Reviews
Magazine Reviews -
There are many woodworking magazines available, ranging from big, glossy, expensive versions to plain-paper cheap. Of course, "cheap" is a state of mind nowadays - most magazines are not inexpensive.
One way to get around the expense is by subscribing, which usually lowers your per issue cost considerably. The problem? Getting issues that have little-to-nothing that interests you. Also, all magazines tend to repeat themselves eventually. After all, there is just so much you can write about the subject of woodworking. One of my pet peeves is the annual "tool review" issue. Hey, I read it the first time, I don't need you to use another issue to recap. To me, it's like getting one less issue in your subscription.
Personally, I subscribe to a few magazines and check out the others on the newsstand to see if I am missing anything. However, there are some good magazines you may not easily find on the newsstand.
For what it's worth, here's my list. Note the date on each review. If the review is kind of old it may not be accurate. Magazines do tend to change editorial teams over time and that affects the magazine's content and style. Let me know if I missed a magazine you think is worth reading.
Fine Woodworking -
OK, who am I trying to impress? Yes, I subscribe. This magazine hits the high end of the woodworking crowd. Earlier in the life of Fine Woodworking, I found that it was a little too "highbrow" for my tastes. (This was back in the days of all black-and-white issues) They concentrated a lot on the work of "woodworking as art" woodworkers. Of course, they still do that, but I have found that they have modified their content to make it much more usable for the common woodworker. Or maybe my interests and skills in woodworking have grown to match the magazine. Who knows? I like it. This is one of the more expensive magazines, so check it out on the newsstand before subscribing to make sure it suits your taste. A recommended magazine, if it fits your needs.
(Six issues a year - plus one bonus "Tools and Shops" issue.)
Reviewed 2005
Popular Woodworking -
I currently subscribe to this one. Once upon a time (years ago), I was not impressed with the quality of this magazine, but times have changed. They have made great improvements and reading it is very worthwhile. I like their layout, content and editorial slant. It is a good mix of projects, how-to articles and tool and product reviews.
(Six issues a year.)
Reviewed 2005
ShopNotes -
This is a sister publication to Woodsmith magazine. While Woodsmith concentrates on the projects you build in your woodshop, this magazine's focus is on the woodshop itself. You will find ways to organize your shop, plans for fixtures, jigs and tools, tool reviews, and in-depth information about tools. As in Worbench, there is no advertising, so while the magazine may seem a little thin, it's contents are not.
(Six issues a year.)
Reviewed 2005
Wood Magazine -
A popular magazine and a lot of people like it, but I find that it has too much "white space" and, as a rule, not quite enough content that interests me. Having said that, I must admit that I subscribe to it. I got such a good deal I could not pass it up. I would not subscribe, however, if it was not worth it - at least at the price I paid. The content is usually sufficient to keep me reading it. I think that most people would enjoy this magazine.
(Seven issues a year.)
Reviewed 2005
Woodwork Magazine -
This magazine is definitely geared towards the artistic side of woodworking. It features a lot of articles about specific woodworkers and their work. It is a good magazine to read if you want to keep up on "who's who" in the high-end world of woodworking. It also has how-to articles, but the total content of the magazine has not encouraged me to subscribe. Check it out on the newsstand and make your own decision. It is one of the more reasonably priced magazine subscriptions.
(Six issues a year.)
Reviewed 2005
Woodworker's Journal -
This is a good magazine. I have subscribed in the past and may do so again. It offers a good mix of how-to articles, projects and product reviews. There is usually something for all levels of woodworkers here.
(Six issues a year.)
Reviewed 2005
Woodsmith -
If you are into projects, this is the magazine to get. It usually has several projects per issue, along with projects and techniques which are used in making the featured projects. It is not loaded down with tool reviews or with trivial news in the woodworking community. It may seem a little thin, but that is because it is not loaded down with advertising - it doesn't have any! This is a good way to build a library of projects and project plans. If you don't see something you like in the current issue, check out the next issue, or the back issues. Eventually you will see something you want to build. And check out the on-line extras for expanded information on the projects in the magazine. Shopnotes and Workbench are sister publications.
(Six issues a year.)
Reviewed 2005