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Overall I thought this video did a good job at simplifying the use of bench planes to prepare rough lumber. One thing i would have like to have seen is the smoothing of a board that has more severe warping. The boards in the video were faily straight to start with. Overall though I found it very informative.
After watching the video I was some what in awe. When someone mentions hand cutting dovetails i think of marking knifes, expensive saws, and extensive layout. A gent saw, chisel, marking gauge, and a pencil is all that is used. I do think the actions happens a little to fast for the beginner.
While Mr. Frid is a very likable fellow, I wasn't really fond of this video. The video seems like it was filmed by a teenager and edited in his parents basement. Most of the file Mr. Frid is doing a voice over, but you can still hear people talking from the original video. In certain parts of the video someone else starts doing part of the voice over. The audio on this video was very distracting. As for the woodworking, you can certainly see Mr. Frid knows his stuff. It was interesting to see some his methods of construction. I would like to mention though, this video isn't for the beginner. Most of the topics are not covered thoroughly. It gives you more of an overview of his methods that a seasoned woodworker will benefit by. Probably one of the best things about this video is that Mr. Frid invites you into his home to see the pieces he has made and explain some of the design elements. This gives the video a significant historical value.
Chris seems to be the goto guy for hand tools. Seems like most of the things you read about hand tools he is involved in. I am a real fan of his teaching style. He makes every effort to remove the mysticism from hand tools. He is very good at simplifying hand tool use and selection. My only complaint about this video is that I wish he had covered more tools. I feel like this video should have been broken down into multiple videos. Hand saws and fasteners could have easily been an hour each.
How often do you see a video that goes above and beyond? This is truly a video where I felt that I got more than I hoped. Mr. Ellenwood even gives you his phone number at the end, if you need help. Hows that for standing behind your product! Everything short of the carving tools that you see in the video you can get at his website. All the prices on his website were very reasonable. Makes it very easy for you get started. I also liked that he doesn't shy away from recommending particular brand names of tools. Probably the best video that I've rented so far.
These videos are excellent for beginning woodcarvers like myself to see how its done. The only two drawbacks are they seem rushed and they will put you to sleep! Nora knows her craft and she is all work. She doesn't fill much air time with tips or small talk. She give you the impression that she is being rushed. The constant thump of a mallet and lack of talking lulls you to sleep. Overall excellent carving content, but she could have slowed down and give more general tips to keep you involved.
