Just the Right Approach

There are two good ways to tell what audience at which a woodworking magazine is aimed. The first is the type of advertising, and the second is how much skill do the projects expect you to have. It is pretty clear right away that Woodworker's journal server home woodworkers who are already of moderate skill. The advertised 'big toys' run in the 500 to 1500 dollar range, although there are a couple of high end combination machines in the adds as well. ^M
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Articles expect you to know how to use the tools of the trade but not sure about the 'best' way to do something. A recent issue makes a study of an intarsia backed high chair with some interesting joinery, and instructions for making a genuinely exotic angle jig for a table saw. Writing is solid and reasonably illustrated, but they devote little space to what you should already know, which can make these projects a stretch for a tyro.^M
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The Magazine is very tool oriented. There isn't a lot of space devoted to hand tools or history. Expect articles comparing nail guns and helping you decide whether stationary or bench top equipment is right for you. However, traditionally manual tasks like finishing also receive their due. I found the Woodworker's Journal suited me quite well, and I expect to continue reading it.

A balanced approach to woodworking - tools, techniques, proj

Woodworkers Journal has attracted some of my favorite woodworking experts from the other magazines. Michael Dresdner, Ellis Wallentine, Shondor Nagaslaski are all great tool and woodworking experts and give me the information that I need to advance my skills and keep working in the shop interesting. I can hardly wait for the next issue to arrive. It will have shop tips, jigs, finishing tips and projects. No other magazine has this well rounded approach to woodworking.

Advanced work

I subscribe to several woodworking magazines and have subscribed to Woodworkers Journal since 1990. Each magazine has a character of it's own with a woodworking level reflected in the complexity of the projects it presents. This magazine is a bit more complex than, say Wood magazine. It should be understood that some style and esthetics are usually compromised when a project is simplified. I have one of Woodworking Journal's projects in my living room. It is perhaps the most beautiful piece I have ever made. If you have become an advanced amature (sp?) this magazine will give you projects that you will take pride in making and showing to others.