Woodworker's Journal

I read Woodworker's Journal occasionally. I do not subscribe. This publication is geared toward woodworkers in general. Many aspects of woodworking are covered in this magazine.
Sections include Tricks of the Trade, Shop Talk, Stumpers, Hardware Hints, Shop Test, Today's Woodworker, Today's Shop, What's in Store, and End Grain.

Tricks of the Trade: hints and tips to help in the shop, usually submitted by readers.

Shop Talk: interesting people and projects in the woodworking hobby

Stumpers: (my personal favorite) old or unknown tools or facts concerning the woodworker. An unknown tool may be pictured with a description of what it is and how it works.

Hardware Hints: illustrates and describes particular piece of hardware used in woodworking project. Examples may be lamp hardware, door hardware, etc.

Shop Test: Comparisons of shop tools and fixtures. We find comparisons of similar type tools to assist woodworkers in choosing the tool that best suits their needs.

Today's Woodworker: This section covers the life and work of a chosen woodworker. This person may have accelled in the art of woodworking. It may be a designer, wood carver, wood turner, etc.

Today's Shop: Deals with the use of a particular tool or technique. It covers the topic from the very basics to safety to problems and solutions. This issue deals with the use of large diameter router bits.

What's in Store: New products description, suggested retail price, and where it can be purchased.

End Grain: Photos and few facts about readers' projects

Also in this magazine are articles about making projects. These are usually smaller scale projects that novice woodworkers can complete with common tools. These articles are well written with plenty of photos and illustrations to guide you through the projects. My major complaint here is that there is no cutting guides shown. A materials list is provided, but a cutting guide would be useful. Cutting guides illustrate the best way to cut the various parts from your stock so you have less waste.

There are articles on how to finish projects too. Descriptions of various finishes and the proper use of them helps you to choose the proper finish for your project.

Overall, this is a good publication. However, I feel that Wood Magazine is a better choice for the woodworker. Wood covers the topics a bit better and they are also much more in depth on the reviews of tools and products.I recommend Woodworker's Journal for the casual woodworker.