My fellow woodworkers,
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I am a TV producer and have created a new woodworking show for public television called Woodworking Together. It’s the first new woodworking show to come to public television in more than 10 years and features the very first woman to host a true woodworking show, Boston-area cabinetmaker Gail O’Rourke.
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Our show is geared toward woodworkers of all skill levels, with a special emphasis on beginners.
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Woodworking Together will premiere nationwide on PBS stations in January of 2008.
You can view the show’s “trailer” by clicking on the following link…
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http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=9199733913251364374&hl=en
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We are currently seeking corporate sponsors to help underwrite our first season on-air. If you are interested in helping to sponsor Woodworking Together, please send an email to [email protected].
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Also, if you would like your local PBS station to carry this program, please be sure to call them and say that you want them to carry Woodworking Together from American Public Television! Local PBS station information can be found at http://www.pbs.org/stationfinder/index.html.
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Happy woodworking!!!
Edited 3/3/2007 1:52 pm ET by Toolpig
Edited 3/3/2007 6:59 pm ET by Toolpig
Edited 3/3/2007 7:03 pm ET by Toolpig
Replies
Toolpig,
That looks very interesting, but so long to wait until it runs! Do you have a list of PBS stations that have signed on at this point?
Rich
Toolpig,
I "know" Gail from another forum, SMC. Quite accomplished and I look forward to her show.
Take care, Mike
Thanks for posting the link to the trailer. Don't know whether you're looking for viewer comments, but Gail appears to be doing a female "Norm" impersonator type of show, but with a more amateurish level of craftsmanship as exhibited in the joinery. Nevertheless, it looked interesting and I'm confident you'll find a high level of viewer interest.
Good luck with the show!
Here's her website, for those who are curious:http://www.hometownwoodworking.com/forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
It looks pretty good. A lot like Norm in the first few seasons, but she is a lot better looking….
Not to take anything away from Gail, she's a first rate woodworker who does spectacular work. I too know her from another forum (although I don't know her personally). But this show is just another stroke of the brush painting the US as a feminist utopia. I'm sorry if I offend anyone, but everywhere you look today, you find women being glorified doing just about everything, and it's a big deal (with the media anyway) because it IS being done by a woman. The big company I work for promotes 10 women to every man these days. Not because they're better qualified, on the contrary, it's because they won a lawsuit a few years ago. I'll enjoy the show, but sorry if I don't get too excited because it's hosted by yet another woman showing the world how it's done.ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZJeff
Edited 3/4/2007 8:48 am by jeff100
Uh, oh!
Good morning Jeff...
I normally don't get involved in these kind of discussions, but I'm going to step up and give my $.02 worth on this one. Once I do, my $.02 will be expended as it is just my opinion an will have no further comment.
My mom was a housewife in 1959 as expected of ladies in those days. When my father passed pre-maturely in 1959 when I was 12 she was 45 years old. She had not been encouraged to learn any skill to that point as it was not her place. She did not know how to drive as it was not necessary for a woman to drive as the man was expected to.
We needed the money... I took a job at 13 (one month after my father's death) and she took a job cooking in the HS lunch-room. All she was qualified for was to cook. I taught her to drive (I learned and drove at 10 years old in parking lots and lots of country dirt roads) and she became independent of a male oriented society. She remained that way until 89 years old when I had to take her into my home because of dementia. She passed two years ago with the ability to drive to the senior citizens club and teach square dancing until she couldn't when she was 89.
If I watch an episode of the show (and not likely as it is beginner oriented) I would continue to watch. I watch a max of 4 hours TV a week with History Channel.. International History.. etc. dominant as there is nothing I feel is worthy of watching.
If I don't find any usefulness for the show or I find her un-qualified in the role, I have many other options. And so does anyone else. I will let the viewers decide if she is qualified and the right person. Based on that the show will either sink or swim. Not the fact that a woman is going to be the host. You've already got Norm which I don't watch either.
So... I'm giving her an opportunity. She will either take advantage of it if she is qualified or she will be looking for other work. I could care less who and how many men were interviewed as I am not the one making the capital investment. That is a big gamble and should be their decision.
As I see it.... "Let ER Rip" until proven she can or can't. I would hope my daughter would have that same opportunity if she were interested in WW. But at least she was pushed to get a profession and if she fails.. it will be of her own accord and not someone deciding she is not worthy of the opportunity before the fact!
That is all I have to say.....................
Regards from the Sarge...
e
Edited 3/4/2007 10:08 am ET by SARGEgrinder47
[so Rich isn't disasppointed.....]
"...painting the US as a feminist utopia." "...yet another woman showing the world how it's done." Oooooo, feeling a little threatened are we? Sorry if you and some of your co-workers might be paying a price for your company's past sins, but I think you'll agree that Gail certainly doesn't present herself as "showing the world" anything. As for the media, they are what they are, and they mostly respond to what the public demands and pays for. As far as I'm concerned, better that it's a woodworking show (either gender) than a bunch of CEO-wannabees placing themselves at the mercy of an ego-maniac with the world's worst comb-over.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Edited 3/4/2007 2:23 pm by forestgirl
HA HA HA! (World's worst comb over)I love it.
I've heard references to:'A Beaver Pelt'
'Possum Pompadour'
'Red badger coverage'
'Gopher Pizza'
'Weasel Out Of It'
'Raccoon Hat Rack'
'French Faux Fox'
'Woodchuck Upchuck'
'Muskrat Rambo'
'Nutria Implosion'
'Otter Worldly' And my favorite; 'Ausie Roo Do'Steinmetz.
Forestgirl,
YOU'RE FIRED!!
Seriously, I always enjoy your posts, and have gleaned some good info from them. Enjoy.
SteveThere are two secrets to keeping one's wife happy.
1. Let her think she's having her own way.
2. Let her have her own way. President Lyndon Baines Johnson
ROFL! Thanks, Steve.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Jeff,
The big company I work for promotes 10 women to every man these days. Not because they're better qualified....
Being new to the forum, and new to woodworking, I almost made it by that comment, but then I didn't. Sounds as if you wouldn't watch the show just because a woman is hosting it! Wow, the next thing you know, they will be doing the evening news!
As a woman woodworker in Virginia (yes, everyone knows Jamestown was the first colony), I have found that the vast majority of woodworkers I've met are male. It would be nice to know that more women are getting into this hobby (or profession) just because of a TV show. I agree with some of the other comments; everyone should have a fair chance; let the show be judged by it's entertainment value. If it is boring, we can just .....change the channel.
PS. What is the name of your company? I sure could use a promotion.
"PS. What is the name of your company? I sure could use a promotion." Ooooo, that was mean! <grin>
Nothin' wrong with role models. There are still many young women who might not even think about a hobby or profession such as woodworking (or cabinetry, or whatever you want to call what Gail does). If the light goes on because Gail takes up a half-hour of air time, that's terrific IMHO.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Edited 3/5/2007 2:05 am by forestgirl
Why would you think I would not watch the show just because a woman is hosting it? Nonsense. I watch every woodworking show worth watching it, regardless of who hosts it. This new show on PBS, looks like a duplication of New Yankee Workshop, with a female host, everything else almost identical. Begs the question of why? But no matter, if it's interesting, I'll be tuning in. Besides, Gail is not only a accomplished woodworker, she's ahhhhh photogenic. Me feeling threatened? Not a chance. At least not in the manner you suggest. What makes me feel threatened is wondering if my pension will pay off after working for my company for thirty years, if my company goes under because of the current promotion policies brought on by these lawsuits.Lastly, it's the lack of qualifications that give me pause, not plumbing. Let me be clear here, I've worked with and for women who led and inspired me was well as any man I've worked with. But that's not the issue. It's promoting unqualified people, women in this case, that gets my dander up. But this is the wrong forum to address these issues, I'd rather talk about wood working, with anyone, so I'll not comment further on this subject. If anyone wants to take this further, you can email me and I'll respond, at least if it's kept civil anyway.Regards,Jeff
FWIW
I've taught a grant program for the last five years that is dedicated to getting women interested and into the field of restoration. It's an eight week program. (Saturdays)
Most of these women have little or no experience and I teach them wood finishing. The first four weeks are dedicated to learning wood, surface prep, color, and finishes. Lots of samples are made. The next four weeks they work on an alder table that they get to keep when they're done. There is also a business class that they are required to take. The only thing it costs them is their time and I usually have 15 to 18 students
The thing I always liked was women, for the most part, aren't locked into the mindset of " brown furniture" They were willing to experiment with color. Besides some beautiful golden and reddish browns, they came up with great blues and greens.
The best part for me is hearing from them further on down the road and how they are progressing. Fun stuff.
that program sounds really great. what a nice win-win for everyone.
Toolpig,
Turn on the DIY network and you'll find that Amy Devers has been hosting a "true" woodworking show for some time already. So Gail is not the first woman to do so.
I watched the preview. What I saw was mostly someone using screws and nails to connect pieces of plywood. I was expecting to see some woodworking. Have you done some focus groups for this show already? I'm wondering what kind audience exists that already owns the equipment shown on the show yet would still need instruction at this level. It would be nice to have a show more like "The Wood Whisperer" where basic joinery is introduced rather than shortcuts to avoid actual joinery.
-Andy
Freeform Furniture is not a woodworking show; it's a furnituremaking show. Sometimes woodworking is involved, sometimes it is not. Personally, I like the variety of techniques Amy uses, and she's also clearly a skilled woodworker, but the show is not about woodworking. Woodworking is just one arrow in Amy Devers' quiver.
--
Todd
I watched the preview and have many of the same reactions as others here: it shouldn't be hyped soley because it has a women host; the tools outweigh the project presented; etc. But problems with, and cures for the show isn't my issue today.Probably because of my background, I got riled up at this comment:What I saw was mostly someone using screws and nails to connect pieces of plywood. I was expecting to see some woodworking. *snip* It would be nice to have a show more like "The Wood Whisperer" where basic joinery is introduced rather than shortcuts to avoid actual joinery.I went to The Center for Furniture Craftsmanship for their 12 week course, and learned about traditional joinery. Many times I play the purist and think that the only way to build something is using these methods. I have nothing against traditional methods, but I know there are other ways to skin the proverbial cat.In my professional life I have worked for cabinet shops, and I've learned that the use of sheet goods in a project doesn’t automatically result in a lesser product. If Gail had made that chest with solid wood and traditional joinery, it might be more "authentic", but it would have also taken a lot longer to build, used more wood than absolutely necessary, and possibly been beyond the level of woodworking for their target audience (who exactly is the target audience, anyway?). If you look at the items Gail showcases on her own website, you'll see she uses a lot of sheet goods, and no one is questioning the quality of her work there.I get tired of hearing that the use of sheet goods, or nails, or screws immediately puts the project outside of the realm of woodworking. No one seems to have any issues with pocket hole joinery, or using melamine for a wine rack. Sam Maloof used nails in his world-famous chairs. So why the resistance to building furniture this way, and having a program which shows that building furniture doesn’t need to involve fancier joinery?Andy, please don't think that I am pouncing on you specifically for making this observation. I get annoyed at the concept, not the person who is speaking it.
Edited 3/7/2007 3:01 pm ET by webdiva20
Webdiva,
I appreciate the perspective you shared but I believe you read something into my post that comes from a slightly different camp than the one I'm sitting in. I never said that Gail's work on the show wasn't "authentic." I couldn't care less about authentic. As far as the criticism of woodworking as "sheet goods plus nails and screws," I think the power rests in the hands of those you are defending, not those whose criticism you are tired of hearing. I think that the power screwdrivers and sheet goods crowd is dominating the television presence of woodworking. It is a shame that there are few woodworking shows that encourage a different perspective on the craft. It might be elitists who criticize Home Depot, but it's Home Depot sitting firmly behind the wheel.
I recently read a few recipes out of a cookbook in which cans of soup were used as ingredients. I would consider those recipes to be on about the same level as Gail's woodworking show. I guess in publishing and on TV, even on PBS, one road to success is to cater to the lowest common denominator, and anyone who speaks out against it is an elitist? I'm happy that when I pick up an issue of FWW, some of what I read is beyond my abilities. May it stay that way so that I can continue to grow.
-Andy
P.S. I hope that you don't honestly think that Maloof's work is similar to what Gail did on that preview. If she had done work like Mr. M., I would have had a different reaction. Advanced artistry is advanced artistry whether or not nails are used. There is cool stuff that can be done with plywood, too. However, that's not what I saw in the preview.
Edited 3/7/2007 8:57 pm ET by VTAndy
Andy—
I think we have two different themes going here – (1) the PBS show and it’s problems & (2) elitism with regards to materials and methods.
(1) The show – I agree with your comments on the show. I think PBS doesn’t know who their target audience is and is hoping that by having a woman host that their ratings will be higher. Or maybe they think that the woman host will attract more women than men, and women don’t know as much about woodworking as men, so making the projects easy is the better route. Or maybe they do know their target audience, and it isn’t people like you and me. Whatever their thought process, I hope they are reading this thread and getting some ideas of how to improve the show before it goes live.
As for the number of current TV shows that cater to the power screwdrivers and sheet goods crowd – well, I can’t really speak to that as I have been living outside of the country for the past year. If that is the case, it’s a shame. I too prefer shows that challenge me and my skill level rather than talk down to me.
(2) Elitism in regards to materials – this was really my big sticking point. No, I don’t think the work shown in the show was equal to Mr. Maloof’s. I wish it were – that would make for a more interesting show. My point was that I hear some folks out there pooh-poohing any project that involves nails, screws or sheet goods. My response is that even master furniture makers (like Maloof) have used these materials. It seemed to me that the whole concept of making a piece of furniture from sheet goods was being portrayed as “not real woodworking”. But I gather from your post that that wasn’t the issue at hand.
The real issue seems to be that her show is merely a re-hashing of similar shows that have been done before – she is not breaking any new ground. Nor is she showing the audience (at least not the ones who frequent Knots) new techniques, she isn’t challenging this viewing audience. And that I agree with. When the show goes live, I will give it a chance to change my mind, but I’ll drop it if it doesn’t engage and enlighten me.
They probably know who their target audience is, and fine craftsmen in the top 200 probably wouldn't want to teach at that level.
i watched the clip of the show as well. it does look basic and beginner oriented. that's not necessarily a bad thing except to those of us hoping for more. there's no doubt she's attractive. also no doubt in my mind that it's a good thing to have a woman doing and promoting woodworking. if she appeals to women or beginners and starts them thinking about woodworking, that's a great thing. middle school woodshop and norm's programs did that for me. lastly, there is also no doubt that she is a bit stiff and appears to be reading the cue cards in a choppy man-ner. if you watched it too, this jumps out at the view-er just as much as the other points made here. clearly a little more polish in her presentation will help the appeal of the show.
Any show that can reach a large audience and boost their interest in woodworking is a good thing, regardless of the methods and materials used. I personally believe that members of this forum are in a rare and very small group and this show is not made for most of them.
If it weren't for plywood and screws many years ago, I wouldn't have the love for woodworking that I have today. I'm acquiring new skills all of the time through sites like this, magazines, shows on TV and of course practice in the shop. Anytime I can watch someone doing woodwork, I take away some good things and even some bad things that I want to avoid.
The number of people making sawdust on a daily basis is significant. The number of craftsmen making dovetail joints by hand is a small, rare group. Without shows like NYW and hopefully Woodworking Together for the beginner and intermediate woodworkers, the number of fine woodworkers will fade to an even smaller group. “The richest genius, like the most fertile soil, when uncultivated, shoots up into the rankest weeds..” – Hume
In an article on Gail's website from the short lived Woodworking for Women magzaine: When her brother asked why she didn't start with something easy like a birdhouse, she shrugged and answered, "I didn't need one." The project in the preview is a glorified birdhouse. Gail seems to be very personable and competent at doing the commentary. Building plywood boxes won't be enough to keep the show going for long.
Also, someone from Virginia or who knows some American history might take exception to the calling Plymouth, Massachussets "America's Hometown".
I'd be interested in watching it, but not because it is a woman doing it. If doing something is based on gender or color or any other thing we aren't supposed to use for hiring practices, then to me it is the wrong reason to watch. If the show is good, then so be it. Let's get the show on the air and see what she has to offer. I wish we could all forget the idea that we have to make a big deal over it being a woman, or an any other thing you want to list. Just my opinion, but we are trying so hard to be equal on all things we are unbalanced on the important stuff. What can she do on the show, not what can a woman do on a woodworking show.
Being a woman woodworker with only two years of experience under my (tool) belt, I thought that a woodworking show with a woman host would be very cool - I don't get DIY so I've only heard of Amy.
It is ironic how she has the same New England accent and mannerisms as Norm. Unfortunately, the project that she shows doesn't measure up to fine woodworking standards like Norm's. And it is an odd mix of higher end tools used to make a lower end chest. It might be setting a beginner up for disappointment, because without better tools, it probably won't turn out nearly as attractive (or square!).
That said, she does talk about the project as a simple, weekend project. Because of it's simple joinery, it is a project that a beginner could attempt and finish in a reasonable time period. As a woman, I would find a chest more practical and interesting than a simple table with better joinery techniques. It's definitely not heirloom quality, but perhaps a good practice piece that could be used for something else if it doesn't come out right. You have to start somewhere.
I just hope it doesn't lead to an expectation of lower quality from women woodworkers. From her website, it is clear that she is quite capable, but those watching the show won't necessarily see that. I have the same expectations of myself and any other female woodworker (if not more!) as I do of any male woodworker.
After two years of classes, seminars, informal apprenticeship and making my own furniture, I know enough about fine woodworking techniques, that I wouldn't want to make that project as presented. I guess I've moved beyond beginner.
Personally I've watched many of the woodworking shows that's on TV and I must say the only version of the show that is entirely truthful is The NewYankeeWorkshops webcam in which it shows many diffent people gathering around from time to time working on a project but when you see Norman working on the same project on his show it looks as if he's doing what others can't,It looks like he's building a project in record time and without even a hint of any mistakes. The majority of the time if you watch the credits at the end of any show you'll see where it says special thanks to people or to a construction company for there part in building a project. I spend maaaaaaaaaaaaaaany hours in the shop and and can you believe I even screw up every now and then so I would like to see a program that is geared towards everyday woodworkers and carpenters. I'd like to see the screw ups and what they do to rectify the situation, I'd also like to see programs that has a variety of different tools in the shop(like David Mark's show)that are a blend of old and new and not by only one manufacturer because lets face it the majority of woodworking shops don't have sponsors and the money for our tools comes from our own hip pockets and dare I say we buy what we can afford to buy and not the most expensive brand because we're advertising for a tool manufacturer. As far women women hosting shows I guess that fine just as long as they have the so called "CHOPS"to do the job and don't cut in the middle of a project to take us on little trips just to come back to the project and to have it quite a bit farther along. What I want to know is if these people that's hosting the show,be it man or women has time to take us on trips, just who exactly's minding the shop finishing the project? With that said I relies a lot of editing has to be done so the show will fit in a thirty minute time slot but if I'm going to take the time to watch the least they can do is take the time to ask carpenters and woodworkers alike what they'd like to see and not just assume its another cross gender version of a show that's already on.
I know a lot of you probably won't agree with what I had to say but when they finally create the perfect woodworking show then I'll have nothing to @ % # * & about.
SincerelyJim at Clark Customs
Jim,I quite agree. Knowing how to fix your mistakes is as critical as how to make the piece! And a half hour show is probably just an unrealistic time period to show a finely crafted piece. There's just too much background knowledge needed. Before I actually touched any tools, I watched an episode or two of New Yankee Workshop. It was way over my head then. I'll have to check it out again.
I've had my fill of MA-based woodworking shows...male or female based.
Then again - any actual ww is better than "fixer-upper with a sponge" shows.
Are you confusing New Yankee Workshop and This Old House? I've gone through several of the webcam sequences of filming a NYW sequence, and I've never seen anyone helping Norm with the woodworking. Cleaning the shop before, yes, but once the woodworking starts it looks like Norm is on his own. There are usually several folks in the shop including Russ Morash who sometimes talks to Norm, probably about what will be worth filming, and other times stares at the moniter, and the fellow who sometimes follows Norm around with the camera. Also the woman who seems to be a production assistant and the occasional spectator who wonders in. What I did notice is the other folks do a lot of relaxing and talking in between shooting while Norm is busy at work.
Also, I don't ever recall seeing anything in the credits of NYW implying anyone helped build a project. TOH is a different story, but that's obvious from watching the show. Norm does very, very little actual work on TOH. These days he's just one of the hosts. Tom is the one who regularly gets his hands dirty with carpentry.
I believe you're correct in that Norm does all his work on the NYW. If I recall, he does have an assistant who helps with tool setups, but Norm does the rest.Michael
David,
I just watched the webcam about nesting tables,Are you trying to say if Norm needs an extra hand holding something or running to town to get something that the people that's there are just going to stand there and watch him struggle? I'd like to think it would be more profitable for norm to stay in front of the camera than to have to take the time out to run for a special reason.I think not, in fact unless a person is a Neanderthal they'd be more than happy to lend a hand, I'd really like to think it only makes sense that a person would lend up a hand instead of standing there watching someone struggle let a lone it be Norm. I watched all 400 and some odd shots of the nesting table web cam and many times there was someone other than Norm around the work area, I watched the clock at the top,it looked to me as if the person was doing more than just admiring Norms work. I'm not trying to knock Norm or anyone else for that matter,What I am trying to say is it very unrealistic and doesn't even make sense for a person to think with everyone rambling around the set only one person would do everything all on his own in fact the show Home Time had a running gag where they wanted everyone to think that Dean Johnson and his female co-host was really married but I watched a show of theirs a couple weeks ago that admitted that in fact he was never married to any of them. As far as the credits at the end of a show goes, almost all shows roll CREDITS meaning there giving credit where credit is do. Just because they don't come right out and say we give special notice to so and so for there part in building the project does not mean someone else didn't have a part in working on the project. That's why in my previous post I used the web cam for the new yankee work shop as reference because your seeing what's actually happening when it happens,Its not being EDITED.(I hope)
Sincerely,Jim at Clark Customs
I've never considered NYW to be a typical day in a shop, nor that it was intended to be. And I never thought that Norm built each project in a half hour or less. Perhaps others have.
I just went through the first day of the nested table table. Yes, there was a fellow who sometimes stood near Norm as he was working, the cameraman. Occasionally Russ Morash, the producer, would chat with Norm. At the beginning of the day Morash did help Norm move another project from a bench onto the floor, and also helped move a sheet of plywood. Other than that I didn't see anyone other than Norm moving any wood or part of a project. A lot of the time the other folks were hanging around, talking, etc while Norm was busy at work. And a couple of times everybody but Norm left. Norm seemed to be the only one who worked through the day except for the lunch break. That's what I saw.
I was surprised by how little of each project is actually recorded. They must have a good idea of what will go into the final show.
As far as Norm making a run into town, I doubt there are many runs into town for project related items during the shooting. Since a prototype is built Norm should know what materials and supplies he needs. And if something was needed I wouldn't expect Norm to go get it while the others waited.
I have several of the NYW shows on tape so I had a look at the credits on a couple. They seemed to be for either the folks who helped with or were in the intro part where Norm visits the original, or who supplied materials.
Like I said with the show HomeTime as a reference,Things are not always what they appear. I'm not quite sure what you mean by visitors? Like you said they were supposed to be filming the show as with other shows they have filmed but when the shows aired the only persons showed is Norm. Personally I saw others standing and moving around the work area where Norm was,Yes it's true their not in all the camera shots its also true the camera shots they are in their doing more than just talking,But without it being a constant play and not a freeze frame so we can see things as they happen we can't accurately and persisly tell what is actually happening. But like you said things appear different to you than do to others myself included. And so for arguments sake,You see things like you see them and I'll see them the way I do.You know kind of a potatoe, pototo sort of thing. Please don't get me wrong by no stretch of the imagination do I not like the New Yankee Workshop in fact I enjoy watching Norm and have for many years but like I said in an earlier post I wish that a show would be more accurate and not edit so much out. I'd like to see things as they happen and how they happen I relies for time sake it's almost impossible to do but it never hurts to dream. Oh by the way I almost forgot,You said Norm don't go after what he needs to build a project I was just wondering who does then??????And are they rudely not thanked for what they do???????
Sincerely,Jim at Clark Customs
I quite agree with Handymom.
I have not looked at the trailer but I am all for another woodshop show. I have followed Norn for a dozen years and owe him a lot as a woodshop teacher. He will go down in histroy as a someone special in TV and the woodworking world. He has certianly has made more of an impact than Morof and his rocking chairs! But he has evolved over time with better tools and more difficult projects. I don't know how much longer we will have Norm, but I suspect it will not be long, and his contribution to a better world will be noticed.
I look forward to toolpig's show and wish her luck. If it doesn't work for me, to fast paced, or to hard, or to simple, I'll vote with my remote!
Toolpig... I gaurentee you will never please everyone. Listen to your heart and go for it! You may or amy not susceed but I give you full marks for trying.
Ric
Your reference to all the expensive tools reminds me. Norm's shop isn't even his shop, I think its the producers. I like Norm, I like what he makes on the whole, what I don't like is seeing somebody with $30k worth of tools using them on a show that targets hobbyists. I don't get Roy Underhill's show anymore, but I do get the Router Workshop. Both of these shows are low tech and all garage based woodworkers can relate to them.
Regarding Amy Devers, I am a fan of hers, she builds, she welds, she braises, she glazes, she grinds, and connects to the audience well. I don't know that I would call her a wood worker given the breadth of her skills.
What I want to see is a woodworking show set in a one car garage where the host has a table saw, a jointer, a miter saw and a planer for big iron and a jig saw, a router and other $200 or less hand tools. No $3000 wide table belt sander, 20 inch planers. Another bay in the garage could be used temporarily for assembly of large items.
Regards,
Ken
"Do as you would be done by." C.S. Lewis
IMHO, the problem is that the program is obviously targeted at beginners (which is good) but the first tool she uses (requires) is a table saw. How many people in the target audience are going to have a TS?Why not do it with the tools most people have in the garage or inexpensive hand tools?Sorry, no power tools except a circ saw and a power drill (with a disclaimer that don't really need those), otherwise you are turning off the very audience you attempt to attract.
ajoe,
Sounds like you would be a good fan of The Woodwright's Shop. He uses nothing but cheap hand tools.
"Sounds like you would be a good fan of The Woodwright's Shop. He uses nothing but cheap hand tools."
I am not a fan of cheap hand tools, but if you want to get people involved, you don't begin by telling them that it is going to cost a fortune!?
Hey Gang,
I am officially offering to be the host and subject of the Novice Garage Woodworker. I have a 5 year old $99 Ryobi table saw, a $50 Craftsman router, A $150 Ridgid miter saw, a $150 Milwaukee circular saw, a $77 Milwaukee corded drill, a $29 Stanley block plane, and not much else. I'll show you how to make little simple projects in your garage with tools and wood that you can get from HD or Lowes. I've got everything set up in 1 bay of my garage.
After we finish filming each episode, we'll retreat out across the cul-de-sac to my neighbor's Dewalt and Gladiator-outfitted garage, where we will partake of the weekly barbeque feast from his twin tower smokers, drink of his Guiness, and sit in the lawn chairs in the driveway and watch the Air Force fighters take off from Buckley AFB 2 miles away, streaking over the house so low that you can see the pilot's helmet visor.
God Bless America!
Erik
You da man!!!
Hey Erik,In one of the early episodes could we learn to make a shelf? PLEASE???I already have the metal brackets, but I need help with the wood thingy part.
Great idea but you forgot your marketing plan. Based on the most recent approach, may I suggest posting a message on every woodworking forum known to mankind and ask forum members contact their PBS stations to air it.
I would love to see PBS run Roy Underhill's show, which really gives an excellent presentation of woodworking and the skills required to do such work...No offense to this new show but it just seems to be (yet)another promotion for the powertool industry...
Gang,
After I made my somewhat scarcastic, mostly truthful post about wanting to host the Novice Garage Woodworker show, I got caught up on the Wood Whisperer podcasts. That kind of content and approach is exactly what we need now: Raw, in-your-face-back-to-the-basics woodworking shows. Maybe I'll set up my video camera this weekend and start making my own show.
Yes, I watch PBS and try to catch all their running woodworking and home improvement shows to see what's possible and to give me a goal to shoot for once I get my skills more refined and obtain some better tools to work with.
Honestly, right now I'm learning more and enjoying woodworking more just by being on the Knots board, so thanks, Gang!
Erik
Hi Erik,
We here at FineWoodworking.com support you all the way.
As I said in an early post on this subject, if you create the video content we'll publish it on our site. Currently, we host a video blog called GlueTube where we run woodworking videos from various video sharing sites. We also publish community submitted videos directly on our site and pay the authors for the content. I hope you consider one of these options.
If you need any advice on shooting or editing let us know.
Matt BergerFine Woodworking
That actually sounds like a show I'd watch...
She might do a great job with time, but in the google video she seems a little stiff and uncomfortable in front of the camera. You get the sense that she'd be a good host if she were a little more natural, and a little less pre-occupied with performing.
I think its a bit harsh to criticize her for being stiff before the show even gets off the ground. Personally, I don't care if the show is hosted by a man or woman-what bothers me is the lack of programming geared toward intermediate to advanced woodworkers. The way that DIY slaughtered David Marks' show and put on more mdf and staples based programming and that's what bugs me-not whether the woodworker is male or female. I'm curious why PBS would create a new show by an unknown host when there are so many highly skilled phenomenal woodworkers out there. I'd love to see a show by a skilled woodworker like Rob Millard. Rated as one of the top 200 woodworkers in the country, he does phenomenal reproduction furniture from the 18th century and I'm sure the content would make for interesting shows. I think DIY has cornered the market on woodworking-lite projects.
Edited 3/7/2007 11:13 pm ET by paulcomi
I'm glad to see a new woodworking show appear on PBS. My only fear is that this new show will bump The Woodwright's Shop off the air. I'm one of the very lucky few left whose local PBS station still airs The Woodwright's Shop. Come this January, the programmer may opt to run this new show in place of WWS instead of running them both... I HOPE TO GOD I'M WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, I have the same concern about "The Woodwright's Shop". Screwing together plywood boxes bears little relationship to Roy.
The day The Woodwrights Shop is off the air will be the saddest day of my life. Every year I hold my breath. Not even PBS keeps his website up to date. He's in his 26th season but they still list the 25th... Sad sad sad...Norm wouldn't be treated way.
I suspect Woodworker's Shop is pretty marginal financially. Production costs may be very low, particularly with the show being shot straight through. Based on other posts here they don't charge for distribution, so costs must be covered by the sponsor, State Farm. I wonder if State Farm has a senior excutive who is a Roy fan. I'm amazed that Roy manages to work up such enthusiasm after 25 years.
For a relatively recent article on Roy see: http://www.woodworkersjournal.com/ezine/archive/139/todaysww.cfm
Thanks for the link. That was an interesting read. I'll have to go see that movie to spot Roy in it.
Mike
If The Woodwright's Shop is one of your favorites, a "thank you for broadcasting it, here's my membership check" note from several viewers will help keep it on the air.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Edited 3/6/2007 8:31 pm by forestgirl
A for effort, but I doubt that I will watch. I am just not that interested in watching someone nail or screw plywood together.
Todd
I suggest turning off the television and getting into the shop. My goodness, we already spend time here, is there really time to watch a television show about woodworking when you can walk right out into your shop and do it?
AMEN!
I admittedly have not read all of the posts (yet) nor did I watch the preview (I will next week at school when I get away from this dial-up modem). I am just wondering, is anyone else tired of so many shows/ magizine articles being geared toward beginers? That is not a knock on FFW or any beginers. Woodworking needs beginers, and everybody here is/or was one at some point in time, I understand that. A few other magazines I do or did subscribe to, seem to start every project title with easy, simple or quick. Is any one else ready to see more techniques that will help us take our skills to the next level?
Time to get off of my soapbox,
Brent
FWW used to have articles geared toward much more advanced work, but it does publish many pieces that are way beyond the beginner's level. But there really isn't anything in recent years at the level of Ian Kirby's or Tage Frid's contributions in the 80s and early 90s.
I think TV shows are always going to be for an entry level interest. Essentially getting viewers to want to pick up an electric drill or go buy some plywood for a weekend project.
Anyone interested in more advanced woodworking isn't looking to improve his or her skills via the kinds of things to be learned on a half hour TV show. I don't think there is actually more than 60 seconds of actual technique sandwiched between all the "production values."
I know I'm going to catch h*ll for this here, but every thing about the female host's behavior and dress has been carefully calculated for it's effect. In those calculations is the popularity based on female viewers wanting to look just like her, including tight jeans and "body conscious shirt" when they're out in the garage wielding their new circular saw, and the male viewer reaction to the fact that she's "easy to look at" without being threatening to female viewers.
That's entertainment, folks.
Rich
Edited 3/7/2007 7:20 pm ET by Rich14
Some of the shots in the show, especially when she shops for lumber, definitely made me think that they were "highlighting" her cute figure. Whatever. I know it, and so do a lot of men, but it's not like she's some dumb, blond bombshell with enhancements and an empty head. She's earned her reputation as a woodworker because of her hard work in the shop, when no one was looking.
Rich, you are absolutely correct, she is a very fine wood worker, probably better than most of us even long term hobby guys, but the presentation WILL BE according to the marketing and financial heads of the production company and NOT the talent that they hired to support the advertisers, ie. tool and supply companies. She is also not a nationally famous name so she may not have a great deal of leverage with show content, tools or materials. We know this but the average viewer doesen't and neither could they evaluate the differences. We can in this case only vote with our clicking to another channel. All the best, Paddy
BTW, Forrest Girl "YOU ARE RE-HIRED" you are the best! pfh
Woodworking Together? I didn't see anyone else. Seriously, perhaps the editing of this trailer doesn't do the show justice, but if this is as good as it gets, I can describe it in a word - LAME! She is cute, probably a capable woodworker, but I would guess this show isn't going to do her justice. Why go to the Mayflower for inspiration? Go to the nearest furniture showroom, because comparing what was built to the chest from the Mayflower is an insult. I'd also like to see her (or anyone for that matter) produce that "plywood box" and apply finish to it in a weekend.
She uses Porter Cable air nailers... eeewww
You nailed it!
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