Thread: Move over Norm

We have AusStar digital down here, which is basically just a regional version of Foxtel.

The main reason we have it is for the sport. We're both cricket and union fans, the Wife also likes her golf and tennis. We got all of that under the analogue system but one benefit is that you can set it up for widescreen if it's available.

The 'new' channels are largely just a reorganisation of the old channels with more repeats and more American rubbish. I wouldn't say that it's worth getting digital just for the Wood Works. It's OK but the guy is not much of a presenter. He writes for a couple of magazines and he knows his stuff OK but I find him hard to listen to.

There's nothing else on the How To channel that I've found vaguely interesting. Tools & Techniques is a joke.

Let's say that I don't particularly regret the change but I'm not overly excited about it. I wasn't expecting too much, so I'm not disappointed.

Adrian

DIY Tools and Techniques is on straight after Wood Works and is worth watching just for the laughs.

"I agree with you" its just a joke how the guy just waffles on about tools that he really knows nothing about.

Al B

is it worth it?



We had foxtel and now have AUSTAR ..... the single reason we put it on is for This Old House and New Yankee Workshop - EVERYTHING else is a bonus

I fugure it like this: $10.50 per week to get 2 shows I would gladly pay more for...... but I still maintain the offering on payTV in Australia is total crapola ..... I just love my two shows that much........

Steve

Sorry to reactivate an old thread, but I've just recently started watching "Wood Works" on foxtel digital, and I must say I am very impressed. Although I have only seen a few episodes (on every night!), it seems a <i>very different</i> show to NYW, and I am very happy that there are now 2 good shows out there now (I agree with comments about the other shows on DIY channel).

Without wanting to compare them (because they are <i>different shows</i>), I do think that in a number of ways I am starting to prefer Wood Works. For instance:
- he makes more (of what I consider) modern and fashionable furniture than NYW. Norm always seems pre-occupied with antique reproduction and the american colonial/shaker style of furniture <b> that I can't stand</b>.
- I have yet to see him fasten any trim "with a few brads".
- he uses some techniques Norm would rarely use, such as use of veneers, pin-reinforced drawers, and dowel joints.
- the show doesn't waste time showing how the timber is ripped to size.
- the timber finishes applied are much more professional than the aweful stain jobs that Norm usually does.

Having said that, because the presenter (David?) is not as natural a presenter as Norm, and doesn't go into as much detail, then the show might be aimed at more experienced woodworkers. The shows describe just the mechanics of what needs to be done, while I think NYW is more instructive and explanatory.

Regardless, the number of good shows worth taping has just doubled.

P.S. I don't like the new This Old House presenter. Tries too hard to be a comedian.

thanks for the comments - all useful! Kinda makes me wish I had whatever package that show is on ..... but it is not to be

regarding your comment abt two shows to tape - I am thinking that I might buy a DVD recorder and have two shows to "disc" (?)



I am thinking that a few folks may be willing to invest in "backups" but you know how it is .....

and I dont mind Kevin, the new guy ..... he is a young'n who seems to know his place and I feel, given time he will turn out ok ...... I do miss Stevie though.

seriph1,

You miss Steve Thomas!!!!!!! (I hope you are joking)

The new guy beats Steve Thomas in my opinion. What I don't like about this latest barn yard project on TOH is that 70% of the episode is showing some boring field trip away from the worksite not even relevant to the actual project. They must be trying to extend it out to meet their show numbers quota

You Aussies are lucky. We used to get all the episodes of both NYW & TOS before you. This year the Discovery Home & Leisure channel have decided not to buy the new series so we are missing the newcomer. Grrrrrrrr :mad:

yeah this particular series is pretty average - last week they YET AGAIN referredto the guy who sprays the insulation into the walls .... .thank god they didnt show him doing it again...... seeing other homes is great when it relates to what they are working to achieve..... but that tiny two-storey place......??? Sure it was kinda nicely done, but what is it doing there when surely the audience is wanting to see "sleeves-up" renovation work done.

.002c

ok - back to whipping the dog