Frustrated with woodworking magazines.

[Gary roofner]

I receive Wood, Woodsmith, and Popular woodworking. Of the three Popular woodworking is my least favorite and will not renew. In the last 2 issues non of the articles inspired me to build anything. I will say rarely do I ever build any project exactly as in the article but they inspire me to build a project or I learn some new technique .Anyone share my frustrations? 

[James Waller]

I had cancel PW last year due to the fact the projects were beyond my experience (and budget). Wood wasn't too bad, but now I only get Woodsmith. This too may have projects beyond my scope, but I need something to read while on the crapper.

[Mike]

3 years for 24 bucks  can't really complain to much...

[Leslee]

some of the articles are not inspiring to build but, I found that shopnotes is sometimes better than woodsmith. I get both of them. I also use other woodworking mags to get different ideas to use in a project or refer back to an issue that might have that same idea or problem which I read in a issue that didn't inspire me to build. They are good reference material for later use. I can't complain too much about what is in the mag this month or next. Not all issues are good. Sometimes PW is really boring and sometimes it is fine. I still like Shopnotes better than the rest of the other ones. 

[James P. Cottingham]

Like Leslee, I get WoodSmith and ShopNotes. I also subscribe to online mags for others. Usually cheaper and I can download only those projects that interest me. I find that the articles I enjoy most are the "How-To" ones, like how to build and use new jigs.

[Gary roofner]

Thank's for all comments. I think I will subscribe to Shop Notes no adds in this magazine and let pop woodworking expire. As far as Fine woodworking goes above my skill level.

[Rob]

James, what online mags do you subscribe to that allow you to download projects? I did a few searches but didn't come up with much.

[kenny from Sundre]

HERE, HERE  to Woodsmith!!!! I like the tips, techniques, and jig plans that they present.

kenny

[James P. Cottingham]

Rob,

    Several wood magazines, like Wood and American Woodworker have online magazines. I subscribe to the online version of Fine Woodworking and Woodworkers Journal. In addition, most wood magazines have a free newsletters you can subscribe to. Most will have links to on-line plans, how-to tips, etc. My favorite of these is Woodworkers Journal EZine.

Rob said:

James, what online mags do you subscribe to that allow you to download projects? I did a few searches but didn't come up with much.

[Justin]

As a newbie, I've found that Wood and Family Handyman offer some reasonably simple projects for beginners.  I like how Wood doesn't assume I have Norm Abrams work shop, but also challenges the reader.  I've only been able to thumb through a year or two of Wood (father-in-law's subscription) and have had a Family Handyman subscription for a year, that I don't plan to re-up because everything they put in the mag is online for free.  I have picked up a Woodsmith, but found it was a little, or a ton, above my level of craftsmanship.  But, after reading this, I may give them a second look.