These days, woodworkers are awash in a sea of information—magazines, books, mail-order catalogs, woodworking shows—as well as a dizzying array of new tools, materials and gadgets. So, this time around, I asked our visitors, “Where do you get most of your woodworking news, inspiration, and know-how these days? Has the internet changed any of that?” Since WoodCentral is a Web-based forum, the replies tended to extol the virtues of the internet, but some of the comments were enlightening, even to a Webmaster.
“Without the Internet, I would be poorer both intellectually and monetarily. Without the shared experiences of hundreds of Internet folks, I would not advance my skills nearly as well or as quickly, and I would be financially poorer from buying useless tools and wrecking expensive stock.”
“I use the Internet to support or dispute what is printed or advertised in magazines. A forum provides an almost instant tap into the other visitors’ knowledge, but a lot of misinformation can be exchanged as well.”
“The Internet has completely changed the way I obtain information. Prior to my coming on-line, I had six wood-related magazines. I now have one and will not renew.”
“After 25 years of professional work, I find that questions of new woodworkers on the net, and replies from experienced woodworkers, offer new ways of looking at old problems.”
“My core information comes from books. Magazines provide info on new products and give suggested construction techniques for projects. But, you can’t ask a book or a magazine a specific question about your own personal circumstance. That’s where this forum and its caring, experienced contributors come in.”
“Learning is different than research. I admit I’m an Internet junkie, but for info, I start with books and videos.”
“Know-how, news, and inspiration, I get from training, journals and myself. Does the Internet change that? Not really. Timber is still timber. Good practice is still good practice.”
“Books and publications are an invaluable resource, but I never connected with anyone locally. The internet and WoodCentral have changed all that.”
“I must be one of the new breed of woodworkers, because all of my information comes through the Internet. I learned everything I know about woodworking on the Internet, and I buy all of my equipment, tools, and supplies on-line. The Internet allows detail and diversity of product review that is simply impossible to express in print. It also allows a wonderful level of detail and diversity for “how to” articles and makes large collections of information easily available for very little cost.”
“I rely heavily on the Internet. When I mentioned a tool problem on Badger Pond’s forum, a lurking dealer sent me a replacement part without asking. You can’t beat that!”
“Until about a year ago, my woodworking education was from trial and error, magazines, books, and one carpenter friend. I was amazed to get personal answers on-line from big name professionals, in forums, and private e-mails.”
“I learn mostly from my mistakes, and unfortunately the Internet hasn’t had an impact on their frequency or severity.”
“The Internet has been the springboard that launched me into woodworking. If not for the Net, I would still just be chopping up Pine with a cheap circular saw, denting it with a hammer, slopping some paint or poly on it, and calling that woodworking. Now, I chop up hardwoods and exotics with a myriad of expensive tools and gadgets, stick it together with glue, biscuits and square-drive screws and slop it with oils, varnishes, lacquers and waxes. Now THAT’S woodworking!”
What are your thoughts on this? Add your comments below!