Being a newbie to this kind of stuff I can’t really tell how good of a job the guys on “This Old House” really are.
What do you guys with experience think of the work they do?
Norm seems like a heck of a woodworker to me.
Being a newbie to this kind of stuff I can’t really tell how good of a job the guys on “This Old House” really are.
What do you guys with experience think of the work they do?
Norm seems like a heck of a woodworker to me.
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They're all a cut above in knowledge/skill/experience. And they all have positive attitudes about life and their work.
In addition, they all understand how to explain what they're doing so that anyone can get it. The jobs are presented well too, step by step with proper names given for materials and tools.
I enjoy watching and listening to any and all of the This Old House crew members, even when I'm well acquainted with what they're doing. I always seem to learn something new.
This Old House is a glimpse into the way this kind of work is really done, by professionals with many years of experience. Some people spend a whole lifetime in a trade and never get to learn from craftsmen of their caliber.
Watching this program is time well spent, even if it's only to gain respect for the skilled trades.
Edited 2/15/2008 2:08 pm by Hudson Valley Carpenter
I watch it religiously. My wife wonders why I watch the reruns over and over. I just wish they had a show for Tom and Rich like Norm does.
just wish they had a show for Tom and Rich
They do, after a fashion--AskTOH has Rich Trethewey, Roger Cook, Tom Silva, and other folk as needed. Pretty much it's one of the guys dealing with a specific HO problem in a 1-on-1 situation.
Tommy repointing bricks, or relaying a wood floor; Rich fixing radiators or replacing kitchen faucets; Roger reseedig lawns or pruning trees--pretty cool. Even has a corny "What tool is it?" where they cut up a bit makine lame guesses about interesting new tools.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
Like HVCarp said, the guys are professionals. I rarely have a difference of opinion with them, they always do a nice job. I think it's the only show that the $$$ numbers are believable. Forget all those house flip shows, they are revolting.
While I don't agree 100% with their methods and techniques, I do think that the TOH crew represents some of the better workmanship available for TV viewing. I like to watch because I find out about new materials and methods, which I can then decide on trying on my own jobs.
When Norm started on the New Yankee Workshop, I didn't think much of his projects or techniques. He has improved greatly over the years, to the point where I find it worthwhile to watch.
I still think its kind of rediculous to wear a tool belt in the workshop, tho.
RE: toolbelt in the shop.
I never could get my head around why he does that. I've tried various aprons and vests and stuff, and I finally realized, I don't HAVE to wear anything other than a hat ( so the pencil won't keep falling off my ear) and a tape measure..my basic shop "outfit". A decent pair of pants with cargo pockets for a steel rule sometimes or a small square..thats it.
About TOH..I'd enjoy a day with Tom Silva..Norm don't impress me at all. And the big lug Rodger..I'd be mocking his accent so much..I'd have run and hide from him... "Hey RAAADGAH'...AmmmOVAHHH HEAAAAA" LOL
He stuff me in a tree hole in a heaaaaatbeeeaaaat.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"
Concerning toolbelts--the guy I work with a lot never wears a tool belt and we are constantly looking for tools he's left one place or another. Today he couldn't find the electrical meter thingy and near the end of the day, we were moving some boxes of new appliances so I could tear up the old flooring in the living room and found it; I don't know how he even got in that space to drop it there, but.... Even just a nail apron thing would help keep track of his pencil, tape measure, utiity knife. He literally drops a tool wherever he is when he no longer needs it for that moment.
I've learned when hanging cabinets to get the drill/screw driver and the proper bits, the screws, the level, the shims, the step stool, all right where he can grab them--otherwise I'm holding up a wall cabinet while he wanders around finding all these things.
I had a guy like that in my service station. A mechanic. I finally said buh-bye to him. It costs too much in time and aggravation to keep picking up after him and replacing lost items when needed. Not to mention the fact he was getting into the other mechs stuff and we almost had blood over it.
On TOH staff: I really enjoy the way Rich explains the whys and hows of his trade. His cutaways are outstanding. The show is well presented and always too short....The unspoken word is capital. We can invest it or we can squander it. -Mark Twain...Be kind to your children....they will choose your nursing home....aim low boys, they're ridin' shetland ponies !!
Yeah, I like Rich a lot--and he is always happy and decent when he works with the homeowners. I couldn't work with the landscape guy for two minutes (well, I could, but I'd hate it). I also think Silva is top notch--knows what he's doing, is practical and is pleasant. Norm is good too.
(Unfortunately the guy I work with has his license and I don't and I work as his subcontractor, so I can't do much about his work habits--except, as DonK and others have repeatedly urged me--quit working for him!) (Now I see MI is adding a requirement for yearly course work to keep up to date, so that makes getting a livense even more of a pain. It'd be okay if the people who write the code books would stay up to date and stop requireing stuff that plainly (or at least arguably)does not work (vapor barriers, attic ventilation, etc.))
Ok, I fess up.
I am a shop slob.
On site I am particular about trip hazards and sharps, but my shop looks like hell..I mean any flat surface is covered with krap, I don't sweep the floor often enough, and people say " How can you work like this?" LOL
But..ask me where the #squaredrive bit is , and I can get you with in 2 inches, under 6 layers, and around the corner. It's that memory thing..if someone would be in my shop and moves something..all bets are off..they might do something logical like put a screwdriver in the "Handle farm Rack" on the bench.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"
What you said about being a slob reminded me of another peeve--we are both always tripping over just piles of stuff--off cuts and packing and new materials and empty boxes and tools. I try to keep things picked up, but I can't keep up. He needs like a personal maid following him around. It'd be a full time job just keeping the work site picked up, and I'm expected to also do some work besides! Nothing like carrying a new window or glass door through an obstacle course of off cuts, tools, and other junk!
When he takes a new fan out of a box, he just tosses on the floor every piece of packing, every unused tool, instruction sheets, screws, wires, wrapping. One time he stood on the homewoners' bed, enlarged the hole for the fan, allowing vermiculite to pour down onto the bed, furniture, nice hardwood floor, etc. Oh, well. Not my houses!
Some people ( ME) can thrive in chaos, if there isn't any, I'll create it.
Then there is you..lol
Once had a customer walk into my shop just after the yearly shovel and suck..he looked around at the pristine almost glaring neat tidy order..and dead panned at me...
" Not busy huh?"
Soooooo...a cluttered shop at least looks busy.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"
Some people ( ME) can thrive in chaos, if there isn't any, I'll create it.
Well, it depends on how many people are working in the space. If its just you, then it isn't a problem being messy. But if you've got multiple people working, you're better trying to keep it somewhat picked up.
jt8
"The unfortunate thing about this world is that good habits are so much easier to give up than bad ones." -- Somerset Maugham
I am a shop slob.
Me too! I can keep a work sight immaculate but at home, sheesh, nothing is where it should be, but I do know where it is. Just as you said, move one little thing and I notice it.
I'm better about keeping the off-falls picked up, turning an ankle hurts!!! But the rest of the stuff is in total Kaos.
I had a prof at college the same way, went to his office and ask him for something, almost magical, he'd stick is arm into the clutter on his desk and pull out a paper that I was looking for, could never figure it out???
Organization through disorganization, that's my motto
Doug
toolbelts are for framing ...
not for hanging cab's
scratch just one $800 cabinet front with yer toolbelt while reaching up / over and you'll soon figure out why ...
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
bingotoolbelts are for rough then take em offi don't have a clue why you would wear one in a shop.you probably said that. i just didn't read what you wrote cause i figured i would agree anyway and i gotta get my icecream and go to bed soonly.No Tag
Yes, you are right there--although the guy I work with scratched a cabinet with his belt buckle (regular belt, not toolbelt) once. I was going to buy him a belt that has a leather flap that covers the metal buckle! Good reason to leave your shirt untucked!
The thing is, we do everything from framing to cabinetry. Nowadays I seldom wear my toolbelt, but I usually have a tape measure clipped to my belt and a pencil and usually a utility knife in my pockets.
This past summer I worked alone putting up a fence and didn't bring my toolbelt and found myself wandering around looking for tools. Gets frustrating! And, even with a toolbelt, you have to remember not to leave the tape next to the saw or whatever!
that's what beer belly's are for ...
to cover the belt buckles ... for safety.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
About leaving the tape... I had the same problem so I got out two or three tapes, one by the work ,one by the saw, one somewhere handy...
Why are all the tapes over by the saw when I need to take a measurement?
What's up with that?
Yup, I do the same thing--tape by the saw, tape by the pile of wood, or a utility knife by the pile of drywall and another inside the room where we're working, pencils scattered everywhere, and yet the tapes, knives, pencils all end up wherever we aren't!
It's a conspiracy, I tell you!
Jeff, I build cabinets with a belt on. You are right about scratching cabinets. hav'nt done it yet in years but I know I will when it counts. I cant shake the habit!!!
Lou
Jeff, I build cabinets with a belt on. You are right about scratching cabinets. hav'nt done it yet in years but I know I will when it counts. I cant shake the habit!!!
What about a smaller belt/bag? I've got one belt that will hold everything short of the kitchen sink. It stretches from left hip all the way around the front and on to the right hip.
But, I've also got a smaller bag. It is maybe 12" wide and I usually wear it on the right or left hip. I can slide it anywhere on the belt, and have occasionally even had it around on my back when it wasn't practical to have it on either side. It at least allows me to keep a few tools handy.jt8
"The unfortunate thing about this world is that good habits are so much easier to give up than bad ones." -- Somerset Maugham
What Buck said!
I never wear my tool belt when installing cabs, not going to gouge one of the boxes up.
I don't get Norm wearing a tool belt in the shop, I think its just a prop, like his plaid shirts!
Doug
"I've learned when hanging cabinets to get the drill/screw driver and the proper bits, the screws, the level, the shims, the step stool, all right where he can grab them--otherwise I'm holding up a wall cabinet while he wanders around finding all these things"I once worked with a guy like that too. Drove me crazy. Got to the point where I'd carry two of the essential thinks hammer, tape knife, etc. Then after a week or two of that I figured maybr it'd be best if we didn't work together anymore. Anyone that is that disorganized is a big time waster (read money waster).
Not to continue this hijack too much more, but talking about wasting time made me think of the way he works "at" things. Like, dismantling a cabinet that will not be reused--I take a crow bar and a hammer and have it down in two minutes. He'll use a flat bar and a screw driver and spend a half hour fussing with it. One time we had to break a hole in a concrete floor in a basement and he did score it with a diamond saw, but used a claw hammer and a flat bar to break it out and dig in the sand.
maybe, just maybe, I'd wear a tool belt if I had a shop the size of the NYW.
If I wore one in mine, I'd be catching it on every machine I have. LOL I've only got about 300 sq. ft. with a pretty good selection of tools.
Tommy seems like a real good guy. Plus he's still a real carpenter. Norm seems, to me anyway, to more of a TV carpemter these days. I do believe he's got skills, but you don't see him doing much carpentry anymore.
Plus i still can't stand seeing him turn anything. He has improved over the years, but its still painful to watch him promote scraping.
AMEN!!!
And that damm duplicater doodad...what ? we making keys or turning wood? LOLSpheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"
I guess even Norm has to start somewhere at something.Wallyo
I appreciate Norm's growth as a woodworker, and that he will try different styles of furniture building.
But it drives me crazy to see him use a lathe duplicator to turn more than one of something. He should easily be able to turn a set of 4 legs that are virtually identical just using calipers, and a story stick for layout.
Plus using that duplicator requires a LOT more sanding to get a finished product than would good tool techniques.
Learning the basics of turning isn't really all that hard.
Someday when I have time I would like to learn to turn my father inlaw has a lathe he never uses I keep hoping he ask if I want it. Back to Norm I have seen him do it both ways with the duplicator and with out, last few times he has been leaning torwards without and using a layout and calipers. Maybe he's getting better give him another chance. Certain tools seem to come and go he has not used his $5000.00 thickness sander too much lately. Kind of the same with the duplicator lathe two years or more ago he used it a lot. Wallyo
wally-
I haven't seen the episodes with Norm using calipers and layout. I don't watch all the time, so I guess I missed that.
I'm not really dissing Norm. I feel that he's done more to promote woodworking in the past 20 years than any other person. But I do think he's doing the fans a disservice when he uses a duplicator, especially when its actually easier to make copies by hand.
Bug your FIL about that lathe. Its a lot of fun.
Rog seems like a nice enough guy but that acccent drives DW crazy. We lived in NJ and they used to kid us about our Southern accents (what's up with that?), I used to tell them We were from down where people thought faster than they talked.
While I enjoy a little of the "what is it" things the inane stupid stuff drives me nuts. Poor old shill Kevin usually gets the dumb azz assignment.
""RE: toolbelt in the shop.""I never could get my head around why he does that. "I can understand it. In my working days, the putting on of the toolbelt was very significant to me. It instantly shifted me into work mode. When the belt was off, I was in rest mode. I found it very difficult to work on ANYTHING without my apron on and hammer in the loop. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
Yeah, I'm that way onsite, but in the shop? The first thing I do is turn on the TV to CNN or the Weather Channel, then I am ready. LOLSpheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"
I have this old house, ask this old house & new yankee workshop set to record on my DVR anytime they are on. DW has even gotten interested in watching, although she watches more for ideas, I watch for techniques even if I'm never going to build something like they are, I find it interesting to know how.The other night watching a recorded new yankee, DW commented on how nice something he was building looked. I told her if I had the setup he does, I could build that too, when she asked how much I thought his whole setup cost, she about choked.He's got more money in the clamps he uses combined then the vehicles I drive, I'm sure.
Shep, I think he uses the toolbelt in the shop becouse he has a strong framing background. I am a cabinet maker and I use the same belt. I'm just used to it. But I have to say as I get older I think I may steer over and try something new. Cause after awhile I keep loading all kinds of stuff and the belt gets super heavy.
I like the show, been watching since i was ten or so. Kinda got me in the business that I love.
my 2 cents, Lou
For me, wearing a tool belt in my cramped shop would be a mistake. I'd be banging into everything. LOL
I'm really a finish carpenter, so I usually wear a belt on site. But I never felt comfortable with one in a shop.
If it works for Norm, good for him. Different strokes for different folks. <G>
I have about 8 or ten tool belts from my framing and remodeling days. Now I keep them hanging in various places in my basement shop, which is divided into three rooms. When I am doing a certain job where I will probably need certain tools, I put on one of these belts. This speeds up my work and reduces frustration.
My motivation to watch TOH dropped considerably when they replaced Steve with Kevin. I just can't watch Kevin for more than a minute without unconsciously reaching for the remote.
It was always the hosts from the beginning that kept me from watching that show.
It was always the hosts from the beginning that kept me from watching that show.
Thankfully Bob Villa went on to bigger things. His attitude toward the tradespeople and their work was usually dismissive.
These last two guys, Steve and Kevin, have been more like the young DIYers who are the main audience for the show. They bring enthusiasm and respect to their presentation so, even if they do seem like cardboard cut-outs at times, at least they provide a framework of explanations for the target audience.
I used to LOVE watch Vila.Did not see him on TOH, but his own show the last few years.I like how he could not speak 3 whole sentences, without dropping at least 2 brand names.And how he never got anything right.Vila: "And now we see Jim installing a granite counter top and they make their cuts in the field."Jim: "This is a quartz composite countertop. The material is so hard that a template is made and t he material is cut in the shop using diamond cutting tools."Best comedy show since Mork and Mindy..
.
A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
Edited 2/16/2008 1:01 pm by BillHartmann
True, except that Jim's name was really Jerry and everyone knew it except Vila, mainly because it was written on his uniform shirt.
Give poor Kevin a break, actually he was one of the HO's they helped and ended up getting hired to replace Steve. Much of it is what is written for him and he is basically the straight man or shill in the operation.
I think he is doing better and I shared the "Oh da** he is going to speak" thoughts at first.
"I just can't watch Kevin for more than a minute without unconsciously reaching for the remote."
Aww poor Kevin. So simple minded yet unpretentious, how could he possibly offend you?
BTW, your wife sez the same thing about you, except that it's, "wanting to call animal control" rather than "unconsciously reaching for the remote."
Kevin is a rosy-cheeked cherub. I am a cranky old man. Enough said.
And my wife doesn't call animal control. She just ignores me when I rant.
Okay, gotta step in and defend my alma mater. Kevin is a 1990 grad of Holy Cross College in Worcester, Ma. You need at least 1200 combined on the SAT to get in (unless you're an athlete). He may be a duffus when it comes to construction, but he's no dope. Go Crusaders!
Sorry man, but Steve went to Evergreen, the second coolest overly pretentious liberal arts school on the West coast... I'd line cash behind him in a Jeopardy match with Kevin eight days a week...
Didn't say he was a genius, just not dimwitted. If Evergreen is pretentious, it sure was a perfect place for ole Steve!
And I have to defend Kevin and my Alma Marta, BU. Kevin has an MBA from there and I read in an article that he was some kind of high powered finance guy before he joined the show.I like him and think he shows the other guys and people in the trades respect. Asking questions is better than pretending to be an expert isn't it?Kyle
Edited 2/19/2008 12:18 pm ET by koc
Having watched the show pretty much every episode for the past couple years (tv sucks, it's one of the few shows I enjoy watching), and knowing about Kevin being offered the host job without even applying. I remembered watching the Ask TOH he was the homeowner, and they liked his personality & questions (he apparently bombarded them with Q's while they were at his house)What it boils down to, is if TOH called you up, and offered you a chance to become their host, would you drop everything to do it like he did?I think I would, but I probably wouldn't be a great host though...
Only if they moved the setting south. No way I'm living in Boston!
What the heck ever happened to Steve? Did he leave on his own or did they give him the boot? Was he host right up until Kevin or were they hostless for a bit? Seems odd, I've never heard anything about what that was all about. Saw him hosting some natural history thing last year. Other than that, total blank, like he was excommunicated or disowned or got pregnant or something. I'd kill to have hair like that. Or any hair... - r
From the TOH website: Where's Steve Thomas? After 14 years as host of This Old House and contributing to the successful debut of the new series, Ask This Old House, Steve decided to explore other opportunities and begin a new chapter in his life. Although we were sorry to see Steve depart in 2003, we're excited for him and wish him well. His departure was completely voluntary.
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/tv/faqs#9and from his wikipedia page:
Since leaving This Old House, Thomas has contributed to programming on The History Channel, hosting and co-producing (now producing) the Save Our History series, including one program showing George Washington's estate and another in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. He is still on the DIY Network in This Old House Classics. He can also be seen hosting a new DIY Network show about Habitat for Humanity. The This Old House official website reports that Thomas' departure was purely voluntary, enabling him to concentrate his creative energies elsewhere in television.¹ Steve describes This Old House as "one of the best adventures of my life."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Thomas_(television)
Ha ha! That was fast! He has a wikipedia page - that never even crossed my mind! That's funny.
The thing I was wondering the other day was, that hosting job - is that enough to make a living at? What is that, a dozen 1/2 hr shows (ok, 20 min after the ads) per year... he has a house, family. Always sounded like a part time gig to me. It's clear enough he isn't actually doing anything there with a hammer until the camera is rolling. What's he doing the rest of the time - humping sheetrock? Those shows only peep in on the progress every few weeks! Everyone else there has a real job! - r
I wonder why TOH hasn't jumped on the bandwagon of releases the previous seasons? Like buy the DVD pack of season 1 or maybe two seasons in a box?
I realize that a season's shows might circulate on the air for 4 or 5 years or more, but the show has been around more than 20 years, so they could start releasing the first few seasons.
jt8
"A free society is a place where it's safe to be unpopular."-- Adlai Stevenson
I see they have ATOH dvd's available, so I have to wonder if it is something about the production rights from the early ones that they can't package them, dunno.Also, I found the This Old house drinking game!
http://www.ringthis.com/tv_drinking_games/thisoldhouse.php
(Replace Steve with Kevin where necessary)
Ask This Old House DVD-T
I also heard Steve has passion for sailing and boat building and is spending time with that and writing sailing books.Wallyo
Sas, I'm with you, cant stand to listen to Kevin. I know that he's supposed to play the part of the duffus but he does it so well! I don't care what his SAT score was and where he went to college. He may be the nicest, brightest, smartest guy in town but he plays a duffus and I cant stand to watch it.
Doug
Sas, I'm with you, cant stand to listen to Kevin. I know that he's supposed to play the part of the duffus but he does it so well! I don't care what his SAT score was and where he went to college. He may be the nicest, brightest, smartest guy in town but he plays a duffus and I cant stand to watch it.
I think the middle guy was better at striking a balance. The young kid acts TOO dumb and Vila pretended to be a know-it-all, but was always screwing things up.jt8
"The unfortunate thing about this world is that good habits are so much easier to give up than bad ones." -- Somerset Maugham
"When Norm started on the New Yankee Workshop, I didn't think much of his projects or techniques. He has improved greatly over the years, to the point where I find it worthwhile to watch"That's an interesting comment. I haven't watched the shows for many, many years because when I first saw them, I wasn't impressed at all with the onsite construction programing. I didn't have an opinion about the millwork side of the show because I don't have enough experience to properly judge the techiniques. Basically, all of the millwork stuff seemed impressive but I don't engage in them, so I didn't watch. It doesn't surprise me that Norm's techiques and skills have greatly improved over the years because after all, isn't that true about all of us? Because of your post, I might look in to see if the show is worthwile again. Incidently, I always loved to watch the Old Yankee Workshop. I love watching Roy work all that stuff into something with no power tools! Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
Are you sure that is not The Woodwright's Shop?
http://www.pbs.org/wws/
I think Ray has worked both shows. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
I have never heard of a show "old Yankee workshop". Roy Underhill is the woodwright.
Hey, I'm old, my brain cells don't work that good....so stop badgering me! (Just kidding).. I think I used to see Roy on a PBS show called The Old Yankee Workshop, and I never remember seeing the words woodright on the titles. It wouldn't surprise me that PBS had the same show under different titles or that my memory just sucks and I'm all wrong. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
I've known Roy since the first season..and really, it never was called anything other than the "Woodwrights Shop" with Roy Underhill. Ever.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"
I like Roy, but my local PBS station no longer carries his show. In fact, the only woodworking shows they carry are TOH and New Yankee Workshop. I know there's other shows out there, but they don't get much air time around here.
I'm not able to find time to watch the show as often as I'd like, however . . .
On a scale of 1 - 8
8 Excellent
7 Very Good
6 Good
5 Above Average
4 Average
3 Below Average
2 Poor
1 Very Poor
My impression of Norm Abram as a Carpenter:
Attitude: Excellent
Teaching Ability: Excellent
Knowledge: Excellent
Skills: Very Good
Speed: Below Average
My impression of Tom Silva as a Carpenter:
Attitude: Good
Teaching Ability: Above Average
Knowledge: Excellent
Skills: Excellent
Speed: Good
As for the other guys, well, that's not my trade.-T
As housebuilding and remodeling television shows go, there is nothing that beats TOH, IMHO.
View Image
"A stripe is just as real as a goddamn flower."
Gene Davis 1920-1985
I think they are terrific. Talking about This Old House. I found a single 2003 issue at the dump. I really love it there. that's how I got my first FHB and FWW mags.
Ductape can fix EVERYTHING!!!
Too bad the magazine is not as good as the show.
The new show, Ask This Old House is hit or miss...mainly because I get infuriated over some of the simple things that people will ask about and there is too much garden stuff. I really like the Rich and Tommy segements, or even when they bring in one of the familiar faces from the show. I get a real kick out of the "What is it?" bits. ...that's not a mistake, it's rustic
Some guys can do certain things but don't understand the concepts behind them. You have to work on a lot of different parts of the job and understand them before you can explain how they work together.
Explaining how something works takes real working experience and enough confidence to explain it. Most guys don't have both.
Outside of an episode here and there, I haven't watched the show in ages. Not because I don't like it, or any of the "characters"....just not a big TV guy.
Tom, Norm, et al are top notch in their respective fields.
Any beef I have (had when I watched) was how they tended to gloss over problems that would, or could likely, arise when dealing with old home renovations.
I realize they don't have the time to attention every such detail....and often those aspects of construction aint the glitz and glamour that the typical homeowner is hoping to see when they tune in.
Just that it tends to give viewers a false confidence when attempting a DIY project....or when dealing with a knowledgable contractor who is pricing a job with the expectations that these problems will arise and will require his attention.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
I haven't watched TOH in quite a few years. I'll pass through it once in a while if I'm watching, something I don't do much of. As I recall the folks that work on those houses are quite good. I should tune in again to see it.
After what Shep said I'm curious to see The Yankee Workshop again to see how he's improved. some of the things I agree with, others not, but as I said it's been many years. I've met Norm a few times and had the opportunity to chat. Very nice, regular Joe who happened to be in the right place at the right time. Nothing really extraordinary about him except by now his face is one of the more recognized in media.
I have to agree with the rest and say that the wearing of the belt in the workshop is kinda weird. I don't think ever put anything in it.
Speaking of glossing over...
Not to hijack, but the king of glossing over is Dean, on that Hometime show, or whatever it is they call it.
Recently, they built a custom shower with a number of Kohler water tiles and made it look like anyone could do it in a weekend.
I have installed a couple of those water tiles, and I can testify that it is not a job for a beginner, or even a careless professional. The tolerances are very tricky, as well as the plumbing behind the tiles for multi-fixture showers.
"Any beef I have (had when I watched) was how they tended to gloss over problems that would, or could likely, arise when dealing with old home renovations."I think my beef is/was the same or similar. I quickly got frustrated with TOH because they would skip the intersting and challenging aspects of the construction process. I understand the need for brevity when doing a television show but I always felt it was geared toward the masses, not the pros. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
I like the show very much , There the best ones on TV, Not sure about the MASTER carpenter tag they give Norm though, Im sure he is very good . Im 54 doing this since 15 and dont feel like i could call myself a Master, every day theres so much more to learn, Norm is very humble though
I agree with most of what has been said with one exception. Norm's workshop. In some ways I thought his show was better in it's early days, before the shop was out of the price range of most viewers. If you watched those early episodes you would discover joinery techniques you could use with the tools you had. Since the sponsors have donated all the wonderful machinery found in his shop, a guy with only a table saw, router & miter box wouldn't know where to begin.
He seems to be recycling, if you can use that word in this context.The current shows are using a lunch box planer instead of the 15" stationary. And he is using a Kreg jig for face framers rather that the bench top Delta unit..
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
I like the show just think the budgets seem endless, I would like that aspect to be more true to life, because when they run over they just keep going. A great series for the show would be you have 150,000 get the most done you can go to Ikea and buy cabinets once or something like that.
The current project in New Orleans seems more true to life a three room shotgun expanded with a two story addition. The home owner is tearing out sheetrock with everyone else and loves it. When they take the show on the road it gets real interesting because you see how other areas of the country build and local laws, zoning etc.
All the hosts are good I don't mind Rodger, just not as much into landscaping as he is. What no one has mentioned are the Home owners, some of them can get on my nerves, The one that made me cringe the most was Christiana from Hawaii. Something about her I just could not stand she was too fussy and condescending. The best shows are the ones the homeowners get involved and love doing the work also, and some knowledge of what they are doing but need a guiding hand to get started.
Wallyo
Edited 2/15/2008 7:20 pm ET by wallyo
I have been watching THO since day one and enjoy every one of them. Tom Silva is the type of guy I would love to have on any of my jobs. You have tell by his mannerisms that he enjoys what he does which is a trait hard to come by these days.
I really enjoy watching the show when I'm around and it happens to be on.
I do think however that about every fourth episode should be nothing but Norm (or "Nahm" as they say in New England) and the others standing around waiting for whoever to show up. That would be the ENTIRE episode. Nothing else would happen.
"Well, now after waiting now 180 minutes, it doesn't look like the concrete truck will be on time for you to see how we'll pour that decorative patio slab. But you have been given a valuable lesson in typical construction scheduling. I'm Norm Abrams saying "Until next time" for TOH".
Runnerguy
Now that would be a reality show!
Then a week later they could say, "Well, the concrete did finally come, but they had to water it down to keep it from setting up, so...."
Tom's ok ...
but I gotta wonder why he's got a different finger bandaged on each and every job.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Is he not man enough for super glue?
Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
I am still curious, does anyone else have a Home Owner on TOH that they just could not stand?Wallyo
I remember one where the lady had samples of paint for the outside and ended up choosing a vomit orange they called "pumpkin." She also insisted on mixing two sort of close colored woods in the kitchen that didn't match enough, and they looked really bad. I think it was Steve, at the time, pointed this out and Norm or Tom said they tried to dissuade her, but she insisted.
Oh, another one was the owner that insisted on a skylight to light the stairwell and it didn't add any noticeable light. The bad thing was, they had to put it at the ridge of a slate roof and it was apparently a real bear to install.
A few years ago they worked on a really nice Colonial Revival in Newton. The wife thought she was a movie star, always batting her eyes at the camera. She managed to get herself into just about every scene. Incredibly annoying. I liked Aunt Chris on the East Boston project...bet she was a real party girl in her day. A real pissah, as they say up there.
"I am still curious, does anyone else have a Home Owner on TOH that they just could not stand?
Wallyo"
I am curious, does anyone else have a homeowner on TOH that they could stand? Kidding, some were not too bad but most I could do without. Too many of them remind me of the folks tha move here from up north of from up north to Fla and then here (we call them "halfbacks").
They move here because they like it so much and then proceed to tell us how it was where they used to be and how we should change.
Bob
do you remember Riley the carpenter on the old toh shows with Bob Vile? talk about bandages, he had at least one or two on every show.
he had at least one or two on every show
And had already mitered off at least one finger on the left hand long ago.
But, he definitely counted as a character--carpenter in painter's overalls typically wearing a dress shirt, go figure.
Now, given how many people here admit to being Twin Cities types, I'm wondering who is really Lenny or Bucky from Hometime . . . <g>Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
Now, given how many people here admit to being Twin Cities types, I'm wondering who is really Lenny or Bucky from Hometime . .
I know a guy who did the furnace installations for a number of years on Hometime, but I can only remember people ever asking him about the female co-hosts. ;)
Edited 2/18/2008 10:13 am by Stuart
Ahh Dean's Co-HostsPeggy Knapp - weak (saw her later on a nature show)
JoAnne Leibler - Anoying but would get in there
Suzzane Laegley was it. NOt even
Robin Hartle - Yeah Baby!
Meriam Johnson - Adds something to the show for sure.Never watched the show thuough ;o TFB (Bill)
Edited 2/18/2008 10:38 am by ToolFreakBlue
"And had already mitered off at least one finger on the left hand long ago."
ROTFL
You guys are crazy.
You guys are crazy
Shoot, one of my first bosses, a millienia or two ago, coming up framing, always "free handed" hip rafters. That's baseplate loose in both axes, and usually laid across which ever thigh was most convenient. He'd long since converted the fingers on his left hand to an aproximate speed square. Work with a guy like that, and you'll notice others who have done the same.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
Their continuity guy isn't on the ball!
(Like in "Jaws" where one second the captain is standing there in a wet shirt, having supposedly just emerged from swimming in the ocean and a second later the shirt is dry, then it's wet again, etc.)
Yeah, and I like how time on TOH gets somewhat compressed.
About 10 years ago I remember watching Norm do something (forgot what) to the casing of a window.
When he starts the thing, the tree we can all see in the background through the window is adorned with GREEN leaves. When he's finished the leaves are all in the colors of typical New England fall spendor. Norm has it look like a two hour job.
And of course, throughout all this, realiable Norm still has on the same flannel shirt.
Runnerguy
I like TOH a lot but have to admit there no Tim And Al from Tooltime
The TOH crew needs a hot babe sidekick like Tim and Al have.
depends on if you're talking Lisa or Heidi
Barry E-Remodeler