▶▶▶ Woodworker's Journal

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Woodworker's Journal

Woodworker's Journal Review

There are two good ways to tell what audience at which a woodworking magazine is aimed. The first is the type of advertising, and the second is how much skill do the projects expect you to have. It is pretty clear right away that Woodworker's journal server home woodworkers who are already of moderate skill. The advertised 'big toys' run in the 500 to 1500 dollar range, although there are a couple of high end combination machines in the adds as well.

Articles expect you to know how to use the tools of the trade but not sure about the 'best' way to do something. A recent issue makes a study of an intarsia backed high chair with some interesting joinery, and instructions for making a genuinely exotic angle jig for a table saw. Writing is solid and reasonably illustrated, but they devote little space to what you should already know, which can make these projects a stretch for a tyro.

The Magazine is very tool oriented. There isn't a lot of space devoted to hand tools or history. Expect articles comparing nail guns and helping you decide whether stationary or bench top equipment is right for you. However, traditionally manual tasks like finishing also receive their due. I found the Woodworker's Journal suited me quite well, and I expect to continue reading it.