Woodwork

I'm a current subscriber to Woodwork. I own almost every issue

since it was first published, and I've read most of them cover

to cover. I have subscribed to and read many issues of FWW, Wood,

Shopnotes, & WoodSmith. I've also read many of the other woodwork

magazines on the market. For me, Woodwork stands alone!

Yes, Woodwork leans toward an environmental consciousness and

reminds us that wood is a precious, potentially non-renewable

resource. Is that bad?

And, they interview and highlight studio woodworkers

almost as frequently as they do traditional craftsman.

Sometimes I like what I see, sometimes not.

But, through Woodwork, I've "met" some of the best craftspeople alive.

Each month highlights one particular artisan -sometimes it's

a traditional craftsman, sometimes a Studio Artist -and an

in-depth interview is provided. There's usually a sidebar where

the featured individual teaches how they do what they do. It's

like having being tutored by a master without the cost.

Occassionally, a contributor's style is too ethereal for me.

But, mainly the writing is solid, educational, and personal.

Most important, Woodwork doesn't repeat the same stuff on a

regular cycle. When you look at other magazines over time, they

will run through the same topic repeatedly -either once a year

or once every two years. Woodwork is always new and fresh. Maybe

it's not always something I'm interested in, but it's rarely

disappointing and never simply a rehash.

Woodwork is by far the hardest woodworking magazine to pin down to a single approach. Just when you think they have no interest in power tools an article on making your own magnetic switches appear. Just when you think it's about studio furniture a long detailed article on building a workbench appears. Then an article on harps shows up, or the nature of wood, or a Japanese sculpture.

Despite all this eclecticism the undertone is about serious woodwork, whether it be about musical instruments, chairs or that amazing workbench. Articles are solid and information packed tending toward the philosophical even while providing practical information. There is only one other magazine that sets as high a standard for content (Fine Woodworking), and nothing attempts the bread of coverage that Woodwork does.

Somehow I feel smarter after after reading an issue. I know a bit more about the field, I've looked at photos full of intriguing designs, and I've picked up a technique or two. If you are actively interested in woodworking, as a student, tyro, or educator this is an excellent resource. I don't expect to be throwing away old issues any time soon.

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This magazine is gorgeous. The quality and artistry of the work they show is always the best that can be found, and they illustrate how woodworking can be more than just "making sawdust". This is for craftspeople who really care about their work. It's like fine woodworking with more information about the actual artists and a bit less about the mechanics. The West Coast woodcraft scene at its best this magazine always inspires me.

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I have a love/hate relationship with this publication. They some times have wonderful articles---fantastic how-to articles that explain things exceptionally well. Great interviews with artists and crafts people.

Other times the articles stink so bad that my dog starts liking his butt just for a change in smell. For example, they had this three page spread about the design of sanding blocks. It was as if someone was trying to earn a doctorate in the world's most arcane subject.

But, hands down, they have the best section that showcases the work of craftsmen and artisans. When I get the magazine, that is the first section I always turn to.

Beware, my subscription always arrived several days and often weeks, after this showed up on newsstands.

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