KD7NKN

While the safety issue is interesting, I think the question itself is even more interesting. I think it reveals much about the state of Fine Woodworking as an entity.

The question, "Is this safe to publish?" is really the question, "Who's reading this magazine?"

Is this technique safe for the novice woodworker; someone brand new to the craft? Maybe, maybe not, but it's not something I'm going to teach a newcomer until I have some confidence that he/she has the wherewithal to make sound judgments when working with power tools.

Is this technique safe for the seasoned craftsmen? Again, maybe, maybe not, but the veteran is at least going to have withstood the test of time and should (theoretically) have a base of experience to draw from when making that decision.

So who is reading Fine Woodworking?

I think this question reveals a fundamental conflict within the pages of Fine Woodworking. Is this a magazine for craftsmen, or a magazine for the DIYer or novice? I think FW is struggling with an identity crisis.

When I first subscribed to FW, it was generally accepted that this was a publication for craftsmen and artists...hence the title FINE Woodworking. It was shunned by the novice woodworker and the DIYer as being too hard/complicated. There were other more appropriate magazines available for the beginner.

However, I don't think that's true anymore. It seems to me that FW is in a strange nether world. There are still top notch articles for the artist, but you need to wade through a considerable number of articles on 'The Easy Way to Cut Dovetails!" to find them. For me, the content has weakened considerably and the decision to subscribe each year has become more difficult. However, for novice woodworker, this transition may be seen as a boon.

Should FW skew towards the advanced woodworker or towards the beginner? I won't wade into that deep water, but I do believe it needs to decide. With all the pressure that print media is under, being in the wishy-washy middle is a dangerous place to be.

Do I think FW is going to close its doors if it becomes a magazine that concentrates on educating the novice? I seriously doubt it. Taunton Press has been around awhile and I don't think its going anywhere.

I only know that if it does decide to focus primarily on the education of the new woodworker (a worthy undertaking to be sure), I will mourn the passing of what had become a haven for those who are dedicated to craftsmanship and artistry in wood.

I'm in!

*gulp*

One word..."SawStop"