We may receive a commission when you use our affiliate links. However, this does not impact our recommendations.
I try to be transparent about my financial dealings in the woodworking world – that’s why I don’t take free tools, wood, classes or … anything. So how is this blog funded?
Simple: I am paid monthly by F+W, the parent company of Popular Woodworking Magazine. Lee Valley Tools pays for advertising space – cast your eyes to the right. But my agreement with F+W is that I am free to write whatever I like about the craft, as long as it is not obscene, slanderous or otherwise will land the company and me in court.
It’s an author- and reader-friendly arrangement that is hard to come by these days, and I am grateful for it.
The only other condition of my arrangement is that I use an “affiliate code” when I link to products F+W sells. I do not receive any money when you buy things from ShopWoodworking.com from my links. No commission. No payola. Nothing.
But F+W uses that information as a way to measure how popular this blog is, and I am certain the information helps determine if they want to continue paying me to blog. So if you like this blog and wish it to continue, using links that I post here is a vote for the blog to continue.
So with all that said, here are my favorite products currently in the store. These are things I have bought (or plan to buy shortly – using my own links, of course).
Woodwright’s Shop Season 21-31 Collection
When you see these collections of Roy Underhill’s show “The Woodwright’s Shop,” snatch them up because the special price does not stick around. Otherwise you have to buy each season separately, which gets expensive (but it is worth it – it’s Roy). Right now ShopWoodworking has a collection of seasons 21-30 for about $190.
Woodwork Magazine 1989-2014
If you are a serious woodworker, this complete digital collection of issues of Woodwork magazine is a delight. Woodwork was quirky, a bit artsy but always interesting to read. I need to purchase this DVD so I can finally get rid of all the paper copies that are taking up shelf space.
Peter Ross Blacksmithing Videos
I am fascinated by blacksmithing – it’s a craft I hope to explore when I am reincarnated. In the meantime, I really enjoy these DVDs by Peter Ross that show how woodworking tools and hardware are made by hand. Ross is mesmerizing to watch and produces incredible work. Check these out:
Forging a Socket Chisel
Forging a Compass
Forging a Custom Hinge
Forging a Striking Knife
— Christopher Schwarz
Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work around the shop. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality.
What happened to the option for the download version? I don’t need a physical dvd, not to mention it was half the price!
Just bought the downloads of woodwork magazine. Can’t beat $40 for all that info. Thanks Chris, Merry Christmas!
Thanks for the full disclosure Chris, but it’s not really necessary, at least for me. I’ve never thought that you might be getting payola. Over the years you’ve mentioned this multiple times, so it looks like this is a recurring problem. It’s not hard to imagine that there are people out there that think that way and I imagine it’s the same ones that keep bringing up this issue. Jealously manifests itself in many ways. Anyway, you provide me with useful information that I use and if I could pay you, I would. I’d consider it a fee for services rendered, like people do with lawyers, doctors, CPAs, etc. BTW, bought the little pry bar and the two marking pencils and plan to get the Bushnell screwdrivers once they’re back in stock, in case any at F+W is listening. Thanks for all you do!
Mini chisels purchased via your link! Next month it’s that set of 3 mini planes (already have the router, so happy they put the other three into a $99 package).
Damn your eyes Schwarz! More money spent – Woodwork Magazine DVD on its way. 🙂
I didn’t know Peter had a new video coming out. Just preordered. There is always more to learn and I love Peter Ross’s style.
I just learned something. Lee Valley has miniature chisels for sale this season! Thank you side ad.
🙂
Peter is da’ man!
And I’d vote a Peter and Roy ticket (or Roy and Peter) ticket for any office, anytime.
Well if anyone at F+W is listening, I would guess that the blogs (editor’s and Chris’) drive traffic to your site and while the readers might not click within a given blog entry, they are exposed to the ads on your site, which they may or may not click. Personally, I treat the blogs like the daily newspaper and occasionally I will click on other links that catch my eye. I may not buy then and there, but if I like what I see, I’ll put it on the “purchase later” list. I do know I wouldn’t visit the site as often without the blogs. I’m guessing I’m not alone. Use this info the way you see fit.
I just bought and received 2 DVD’s of The Woodwrights shop. Next time I will use one of your links!!!
Next will be Woodwork magazine….. from here as well Sir!