I currently subscribe to Fine Woodworking. Tauton Press has also sent
me invitations to subscribe to Fine Homebuilding (FHB). I don't build
homes but I do do projects inside my house (like shelves) and there's
lots more I could do (according to SWMBO).
So the question I pose to this group: Do any of you subscribe to FHB
and is it good for a home projects guy (who is not a home builder)?
"HerHusband" wrote in message
> When I started subscribing to Fine Homebuilding there seemed to be more of
> a focus on "Small" homes and how to make the most efficient use of small
> spaces. These days there are lots of homes with 3000+ square feet being
> shown in the magazine as a "small" home. So, the magazine is losing my
> interest in that respect, even if it is just following the national
trends.
I agree. I am currently building one for sale that is just a scooch under
3000+ square feet in an area where 3600 is the average. At the cornice
stage, I am starting to second guess myself on whether the current yuppie
crop is smart enough to notice what I thought I saw as an upcoming trend to
"downsize" a bit.
Time will tell ... I generally manage to pick up something out FHB every
month to make it worthwhile. When you're in the framing stage, an article on
something as arcane as how headers are done in different parts of the
country can be helpful. I've used their "rain screen" siding application
article about three of four years ago on a couple of houses so far to good
effect ("vent skin" here).
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 11/06/04
"Never Enough Money" wrote in message
> I currently subscribe to Fine Woodworking. Tauton Press has also sent
> me invitations to subscribe to Fine Homebuilding (FHB). I don't build
> homes but I do do projects inside my house (like shelves) and there's
> lots more I could do (according to SWMBO).
>
> So the question I pose to this group: Do any of you subscribe to FHB
> and is it good for a home projects guy (who is not a home builder)?
The information for woodworkers in FHB is more of a cumulative effect over
the years then specific in each issue, but there are some gems. There was an
article on built-ins a few years ago that was better than most books on the
subject.
Certainly worth a look on a monthly basis at the newsstand.
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 11/06/04
"Never Enough Money" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I currently subscribe to Fine Woodworking. Tauton Press has also sent
> me invitations to subscribe to Fine Homebuilding (FHB). I don't build
> homes but I do do projects inside my house (like shelves) and there's
> lots more I could do (according to SWMBO).
>
> So the question I pose to this group: Do any of you subscribe to FHB
> and is it good for a home projects guy (who is not a home builder)?
I am a builder and do subscribe to it. I'm always game for learning
something new and it is a great mag.
SH
Tue, Dec 21, 2004, 5:05pm (EST-3) [email protected]
(Never=A0Enough=A0Money) puts out:
I currently subscribe to Fine Woodworking. <snip> So the question I pose
to this group: Do any of you subscribe to FHB and is it good for a home
projects guy (who is not a home builder)?
I don't subscribe to FHB, but I've read it, and enjoyed it - just
not enough to subscribe. I don't subscribe to FWW anymore - I never
made anything out of it, or even found much I really cared to make - so,
turned out, it's not worth me subscribing. For some reason I let my
subscription to WoodenBoats lapse (probably short of disposable income
at the time), even tho I've never had any plans, or desire, to build a
yacht - but It has pictures of some absolutely beautiful woodworking,
and I really enjoy the magazine. I subscribe to Motor Trend, and enjoy
it, even tho there's hardly a vehicle it it, I could ever afford to
rent, let alone buy - Hell, I'll probably never even see most of them in
real life - but I'll keep my subscription, for awhile anyway. So, I
say, if you like FHB enough, subscribe; doesn't matter if you make
anything out of it or not, as long as you like it - or, if you think you
wouldn't be happy subscribing, then don't - your money, your call.
I quite subscribing to Live Steam because it was mostly
locomotives, not enough steam boats.
Now, I need to go check into renewing my subscription to
WoodenBoats.
JOAT
Sanity is vastly over-rated.
Never Enough Money wrote:
>
> I currently subscribe to Fine Woodworking. Tauton Press has also sent
> me invitations to subscribe to Fine Homebuilding (FHB). I don't build
> homes but I do do projects inside my house (like shelves) and there's
> lots more I could do (according to SWMBO).
>
> So the question I pose to this group: Do any of you subscribe to FHB
> and is it good for a home projects guy (who is not a home builder)?
I've been on-again/off-again over the years...I re-upped the last cheapo
offer from Taunton...it was only about $20 for the year, I think. It's
hit or miss on the value, although even if it's not something I'm going
to do a fair amount is still interesting evening reading...probably most
of what I gain from it is acquaintanceship to newer products/materials.
I have been consistent subscriber to FWW since about the 2nd year or
so...it seems to me the article quality has gone down over the time
frame--I suppose it's hard to keep coming up w/ really high quality
articles consistently. I miss Tage Frid's articles a <bunch>.
HerHusband wrote:
...
> When I started subscribing to Fine Homebuilding there seemed to be more of
> a focus on "Small" homes and how to make the most efficient use of small
> spaces. These days there are lots of homes with 3000+ square feet being
> shown in the magazine as a "small" home. So, the magazine is losing my
> interest in that respect, even if it is just following the national trends.
...
I tend to see that, as well as the "pc" group is in some ascendence it
seems, editorially as another posted noted. Not flaming, at least so
far, thankfully, however...
On 21 Dec 2004 17:05:29 -0800, "Never Enough Money"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>So the question I pose to this group: Do any of you subscribe to FHB
>and is it good for a home projects guy (who is not a home builder)?
I actually get a pretty decent amount of furniture and built-in ideas
from that magazine. Some of the ideas come from articles that have
nothing to do with built-ins, such as an article about painting that
gave me some excellent cabinet detail ideas.
FHB also helps me keep up on decorating trends, without having to wade
through stuff like "Architectural Digest's" articles on John
Travolta's airport, I mean house. <G>
Barry
We(actually she did most of it) contracted our own house. Been subscribers
for 10-15 years. Occasionally great stuff.
Lot's of stuff that is more for the pros.
"Never Enough Money" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I currently subscribe to Fine Woodworking. Tauton Press has also sent
> me invitations to subscribe to Fine Homebuilding (FHB). I don't build
> homes but I do do projects inside my house (like shelves) and there's
> lots more I could do (according to SWMBO).
>
> So the question I pose to this group: Do any of you subscribe to FHB
> and is it good for a home projects guy (who is not a home builder)?
>
In article <[email protected]>,
[email protected] says...
> On 21 Dec 2004 17:05:29 -0800, "Never Enough Money"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> >I currently subscribe to Fine Woodworking. Tauton Press has also sent
> >me invitations to subscribe to Fine Homebuilding (FHB). I don't build
> >homes but I do do projects inside my house (like shelves) and there's
> >lots more I could do (according to SWMBO).
> >
> >So the question I pose to this group: Do any of you subscribe to FHB
> >and is it good for a home projects guy (who is not a home builder)?
>
>
> it's geared towards construction professionals.
>
> buy a couple of copies at the newsstand and see for yourself if you
> like the magazine.
>
Or go to the library, where you can look at back copies. My impression
of the magazine is that it is very ethical in its editorial, as are the
contractors, cabinet makers, et al, who write for it. In its field, I
don't think anything printed comes even close to it, especially when
compared to the self-serving pretentious This Old House.
> I currently subscribe to Fine Woodworking. Tauton Press has also sent
> me invitations to subscribe to Fine Homebuilding (FHB). I don't build
> homes but I do do projects inside my house (like shelves) and there's
> lots more I could do (according to SWMBO).
I have subscribed to Fine Homebuilding for at least the past 10 years. We
did eventually build our own home, but I enjoyed the magazine for years
before and will continue subscribing unless the magazine changes
significantly.
I have found lots of useful tips over the years, even if I wasn't building
a house. I even get ideas from looking at the feature houses in each issue.
I also subscribe to The Family Handyman. I find it's oversimplified for my
needs. They take 7-8 pages per article where Fine Homebuilding usually
descibes the same task in 3-4 pages.
When I started subscribing to Fine Homebuilding there seemed to be more of
a focus on "Small" homes and how to make the most efficient use of small
spaces. These days there are lots of homes with 3000+ square feet being
shown in the magazine as a "small" home. So, the magazine is losing my
interest in that respect, even if it is just following the national trends.
I agree with the other posters, pick up a few issues first and see what you
think of it.
Anthony
> I agree. I am currently building one for sale that is just a scooch
> under 3000+ square feet in an area where 3600 is the average.
Yeah, I don't understand the "bigger is better" mentality. We've got lots
of mini-mansions going up around us in the 3000-4000 sq/ft range that are
selling for a million dollars or more. Many are occupied by a couple or a
very small family. Makes no sense to me.
We just completed our 1456 sq/ft home for under 60 thousand dollars. It's
completely paid for, with no mortgage, and has all the space we'll ever
need (family of three). And, it's small size doesn't mean cramped or cheap
by any means. We have a large master suite, tiled bathrooms, australian
cypress hardwood floors, 14 foot vaulted ceilings, lots of custom built-in
cabinetry, a large covered porch, and much more. Just none of the wasted
space those mini-mansions have.
Fine Homebuilding used to show lots of these kinds of homes. We got many
ideas over the years for making the most of the available space. They still
show smaller homes every now and then, but most are the typical mini-
mansions.
> I generally manage to pick up something out FHB every month
> to make it worthwhile.
Same here. I scan the articles I find interesting and keep them around for
quick access. I refered to these articles many times during the
construction of our home. Lots of great tips.
> something as arcane as how headers are done in different
> parts of the country can be helpful.
The "Graphic Guide to Frame Construction" is great for that too! I referred
to that book a lot over the last couple of years.
Anthony
On Thu, 23 Dec 2004 17:22:18 +0000 (UTC), HerHusband <[email protected]>
wrote:
>> I agree. I am currently building one for sale that is just a scooch
>> under 3000+ square feet in an area where 3600 is the average.
>
>Yeah, I don't understand the "bigger is better" mentality. We've got lots
>of mini-mansions going up around us in the 3000-4000 sq/ft range that are
>selling for a million dollars or more. Many are occupied by a couple or a
>very small family. Makes no sense to me.
>
I think it depends upon what one does with the home. If one entertains a
lot, then having a large kitchen and family area is needed to support that.
Coupled with a desire for a large master suite and room for a home office,
the number of square feet could be pushed up pretty quickly.
(No, I don't live in a mini-mansion -- we have 2400 square feet -- big
enough for a family of three with a sewing room and a guest room, as well
as a reasonably comfortable family room and kitchen area)
>We just completed our 1456 sq/ft home for under 60 thousand dollars. It's
>completely paid for, with no mortgage,
Sounds like a gloat
> and has all the space we'll ever
>need (family of three). And, it's small size doesn't mean cramped or cheap
>by any means. We have a large master suite, tiled bathrooms, australian
>cypress hardwood floors, 14 foot vaulted ceilings, lots of custom built-in
>cabinetry, a large covered porch, and much more. Just none of the wasted
>space those mini-mansions have.
>
>Fine Homebuilding used to show lots of these kinds of homes. We got many
>ideas over the years for making the most of the available space. They still
>show smaller homes every now and then, but most are the typical mini-
>mansions.
I sense an internal struggle in FHB, showing both large homes and smaller
homes as well as all of the PC green commentary.
On 21 Dec 2004 17:05:29 -0800, "Never Enough Money"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>I currently subscribe to Fine Woodworking. Tauton Press has also sent
>me invitations to subscribe to Fine Homebuilding (FHB). I don't build
>homes but I do do projects inside my house (like shelves) and there's
>lots more I could do (according to SWMBO).
>
>So the question I pose to this group: Do any of you subscribe to FHB
>and is it good for a home projects guy (who is not a home builder)?
it's geared towards construction professionals.
buy a couple of copies at the newsstand and see for yourself if you
like the magazine.
i just subscribed myself via magsonthenet.com
i've bought enough newsstand issues, finally decided to quit paying
7/copy
you might try bonusmags.com -- they show some really low prices, but i
have no idea if they are legit or not. magsonthenet is legit and if
you spend 50, 100 or so on you can get coupons off
On 21 Dec 2004 17:05:29 -0800, "Never Enough Money"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>I currently subscribe to Fine Woodworking. Tauton Press has also sent
>me invitations to subscribe to Fine Homebuilding (FHB). I don't build
>homes but I do do projects inside my house (like shelves) and there's
>lots more I could do (according to SWMBO).
>
>So the question I pose to this group: Do any of you subscribe to FHB
>and is it good for a home projects guy (who is not a home builder)?
On 21 Dec 2004 17:05:29 -0800, "Never Enough Money" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>I currently subscribe to Fine Woodworking. Tauton Press has also sent
>me invitations to subscribe to Fine Homebuilding (FHB). I don't build
>homes but I do do projects inside my house (like shelves) and there's
>lots more I could do (according to SWMBO).
>
>So the question I pose to this group: Do any of you subscribe to FHB
>and is it good for a home projects guy (who is not a home builder)?
I started subscribing to FHB a couple of years ago, primarily because we
are planning to remodel the kitchen and I wanted a source of good ideas.
Several things about FHB, they tend to focus on high-end type projects --
the kind in which an architect, a contractor, a landscape designer and an
interior designer are involved. Of late, it also seems they are focusing
on "green" building techniques and some of the commentary from the various
authors of said articles is somewhat judgmental (to be kind) upon us common
folk who can't afford those techniques. OTOH, it does have some good
techniques for various things, for example, the December/January issue had
a review of circular saws, a very helpful article on replacing broken
ceramic floor tiles, and reader contributions similar to the ideas pages
in FWW. In general, I recommend it as a home-owner's equivalent to FWW.
Just as in FWW, some of the projects shown are beyond the capabilities of
many of us, they give one something to aspire to and provide a quality
template, if you will, for the way we can design and execute our projects
compared to something like, for example a Woodsmith magazine that provides
more intermediate level instructions for things like making mortises or
fitting doors or hinges.
You might try picking it up from time to time before subscribing to see
if it has enough worthwhile articles for you to subscribe.
On 21 Dec 2004 17:05:29 -0800, "Never Enough Money"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>I currently subscribe to Fine Woodworking. Tauton Press has also sent
>me invitations to subscribe to Fine Homebuilding (FHB). I don't build
>homes but I do do projects inside my house (like shelves) and there's
>lots more I could do (according to SWMBO).
>
>So the question I pose to this group: Do any of you subscribe to FHB
>and is it good for a home projects guy (who is not a home builder)?
I've flipped through a few FHB at the bookstore, but never bought one.
Magazines are good for checking out new tools and advertisements, but
I think books are a much better buy.