Hi folks.
I’m doing some research on what appears to be a growing popularity of woodworking among women. I have some questions and would appreciate any observations or opinions you might have (especially if you happen to be a woman!!)
1. If you’re a woman, how did you become interested in woodworking?
2. What types of projects do you tend to build?
3. What types of tools do you own?
4. Where do you do the majority of shopping for tools and materials?
5. Are you in a woodworking club? If so, what’s the ratio of men to women in your club?
6. How much money do you tend to spend per year on your woodworking projects? (sorry if this question is a bit too personal)
7. How old are you? (again, sorry for being so personal. perhaps a “range” would suffice here — i.e. 18-25, 26-35, 36-45, etc.)
8. What TV woodworking shows do you enjoy?
9. Finally, would you enjoy watching a woodworking show that featured a female host/woodworker as opposed to a male woodworker?
Thanks for your thoughts!!
TF
Replies
Rockler has a website for women woodworkers and there is a magazine out there as well and Amy Devers has a woodworking show out there on one of the DIY channels.
Why does it have to be gender based? I would enjoy a woodworking show hosted by a woman just as much as one hosted by a male as long as the information was relevent, accurate and was put forth in an entertaining manner. I don't think anyone, male or female, enjoys a show hosted by a person that is not an accomplished woodworker and is only there because of their looks or camera presence. If they don't have the skills and knowledge it becomes obvious real quick.
Ron
Ron,
That's so right. After all, Tim Taylor always had a female helper, along with Al, on "Tooltime".
Cheers,
Ray
I agree 100%. It's not about gender, at least for me. I'll watch a show if I can learn something, though as a beginner I have to be vigilant, as it's harder to distinguish the BS.
My favorite show is WoodWorks, the one with David Marks. I'm not as enamoured of his patination work, but his woodwork is outstanding and beautiful. I learn a lot from that show.
I like Amy Devers' Freeform Furniture. She's got a lot of knowledge, and I've learned some interesting things about mixing media. I'm not as much a fan of her designs, but I think she might produce more interesting work in years to come. Don't think the DIY Network guys don't know she's cute, though... on one episode of "DIY To The Rescue" one homeowner says to the male cohost about Amy "Somehow she gets a lot of work out of guys" to which the host replies "She sure does." I've seen less of Amy than I have of the Tool Time girl (Pam Anderson) but she's more interesting because she really does know her stuff.
I watch Bruce Johnson's Woodworking, but rarely learn much new any more. 'Bout time to give that one up.
I'll watch Norm whenever I spot a show on, because he gets a LOT done in a half hour!
David Thiel's Tools and Techniques is pretty much a vehicle for watching reps push tools, but it's always fun to see Thiel screw up a piece and say "Well, you get the idea." I've yet to see a rep show up with a tool and Thiel not say "I could sure use one of those in my shop." I never know if he's shilling or begging.
Even though I said at the top that it's not about gender, I notice I wrote longest about Amy. Is it wrong to think she's cute? I don't marginalize her work, and if she didn't know her stuff, I doubt I'd watch. But skill and cute work well together. Don't even get me started on Giada di Laurentiis, who hosts a cooking show on the Food Network. Hmm, I wonder if Giada and Amy might one day do a show together...
Sorry, wrong forum.My goal is for my work to outlast me. Expect my joinery to get simpler as time goes by.
Mmmmm.... Amy Devers..... Sorry, I'm smitten. ;-)
Why does it have to be gender based?How about gender of tree? Do you prefer working on female trees or male trees?;-) aloha, mike
Ha, ha. This is pretty amusing - not because it involves women doing woodwork, just because my wife goes into a tirade every time she watches some woodworking or remodeling show on one of the cable networks that features a woman "host". Her opinion is that they are posers, one and all! Just set decoration to attract viewers who do as they are told and read the script. I'll be in the other room and I'll hear her shout "No, you idiot! You sand WITH the grain! How do these people get on TV?" and I'll know she's watchin' a do-it-yourselfer show.
My advice is that if you do this, get a real woodworker and not some actress who can't even hold a tool properly let alone use it! It shows.
Mike Hennessy
Pittsburgh, PA
PS: I'll pass your survey on to my wife, the best "hired man" I ever found.
Hi Toolfanatic,
I teach woodworking through our local adult ed program and if my students are any indication YES is the resounding answer. Send in the show. Just don't talk down to us. As others have noted the problem with some of the shows for women is that they assume women are idiots. What fun is that?
The majority of my students are women (probably about 3-1 ratio). They tend to be in the 30-50 year old range and generally have little or no experience. However, while they may not know a hammer from a saw when they start, they lean fast. Several women have set up shops in their basement/garage.
They buy "real" tools (first rule for beginners - never buy a pink tool) sometimes at Sears and Home Depot often at Rockler, Lee Valley, Woodcraft and other woodworking stores (I know at least one husband showed up with a router instead of flowers for valentines day).
Projects have included tables, work benches, tool chests, CD cabinets, picture frames and the occasional birdhouse.
I love my students, they are interested, intelligent and eager to learn. From my experience a woodworking show (for all woodworkers) that was hosted by a woman would be a hit. Go for it.
Amy Devers on the DIY network.
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/press/article/0,,DIY_13703_2410193,00.html
Yes? What about her?TFToolfanatic (a.k.a. The man formerly known as "Toolfreak")
Thanks. These are the types of answers I'm looking for.And, of course, I'm not suggesting we need another show with just a "pretty face." I'm talking about an accomplished woodworker.TFToolfanatic (a.k.a. The man formerly known as "Toolfreak")
Another vote for Amy Deavers. I've seen her show a few times and there's no question that she's comfortable in the shop. Her designs aren't to my taste, but she definitely knows what she's doing.
Most of the other woman hosted shows are a waste of time. I like eye candy as well as the next guy, but I don't think I would want to work anywhere near some of these gals. On a recent "Toolbelt Diva" show, she was hanging a gate. She set the gate in place and carefully marked the hinge holes then moved it out of the way while she used her Vix bit freehanded to drill the pilot holes. That's about when I clicked over to the weather channel - lol.
If you are looking for women woodworkers, Carol Reed aka the Router Lady comes to my mind.
I get a chuckle out of latest twist on almost anything ie: "for women." I think its just another way of making a buck. Take all the stuff you've done before, label it "for women" and you have a brand new audience.
Once the woodworking is done and the project is finished, I either appreciate it or not. Can't tell the gender of the worker, can't tell their age, can't tell the brand of tool used.
I was once asked to teach an adult-ed. course called "Powderpuff Woodworking". Yes, it was the 80s, but still...
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Thank you. Your's are exactly the type of responses I was hoping for (and wasn't getting).TFToolfanatic (a.k.a. The man formerly known as "Toolfreak")
You might want to post over at WWA also:
http://www.woodworking.org/ use the InfoExcahnge, that's their forum. I promise I won't answer over there :-)forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Will do. Thanks.TFToolfanatic (a.k.a. The man formerly known as "Toolfreak")
Hey Tool,
By night and weekends I'm a woodworker, by day a TV Producer. Several of my friends have approached me to help develop a DIY TV show. Not my area of expertise. A word of caution, HGTV, DIY, A&E, Discovery...will pay you zero $$$$ for a DIY show. They are a dime a dozen. The good news is, go PBS. Still not an easy sell but the best place to make some return on your time and investment. Don't shoot a show and expect to sell it to a network, PBS or a sponsor. Develop a concept in writing, perhaps a 2 minute video and shop it around. Get a proven personality, in fact you may be better off with a female...a bit more unique. A network/cable station and/or sponsor will be buying you and your host, not a show concept. You will have many mouths to feed when it comes for the concept. Try to find a PBS producer to help you develop the show. Like I said, not my area of expertise...sorry I can't help you further.
Good luck!
Thanks. I just sent you an e-mail. Please call me sometime.TFToolfanatic (a.k.a. The man formerly known as "Toolfreak")
FG,
" every time I see any media (magazine; TV) that's "for women" it involves making silly decorative stuff ..."
Last year one day, I was at the local hardware store. There were a couple guys, obviously in the construction trade, in line ahead of me at the checkout counter. I noticed them chuckling over something that was in a box on the counter, and when I got up to it, the box was full of a new line of tools for women. There was a clawhammer, a tape measure, and a screwdriver, all packaged up real pretty, and they all were painted PINK, with little FLOWERS all over.
"Guys, " I said, "You might think those are just for girls, but, you know, if you had these tools on the job site, you wouldn't have to worry about ANYbody else walking off with them."
Just as silly, in my opinion, was the Swiss Army knife I saw a boy scout carrying, with CAMOFLAGE handles. Manly, for sure, but guaranteed to be invisible as soon as you lay it down in the woods
Cheers,
Ray
"with little FLOWERS all over. " Yup. That's an extreeeeeme example, but still, sheesh. We may have Martha Stewart to thank for it.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Hey guys, have you checked out the new "diynetwork" program called "Free Form Furniture" with Amy Devers? She can come work in my shop ANY TIME SHE WANTS TOOOO ! !
She knows what she's talking about AND she's not affraid of splinters! "All that and a bag of chips"!
Ouu La La, Cha Cha Cha !
Ther is another on Cable Access Channels called Handy Ma'am.
Woodworker 3301.
I'll have to see if I can tune into that one.... Thank You !
If you don't have a satelite dish, you can still check out Amy at http://www.diynetwork.com check out the woodworking catagory and or TV programs and look for 'Free Form Furniture'. She's a cutey !
Thanks Again Woodworker3301
Steve
I saw her on DIY Network today. Your right. She's a cutie. I'm normally very particular with my tools, but I'ld let her use mine anytime!
Woodworker3301.
Ok perhaps this reply isnt all that well thought out and picks a bit too much on the 'woodworker', but I think it would be nice to see a show about making furniture. Im not talking about adirondack chairs or nesting tables either. There is an almost indefinite number of periods and styles to choose from but we are continuosly bombarded with patio furniture and whirly-gigs. I cant speak for everyone but I would be much more interested in learning/watching how to make mitered cock-beading and cut blind dovetails than I would watching someone (male or female) cut dadoes.
I think Norm and that crew have done a great thing in that they have pioneered some great production values but I think we all reach a point where our skill and creativity stagnant and need something more formal to add to our knowledge base. Magazines are great but they only take you so far. I am sure that some of you, like me, cut your first dovetails after referencing one of the multitude of articles about them, but it simply isnt the same as seeing someone do it. Three things that have indeliby printed themselves in my mind - the first time I heard my daughter cry, the day I got married, and the first time I saw a skilled furniture maker cut dovetails. Just paging through the archives here tells me that the show can be approached from any angle. My idea is that we find a host who can work along side some of the names we all know and have come to love and take 5,6,7 episodes and make a piece we woudl all be proud to own/sell. I guess the format I have in mind most is very similiar to the one Woodworking Magazine uses. A look at all the things involved in the project.
As for male or female - its all about marketing. Independent of advanced content, the gender of the host is designed to involve a particular audience. I think for the most part, an audience interested in learning useful skills could care less who hosts. However, with that said, having earned a Masters degree in Sociology I know that there is a negative correlation that exists between ones education and prejudice. Given that only 8% of the American population has a college education, it seems to me that a male host is the way to go. Please keep in mind that what I just said is not a reflection of my own beliefs merely a reflection of the statistics.
Well, I think that is a enough ranting for now.
Ok People ! First of all, I think some of us have their underware on a little to tight. If you looked back at the beggining of this thread you would find the topic started out by talking about a particular woman woodwroking show. It didn't say anything about who would be better...male or female, nor did it mean that a womans woodwoorking show was attended for women audieunces etc. IF I'm correct.... I believe that this was all attended as a fun topic which got side tracked onto diy's Amy Devers and how CUTE SHE IS....PERIOD! Don't complicate this by stating 8% stats this and that and which gender would be a better instructor etc. etc. etc. GGEEESSSHHHH! We were just comenting on a womans looks who has a tv show....period. Oh, by the way, I personally know women that make period to contempory furniture that would knock the socks off most of us and I've been building custom furniture pcs. for clients most of my adult life (I'm 50)! Relax and enjoy.....
IF memory and quotes serve me right - "9. Finally, would you enjoy watching a woodworking show that featured a female host/woodworker as opposed to a male woodworker?" the issue of who we, as an audience, would prefer watching was brought up by the original poster. That being the case, it seems that there might be some dialouge concerning our opinions about one or the other. While it may at first glance seem to be baseless to talk about the attractiveness/handsomness of said host, consider the following (things may get a bit complicated here) - take two people with the exact same qualifications (including all socioeconomic indicators) one very attractive the other not. Who gets the job? I think with a bit of reason we can figure that one out. As for whether or not a "womans woodwoorking show was intended for women audieunces etc" it seems that if you want to real in both the male and female audiences, get Pamela Anderson teach her how to kick but and you shoudl have a good show.
You know, I really think we could have figured out that you had a master degree in sociology just by reading your replies !...''complicated or not''....
If you guys are so into having chicks on woodworking shows then you should just rent dvd porns. One that comes to mind is This Old whore house. I think you guys will enjoy.
Lmc
So that is all that attractive women are good for? I guess our wives and daughters would love to hear that.Toolfanatic - Good luck with your research. If this sample serves as a representation of the general public, then you have an uphill battle.
It's sad that a couple of coments made about a "cute" TV host can lead to this ? ! A Porn ? You guys should go watch a porn instead? ? First of all, you should get your...YOUR mind out of the gutter and RE~read the threads. We we're first comenting on women vs men in TV 'How To' shows and who would be the best instructing these TV shows. Who's out there now and that lead to coments on who's cute and "she can use my shop anytime" etc. etc. and you along with the other Bozo make coments about watching porn instead? Along with Mr. Philospher (aka Bozo) having to pschyo analize every coment being made ! GEEESSSSHHHHH ! You need to RELAX ! Breath in the good air....and exhale the bad air.... Breath in the good....breath out the bad.... repeat 10 times... or get a life !
First of all - p-s-y-c-h-o-a-n-a-l-y-z-e. And actually I think you mean simply (analyze). To psychoanalyze means to analyze the psyche. Now that is out of the way. Oh yeah, if anyone else is actually reading this, I apoligize and I promise to be nicer after this.
"IF I'm correct.... I believe that this was all attended as a fun topic which got side tracked onto diy's Amy Devers and how CUTE SHE IS....PERIOD!" - woodshavings
Yes I agree the intention (not attention) of Toolfanatic was sidetracked by someone thoughtless enough to feel that this particular topic warranted a little masculinazation. Me man, me drag you to cave!!! (humor) For the life of me, I cant figure out who that was. Let me check my references-
"Who's out there now and that lead to coments on who's cute and "she can use my shop anytime" - woodshavings
"Hey guys, have you checked out the new "diynetwork" program called "Free Form Furniture" with Amy Devers? She can come work in my shop ANY TIME SHE WANTS TOOOO ! !" - woodshavings
"She's a cutey !" - woodshavings
Man, your the only one here guilty of that one. Nice try though.
I'm a little confused about the contradiction between the next two quotes (from different replies) but Woodshavings, since you wrote them perhaps you can straighten me out -
"If you looked back at the beggining of this thread you would find the topic started out by talking about a particular woman woodwroking show. It didn't say anything about who would be better...male or female, nor did it mean that a womans woodwoorking show was attended for women audieunces etc." - woodshavings
"We we're first comenting on women vs men in TV 'How To' shows and who would be the best instructing these TV shows." - woodshavings
Hey, perhaps we don't have a life, but man, sometimes I'm glad I wasted 9 years of mine on an education. With that "Good night and good luck".
So tell me hdgis1, does it make you feel better to point out other's grammar, speLing mistakes and possibly a mis-quote?? I'm glad you spent 9 years of your life on an education too, that way you could turn around psycho-anal-ize and criticize others. We''re wondering if it makes you feel inportant? ...iMportant... so sorry.
I hadn't bothered responding to you at first, I didn't see the need especially since I was corresponding with someone else to begin with. Not to mention that I have better things to do than try to make myself feel superior to others I don't even know. BUT after putting others down in their beliefs and opinions, along with snide remarks like "this might get a little complicated" along with several others, I had to speak up. In the beggining I tried telling you in a nice way ...'relax' (read betweeen the lines). But nnOOOoo You like to make things difficult, complicated and butting in. Needles to say blowing things out of proportion, taking things out of context and (my favorite) 'Psycho-analizeing!
It's sad that Fine Woodworking has been gracious enough to allow subscribers and fellow woodworkers to share ideas and answer each other's questions but you choose to use it your way. RELAX 'MAN' and Have a Wonderful Day !
Yes I choose to use it my own way - by posting a response that was in no way addressed to you. It was a perfectly legitimate response to someone interested in not just the business side of TV production but the psycho-sociological implications of choosing a particular gender to host a show typically hosted my men.
If a response that chooses to explore that side of things is threating to some of you, so be it. Hell, I have read some things on here that make no sense and in no way am threatened or do I feel like people are being to uptight. In your intrusion, you choose to start an arguement that you cant win simply because you cant remember what you wrote. In the grand scheme of things does anyone else here care who is right or wrong. No. The original poster had a plan that got sidetracked by you and you alone. Reread them all if you forgot. As for things getting a bit complicated. Im glad you got it. Perhaps others didnt. There is no intention to degrade or put down there. And as far as I am concerned your beliefs about the importance of women (OO La La La La OO and she's a cutey) are ignorant and offensive. Your mom and my grandma didnt fight for equality (both politically and socially) so that it could be thrown out the window by your beliefs. If my beliefs about women make me superior to you then great. I hope that one day my daughter can live in a world where the first thing that people see about her is not how cute she is but how good she is at what she does. I am sure Ms. Devers would like the same thing.One last thing - You cant have much better to do because you seem to respond in a timely fashion to everything I say. If you feel you need to continue this conversation (so you can tell your buddies how much of an #### I am) then please do it another way. Im not going to ruin my reputation here on you.
It must be hell in your little world. The way you look at things in a twisted constant conflicting way.... the turmoil you must go through. I Honestly DO feel sorry for you hdgis1. I hope some day you can find True Peace & Happiness.....
Well thanks. Glad we can come to an understanding. Though in an effort to get the last word in - I didt realize you were so poetic. Maybe there is hope for you. LOL
Congrats on you're being 'stagnant' When are you due?
Edited 4/6/2006 2:04 am ET by Steinmetz
My wife keeps telling me Im due any day now!
My wife keeps telling me Im due any day now!I just HUG her and say when?
I'd hardly call it a woodworking show. More like a combination of "DIY to the Rescue" and "Monster Garage." Not the most accessible show in my book.
TFToolfanatic (a.k.a. The man formerly known as "Toolfreak")
Are you talking about Amy Devers? Free Form Furniture??...I hardly call her Monster Garage !!!
Amy Devers sort of looks like my passed wife (well when my wife was 25 or sort of) .. Pretty but mine would NEVER pick up a tool.. I had to do all the hard stuff (I told her it was the hard stuff) Well, I told her it was no fun and she believed me! LOL.. God love her... Anyway, I think she is great.. Pretty to look at AND does a good job!
I've tried to get my wife out in my shop from time to time since she's my best friend, loves home projects and making things but.... she doesn't want to enter my cave ! She hands me her drawings and notes of things she wants for our home and asks me when can she have it? I tell her to take a number that she's right after the Mantle job, 2 Bookcases & the China cabinet and Display case !... OR... you can come to the shop and help me make your stuff DeeeEEarrr.... she just smiles and walks away! 'Can't Live With Em, Can't Live Without Em'... God only knows what she means to me !
'Can't Live With Em, Can't Live Without Em'... God only knows what she means to me ! You forgot that bottle of wine on the saw table AND 'that smile'..EDIT: I forgot.. The table saw should be OFF AND un-plugged!
Edited 4/6/2006 10:50 am by WillGeorge
I think it is a good idea, as it would draw in some who otherwise might not think to give it a try.
1. If you're a woman, how did you become interested in woodworking?
When I came up with this harebrained scheme to build an office in a small, strange room in our 100yr old house.
2. What types of projects do you tend to build?
Design and build free standing furniture that ranges from small end tables to large (10ft) buffets. I also do large scale allegorical sculptural work
3. What types of tools do you own?
14" jointer, 20" bandsaw, powermatic 66 TS, multi router, various spray guns, etc
4. Where do you do the majority of shopping for tools and materials?
Tools - work with folks like Minimax and Laguna etc
Hardwoods - custom millers on east and west coast
5. Are you in a woodworking club? If so, what's the ratio of men to women in your club?
No, but I did give a talk to one a few weeks ago and they were mostly men.
6. How much money do you tend to spend per year on your woodworking projects? (sorry if this question is a bit too personal)
Personal stuff - I make out of scraps left over from business
Business stuff - 10K - 30K
7. How old are you? (again, sorry for being so personal. perhaps a "range" would suffice here -- i.e. 18-25, 26-35, 36-45, etc.)
LOL....I'm uhhh huhhhh 18....
8. What TV woodworking shows do you enjoy?
I catch David Marks every now and then...
9. Finally, would you enjoy watching a woodworking show that featured a female host/woodworker as opposed to a male woodworker?
It really wouldn't matter to me...Woodworking isn't about gender, it is about skill, expertise and artistry. I know that 'sex' sells, but I care passionately about what I do and despise the idea of dumbing down/sexing up a topic to make it "marketable.
Good luck in your research.
Cheers
Alison
(s'cuze the interruption) Alison, hi! Quick question for another member: In your travels, what mill(s) did you find in Northern California or S. Oregon you'd recommend???forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Hey Girl!
Gotta say that of all of them I've fallen most in love with the folks at PineCreek (http://www.pinecreeklumber.com). This summer they provided sequenced bookmatched, absolutely stunning, oregon black marbled walnut stock for the buffet...their stuff is stellar. Carefully dried, very stable, beautiful beautiful colour and quality. Their service, and thoughtful help are the best I've come across. I also talked to some guys up in BC., haven't purchased from them yet...but like em, my brain is like a sieve and I can't remember them, I'll dig em out and add later.
I still like NW Timber (Judy Lewis)...he has a lot of stock, but he is sooooooo expensive. Also Baker Hardwood has a nice selection and good service if you are looking for something very particular.
Hope the gloom isn't getting to you, (damn I miss rainy days), it's 75 degrees here today AGAIN..it sucks.
Cheers
Alison
Would a woodworking show "for" women have a female host? Does it need to prove that "yeah that chick can push a board through a tablesaw"? Is that not in fact for the fellas? Is such a concept not condenscending? What is woodworking for women anyway? Isn't that what woodworking is? Most of my clients are either women or men buying for their women. Men rarely have the taste or inclination for a well-made piece (lacking wheels and an internal combustion engine) while women seem to drive the market on well made stylish pieces of custom work. Yes that's a broad generalization but that's my market. I suppose a show showing a woman doing the work may seem inspirational at first but if it lasts it should be diverse. Let the viewer learn something they would learn, a little spark of inspiration. If I'm learning to cut a new joint, I'm not looking at who's doing it so much as how. Sure eye candy is nice but the concept could very well be woodworking for anyone willing to put in the time and patience, male or female. But then a show with Mel Gibson laying out and cutting a nejiri arigata dovetail joint might bring in the ladies. I wonder if Pam Anderson could do it?
My apologies for the nerve I apparently struck. I should have labeled this thread "A woodworking TV show with a female host?" instead of "A woodworking TV show for women?"
Again, I wasn't suggesting that there might be a need for a TV show on woodworking that is "just for women." I imagine the audience for such a show would be pretty small.
TFToolfanatic (a.k.a. The man formerly known as "Toolfreak")
I don't think there's a huge need for an apology. Realistically, there is a difference (in general) in how men and women approach different endeavors. And I don't doubt that 98% or 99% of the female population would probably approach woodworking differently than I do -- no doubt with more creativity, LOL. My objection is when it gets silly, like the tools with the flowers on them. Of course, if they sell, then there's your answer.
Have you visited the Women in Woodworking web site?? I would think it's essential to your research. There have a gallery you can look through -- you'll see some fine WWing going on, and though I haven't visited for quite awhile, my recollection is they are very welcoming to newcomers, female and male alike.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
See also http://www.toolgirl.com/ Mag has a TV show in Canada, several books, and website / newsletter.ALl three of my girls spent time with me in the workshop doing 4-H projects from about 9-14 years old. None do it today (to any great degree), but they have some skills and knowledge and I believe are better for it.
Edited 2/19/2006 1:39 pm ET by byhammerandhand
I'm starting to see a pattern here. In our last WW guild meeting, a couple of gals put on the demo. In the presentation they listed the tools they have. One had a 3HP Unisaw and the other had a 5 HP Jet!! They were so busy at the end of the meeting answering questions that I did not get a chance to ask... why so much power? It is starting to look like, on the average, the men have the whimpy tools.
I'm with the est. If the show is for real and shows me somethin, I'll watch. If you want to focus on entry level type stuff (simple joints, basic tools) I think you'd appeal to more than women.
The big thing is DO NOT CONDESEND. Whether talking to men or women, talking down to anyone just pisses them off. My way less then humble opinion.
My wife was into 'woodworking' God bless her... She Thought I was a 'Knot Head'...
EDIT:
There is a TV show on someplace.. Really 'COOL' woman that sort of works like I do! SHE FUMBLES ALOT but get it done and not that bad looking.. I forget the name of the show.. She is somethin'! I liked it ALOT!
Edited 2/20/2006 12:26 pm by WillGeorge
1. If you're a woman, how did you become interested in woodworking?
NO but I like watching HER!
2. What types of projects do you tend to build?
Pink things.
3. What types of tools do you own?
I CAN buy nice tools just like a MAN! So therre!
4. Where do you do the majority of shopping for tools and materials?
I get my boyfriend to pay for it!
5. Are you in a woodworking club? If so, what's the ratio of men to women in your club?
Just all women we talk about men ALOT!
6. How much money do you tend to spend per year on your woodworking projects? (sorry if this question is a bit too personal)
ALL HE WILL SPEND ON ME!
7. How old are you? (again, sorry for being so personal. perhaps a "range" would suffice here -- i.e. 18-25, 26-35, 36-45, etc.)
My age 'RANGE' is old and Older
8. What TV woodworking shows do you enjoy?
I use to watch that TV show with Norm but not into beard tickles..
9. Finally, would you enjoy watching a woodworking show that featured a female host/woodworker as opposed to a male woodworker?
Lying here a bit.. I love watching females..
Especially if pretty and know what they doing!
I know this is too late for your purposes, but as a woman who works wood, I'll answer anyway.
1. If you're a woman, how did you become interested in woodworking?
Uh ... I was born? Seriously, I've been interested in making things since I was a kid. I helped my dad with a few woodworking projects years ago, and I was hooked.
2. What types of projects do you tend to build?
Fine furniture, built-ins, kitchen cabinets, and I'm set to do the trim carpentry on a house remodel. I like the big stuff. And I *will* master dovetails!
3. What types of tools do you own?
I'm a galoot at heart, so I have a lot of hand tools, with some tailed stuff as well. And a bandsaw. Planer/jointer to come soon.
4. Where do you do the majority of shopping for tools and materials?
At the mall ... just kidding, I find material and tools everywhere, from big box stores to CraigsList and friend's basements. And I did buy some F clamps at the mall Sears.
5. Are you in a woodworking club? If so, what's the ratio of men to women in your club?
No, but I took a class recently and the ratio was 5 women, 3 men. This was a basic woodworking adult ed class at the local vo-tech high school, and *not* marketed for women.
6. How much money do you tend to spend per year on your woodworking projects? (sorry if this question is a bit too personal)
As much as I need to. I make things that fulfill a need, and spend what I have to to get the need met.
7. How old are you? (again, sorry for being so personal. perhaps a "range" would suffice here -- i.e. 18-25, 26-35, 36-45, etc.)
Older than that. I took some time off to raise a family, and am now getting back to the shop again.
8. What TV woodworking shows do you enjoy?
I watched Roy Underhill from season 2, he's my favorite. I don't like Norm at all. I watch video podcasts, my favorites are Shannon Rogers and Tommy Chisel.
9. Finally, would you enjoy watching a woodworking show that featured a female host/woodworker as opposed to a male woodworker?
Only if she was doing things I was interested in. If she's making carved spoons and jewelry boxes, or making "easy projects" with a brad nailer, forget it. I am far less interested in the gender of the host than in the content.
I am far less interested in the gender of the host than in the content.
Male here and not my way of thinking. To me All women have 'intrest AND content'.
All women are beautiful. It just depends on 'who' is looking at then at the time.
Almost all girls in my family. Yes, then I have 'The Son'.. He is cool also... The Baby of the family and one Grandson. He is like me.. Hard to keep in-line.. but not mean to anybody.
I TRIED but none of my girls would do 'my' computer or woodworking things. I tried very hard but never forced them to do what I liked.
They are ALL wonderful 'girls' now women, that make more money in one year that I made in 5 years!
All that counts now is my girls will now ask me to do woodworking and puter stuff for them. I guess they like me anyway?
The important thing to teach the kids is that they *can* use their talents to make things, if they want. They may not have the interest now, but since Dad/Mom could build cool stuff, if they can't buy something cool, they can build, too.One of the saddest things I heard was a person who would hire someone else to change lightbulbs. Or strip wallpaper ... My kids have absolutely no interest in woodworking -- my son hates hardware stores! But they will make things if Mean Mommy (patent pending) won't buy them. *That* is the real lesson woodworking (or even sewing and knitting) teaches.
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