John1910

Enjoyed the introduction of the staff. I am totally impressed that the website is handled by so few individuals. I have been known to spend nearly a day on it exploring and watching the various segments. My biggest frustration is when you roll out the series spaced days apart. It is like watching TV series, not good for me. I get tips and techniques I can use from even the simplest of projects and I especially like the Fast Fix segments. Is that the best photo of Ed you have to show us in this intro?

Yes, I have. Been out of touch for over a month and expected to see it loaded up. Been about 3 months now, I would have thought this could have been ready by now. The teaser was frustrating enough but to wait this amount of time seems a little unreasonable. I don't know if I missed a disclaimer about it being in print first or not. If that is the case I would suggest not doing the quickie podcast deal as the time in between is unreasonably long.

Interesting idea but the only photo showing the support is not very informative. Nice carving though. Would like to see other photos of the support please.

A recent participant to this site I too wanted to know who is Thomas J. MacDonald. I went to the website 207 and found projects that were not beyond my reach. I found someone interested in the project and having fun doing it. It was a podcast and is a different animal than a TV show. I watched all of the secretary podcasts in about 4 days. Even staying up til midnight doing so. Tom has provide a rare glimpse at the total process of find furniture making. The total package of emotions, redos, steps, hints, etc. I would have liked to read or hear how the critics viewed the secretary at RISD. I know I got inspired and that is a major point. I am reminded of how critical many were of Norm Abram but no one can deny his valuable contribution to the craft. I can overlook most of the English issues, TV will re-shoot language issues, I have faith in WGBH to produce a show worthy of its reputation. There is no doubt Tom has the talent and soul to do the task that he has chosen to take. I only hope my Public Television Station KPBS, will subscribe.

I understand it is a behind the scene event, but only 3 photos? Spring for about 6 photos to give us more to look at. Can it be that difficult?

This would be an excellent addition to my library. I have been researching wood working from medieval time to present to see how various tools and construction methods have changed.

As mentioned in the article the table saw is the primary tool of use in most hobbyist shops and commercial. I agree it is primarily user error I also believe that there are accessory items on the market that are not safe or require an excessive amount of care to use properly. At a recent demonstration held at my local woodworkers store it was pointed out that the taper jig has some conditions of use that may not be readily apparent. This item goes on sale and even Norm Abram used a version that really was entirely safe from kickback. The push sticks a common item should accomplish more that just moving the wood through the saw, but there are many on the market for sale that are only bird beak notches on a stick. In the demonstration of making a small shop cabinet Garret Hack is shown using two thin stick to move wood through. Based on my recent lecture this is not safe.
The bottom line is that we try something an it worked, we got away with doing it with no consequences. After a while we have created a technique that has inherent safety issues waiting to happen. Focus on the wood, its position on the table, watching for wood shape changes due to reaction wood, and then not putting hands beyond the front saw plate are good basic points that will minimize accidents.

Am I missing something. All I see is 3 photos for each day. Is that it? Certainly there would be close-up photos. Are there storyboards or plans being used in the build? If so can we see them?