium theater seats, home theater, bar, curved bench seat, etc.

To date, I haven't built a birdhouse, so I am jumping in headfirst!

Thanks again to the FOG, I look forward to hearing what suggestions you have for a DVD series or resource for the A-Z of finish carpentry.

 

[GreenGA]

If you want to get your feet wet before diving in at the deep end, WWGOA (Woodworkers Guild of America) has a yearly subscription for all their video "training".  Occasionally, they have discounts for the first year. About $30.00.

George Vondriska (I assume the person that started it all) is a terrific teacher.  They add a video every week and about once a month, they add a full length, premium content, video.

I have no affiliation with them or George, I just happen to appreciate anyone that can "teach", no matter the subject.

http://www.wwgoa.com/

 

[sancho57]

To be honest the best videos Ive seen other then Katz on cabinet making is joe Fuscos. There old but have a easy to follow build process
heres part one, they arent exacly in order but this is pretty much the method I use.



joe is very good at explaining crown moulding. His chart that he created is in several books

You can also go to festool tv and erock has a extensive video series on cabinent making

 

[Grasshopper]

Thanks for the replies:

If you want to get your feet wet before diving in at the deep end, WWGOA (Woodworkers Guild of America) has a yearly subscription for all their video "training".  Occasionally, they have discounts for the first year. About $30.00.

http://www.wwgoa.com/

GreenGA, I will have to check out the WWGOA site.

To be honest the best videos Ive seen other then Katz on cabinet making is joe Fuscos. There old but have a easy to follow build process

Thanks jobsworth, that was a great series (looked very simple).

Since you reference the Katz videos, in your opinion is that the most comprehensive (i.e.. start to finish A to Z)?

Thanks to all who have responded so far.

 

[Grasshopper]

I wanted to bump this thread to see if there are any other recommendations.

Also, I am not opposed to shelling out for the Katz library if it is really that good.

Please chime in if you have strong feelings about the Katz dvd series (or any other comprehensive resource ) for that matter.

On paper the Katz series seems like it covers tools, techniques, etc. so I'm looking for real life opinions on either this series or another you swear by.

Thanks again in advance.

 

[Brice Burrell]

The Katz videos are very good for beginners to moderately skilled people.  The content is a little more geared toward efficient finish carpentry for professionals.  While it does cover pretty basic skills needed to get started it is made for those with at least some carpentry knowledge.  I'd suggest stating out with one of the Katz videos and see if his style suits you before jumping in on the full set.  If you haven't already be sure to check out the what you can on Katz on Youtube and This is Carpentry.   

 

[sancho57]

Thanks for the replies:

If you want to get your feet wet before diving in at the deep end, WWGOA (Woodworkers Guild of America) has a yearly subscription for all their video "training".  Occasionally, they have discounts for the first year. About $30.00.

http://www.wwgoa.com/

GreenGA, I will have to check out the WWGOA site.

To be honest the best videos Ive seen other then Katz on cabinet making is joe Fuscos. There old but have a easy to follow build process

Thanks jobsworth, that was a great series (looked very simple).

Since you reference the Katz videos, in your opinion is that the most comprehensive (i.e.. start to finish A to Z)?

Thanks to all who have responded so far.

Well what I would do, is get the video for the project I wanted to start first. So If you want to run base and casing then Id get that video first.

Brice is correct when he said to check out this is carpentry. Lot of good stuff on there. But to be honest the videos, articles, even classes will cover the basics. The only way to really learn is after you watch the videos,took the class etc to learn is to get out and do it.

Its been my experience, if you ask 10 people how to do something you'll get 300 answers. plus there will be situations that no one can teach you to get through, you have to think how to get it done  , work arounds, compromises how to cover up the "grrrrr" moments.
Nothing can beat experience of doing it hands on by your self

 

[Erich]

I would like to endorse the Gary Katz DVDs. They are an excellent resource on finish carpentry.  My partner and I have been doing stain grade finish work for a number of years. We own a set of those DVDs and still refer back to them from time to time. Gary does finish carpentry roadshows every year. It is an all day seminar, usually sponsored by local lumberyards or building materials suppliers, that cover all sorts of finish carpentry techniques. Festool is even one of his sponsors. He is about done for this year with only two left, but check it and him out at garymkatz.com.