Woodworker's Journal archive disc

[atlr]

Would this Woodworker's Journal collection be a worthwhile gift for a beginning woodworker? http://www.woodworkersjournal.com/Main/Store/Woodworkers-Journal-Complete-Collection-DVDROM-696.aspx

Any other suggestions for educational material?

 

[leer]

I've got several banker's boxes full of Woodworker's Journals.  I thought about getting the archive set since I go back to them a lot for ideas.  Obviously some things get hopelessly dated, like that 10 year old review of cordless drills!  But most good plans and tips are timeless.

I had let my membership lapse, but have renewed it.  I get Wood, and Woodsmith currently.  I used to get ShopNotes magazine, and keep thinking I'll renew it. My problem is that I never want to throw them out, and the boxes keep growing.

Having digital editions would be nice, especially being able to search for something specific.

I've been doing woodworking for 40+ years, and learn new things all the time.  Immerse yourself in good reference materiel, and consider joining a local woodworking club.

 

[James D]

Sorry - can't offer any opinion on the Woodworker's Journal…but I just placed an order for one a few days ago as a self elected Xmas present .

In the way of other suggestions, I have subscribed to both Woodsmith and Shopnotes for many years and have all the hardcopy back issues from day one.  Recently, I've been using the digital version of both and can't recommend them enough.  The convience of being able to use the search feature is invaluable.  Between the two, there is a vast resource of "how to" and plans for both beginner and "expert".  If your thinking about it, I suggest you stop by a local bookstore and glance at the hardcopy versions to check out the format.  The issues have basically no filler adds and details on any special jigs use to construct the feature projects.

Take a look at their website if interested.

James   

 

[atlr]

James D and leer, in your view, how does Woodsmith differ from Shopnotes?

If I understand the Woodsmith/Shopnotes web site correctly,  the total cost for a 2 year subscription to both and back-issue DVDs for both costs $90.

 

[nclemmons]

I subscribe to both Woodsmith and Shopnotes.

Woodsmith tends to focus on furniture projects with an occasional tool review or shop project.  Shopnotes tends to focus on shop projects with an occasional furniture project or woodworking technique.

I find both of them to be well written with detailed materials and cutting methods.  I also think Woodsmith has 'upped their game' in some of their articles by moving beyond simple shaker-style types of furniture to much more detailed designs.

I have every issue of both and will refer back to them from time to time. Their annual index helps to find the articles!

neil

 

[leer]

I'm a new subscriber to Woodsmith and I'm thinking of subscribing again to ShopNotes.  I think neilc gave a pretty good reason to have both, which I had not considered.  Their drawings and construction details are very nice.  My problem is that all my subscriptions run out at different times, and I never seem to get them renewed on time, and they lapse, and I start up a new subscription.  So far, I have manageds to have multiple subscriptions to the same magazine!

I picked up a Woodcraft issue a few months ago at the local store, and thought it was pretty well done.  I just cannot imagine subscribing to yet another magazine, I also get Wood, and Woodworkers Journal. 

 

[nclemmons]

I subscribe to Woodsmith, ShopNotes and Fine WW.  Those and the FOG keep me with plenty of ideas!

neil