butch59

levitious,
Regarding your pigment powder, you wrote "Some can be found here for really cheap". Is there supposed to be a link?
Where is "here"?

OK I’m late to this thread, but I feel the need to add my 2 cents../.

I watched Norm when my woodworking was limited to home improvement activities. I did learn from watching Norm but at that time much of what he was teaching was probably lost on my lack of skill and understanding. A previous post said he was like a professor in his approach. I have never met him, but I wonder if that style was his personal style or was coached by the show’s directing staff. Either way….. I do miss seeing him build a project even if a brad nailer was used.

David Marks had some interesting projects but I felt like the show came and went so fast I can’t provide any comments.

I'm only a few years into furniture making as a hobby / stress relief. I travel a lot with my job and don't really get much shop time; however, I appreciate each minute. I came across Tommy MacDonald’s website and 207 Woodworking forum about a year ago. I emailed Tommy and told him I would be in his area on one of my work related trips and he invited me to stop by his shop. This man took 2 hours out of his day to show me various projects he was currently involved in. He also spent time with me showing and explaining some hand tool techniques that I was struggling with. On top of that he told me to take some wood and his tools back to the hotel so that I could practice more of what he showed me!

Perhaps it is a case of “when the student is ready the teacher will appear”, but for me his podcasts, videos (dvds) and forum have really “clicked” with me. I now know techniques that have allowed me to really elevate my skills and the quality of work I produce. I have nothing but good things to say about Tommy and the supporting members on the 207.

I’m hopeful that the production staff will infuse the success elements they had with Norm with the energy and passion of Tommy to create a long running show we can all enjoy.

Butch59 (AKA BladeRuiner)

I have a Ryobi BTS21 and it performs very well. I too use my garage as a workshop so space was a consideration. I have a store near me that sells factory reconditioned units at 50% of retail so it was a good deal for me.

The only down side to the Ryobi BTS21 is that with the sliding miter table you don't get a T-slot in the top of the table which limits the use of some jigs.

Other than that I am happy with the tool.