Fine Woodworking Magazines
Review by Mark Gezella – September 2006
For some time I've been meaning to write some accolades for Fine Woodworking magazine. Since I have several recent issues to log into the library, I thought now would be a good time to comment on them. I'm sure you are all well aware of the presence FWW has established among woodworking circles, along with the impact it's expert commentary has had on us hobbyists. It's hard to believe this magazine was first published some 30 years ago already. This may come as a surprise, but did you know our library has every issue of Fine Woodworking dating to the very first? To put the value of this into perspective, I've seen early issues offered on the web for as much as $20 each! And I thought old tools had gotten expensive!!
As with any long-term production, the magazine has evolved over the years. Recent issues stand in stark contrast to earlier offerings in many ways. Enhancements run the gamut from font selection and magazine size to photography and binding methods. Current issues offer much in the way of advice, insight, examples, tool reviews, etc. The number of contributors has greatly expanded over these decades, and good 'ole fashioned word-of-mouth has made this publication coveted by almost all woodworkers.
I'll start with the June '06 issue to cite some specific examples. The first is entitled Sharpen With Sandpaper (B. Beach) which describes how to achieve a keen edge on chisels and plane irons with nothing more than a piece of hardboard, glass, and some sandpaper. It offers a very practical solution to a common problem that apparently yields incredible results. Another article that captured my attention is named Build a Fireplace Mantel (M. Rodriguez). It offers sound, practical advice on both managing the woodworking aspect of a project and site preparation beforehand. Very valuable information I hope to someday apply to my humble little abode. I'd also like to mention a third article that briefly describes how to secure wood for carving, authored by Frederick Wilbur. I spoke of an architectural carving book written by Mr. Wilbur in my June write-up. He's both a very skilled carver and contributor to FWW.
The August '06 issue has several more items of interest. You wouldn't expect an angle grinder to be very practical in woodworking, but I learned "the fibrous stuff" can be a great application for it. A write-up this month describes how angle grinders (in the Master Class segment) can help mold and shape wood to produce smooth, rounded, Maloof-style lines and joinery. The August Reader's Gallery contains pictures of exquisite productions - a room-divider panel really caught my eye. Additionally, Five Overlooked Hardwoods (G. Hack) provides an efficient means of conveying information on several woods (apple, butternut, basswood, etc.) that are often passed by in favor of more common selections like pine, poplar, and the like. It's an effective article with picture's of the wood, tree leaves, etc.
And you haven't seen the magazine until you check out the back cover! There's always one final feature to end an issue, ranging anywhere from classical furniture to whimsical artwork. Whatever the case, bank on it to be a unique, masterfully constructed piece accompanied by a description that may convey construction details, origin of an idea, some catalyst that inspired it, etc. It's always an eye-popper!
The newer issues have exceptional picture resolution, and paper quality is top-notch. Articles are written by well-respected woodworkers, some of which are known world-wide. I can hardly think of an aspect related to woodworking that FWW doesn't cover over it's 185+ issues. And much of it is timeless; a past article can have as much relevance today as it did when it first went to print. I urge you to peruse these periodicals whenever you need a solution to some woodworking dilemma. You won't be disappointed. All issues of FWW are available for check-out at our general membership meetings.