Curious to know who some of your favorite woodworkers on YouTube are.
The algorithm seems to hide a lot of the lesser known folks, which is a shame as I'm sure there are some great ones who just haven't been discovered yet.
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Curious to know who some of your favorite woodworkers on YouTube are.
The algorithm seems to hide a lot of the lesser known folks, which is a shame as I'm sure there are some great ones who just haven't been discovered yet.
I've found you have to get away from the popular DIY channels to get the lesser known ones to pop up in your feed. Here are a few I like:
Some lesser known channels:
Dylan Iwakuni
Ishitani Furniture
Kobeomsuk furniture
leaf-works
SQUARERULE FURNITURE
KASHO Furniture Studio
Some better known channels:
Canadian Woodworks
Andy Rawls
parillaworks
Looking forward to some new recommendations from others!
I have very strong opinions about TV and YouTube woodworkers and I will keep most of it to myself. I will say it's my opinion that if you have less than 5 years of experience building furniture, you don't qualify to teach (I mean entertain).
I like the videos where people don't show themselves talking too much - even better, not talking at all.
Kobeomsuk and Ishitani are calming and inspiring.
I DEEPLY share Richard’s sentiment on this!
YouTube has developed into a race to the bottom, where it makes no difference what you post as long as it has a catchy title to act as Click Bait. The entertainers have deeply buried the real woodworkers who have a valuable lesson to offer. It is now all about money. Skills are digital and do not lie in the tools. Would you watch my videos if I wore tights? :eek:
Regards from Perth
Derek
Prashun - that's the style I enjoy as well. Channels where its clear the person has deep skill and earns their living making furniture, not being a content creator.
Richard - very fair points - give the channels Prashun suggests a try. They are the opposite of the obnoxious content creator types with high subscriber counts.
I always pick up some new techniques, a new way to approach an operation, or neat design elements.
If you want to see innovative jig and toolmaking, check out JSK-Koubou and prepare to be amazed.
There is no dialogue in his videos.
If you are interested in finish trim carpentry then I suggest, Insider Carpentry - Spencer Lewis
https://www.youtube.com/c/InsiderCarpentry
If you love just watching them work here is my favorite:
https://www.youtube.com/c/YoungJe
He does amazing work building furniture and hand tools.
I submit these guys.
This might be one of the first video of woodworking. American talent right here.:)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5adk_8...ist=WL&index=4
Does anyone here have a YouTube Channel that they post tutorials to?
Mike
I think you have it wrong. The algorithm isn't hiding lesser known folks, its elevating popular content. At some point content is surfaced to a test set of users, and depending on how those users react, it will scale or it won't. If some creators are not being highlighted as much, its because not as many people responding positively or they haven't hit a scale/inflection point. It's also positive it's an overall smaller audience segment. "Click-Bait" does work which is why it happens.
As far as a race to the bottom, I couldn't disagree more. YouTube content in general is continuing to improve in quality due to the large number of ad dollars flowing in.
People like different types of content, and some people will like a lot of face time, while others (as per this thread) like silent demonstration.
I think there's room for a lot of different takes and types of content, just subscribe to the ones you like.
Keegan, nice suggestions.
Young Je is a favorite of mine.
Craft supplies USA for wood turning tutorials
I like Rob Cosman for hand tool setup
Darrel Peart for G&G and general craftsmanship.
What part is continuing to improve in quality? (this is a serious question)
I see production values and the sponsored tools go up in quality but not the actual content.
Just because ad revenue is up, it does not directly translate into better or higher quality content.
There are MANY channels out there that have clearly spent more time, effort and money on the filming of the video than in the content.
I, for one, would much rather watch a one or two camera simple production of a skilled presenter/craftsman than a Hollywood production of some "content creator" using tools he has no clue how to use.
JMO
These guys are amazing: https://www.youtube.com/c/Doucetteandwolfefurniture
That's not always the case. I will put in a plug for maybe the oldest of them all: Wood Talk. I really think Mark has done a great job attempting to keep it real. Rockler sponsors them, but it's clear that he is not biased to push their products. He's clear about when he's advertising. Now, the podcast annoys me for other reasons (usually because they always whine about all their haters) but media sponsorship bias is not one of my beefs with them.
The biggest thing that bothers me about YT woodworkers is when they want to insert stupid pop culture references or trying to be subtly crass. If you are talented enough, just show the work or your skills. Unless you are really skilled do try being a teacher, also don’t show unsafe practices.
I don’t mind the sponsorships, because a lot of these guys are running a business. It takes time to film, edit and publish videos, so if that gives them a little security I’m ok with that. A friend does YT on the side, if he could do a simple project in 4 hours, it may actually take 2-3 times that, when you factor setting up the shot, and editing all the footage.
I believe you are referencing the phenomenon (alleged) of people starting with production and woodworking coming second. I'm not sure who you are referencing but I'm sure that exists.
I'd have to take your word for that. I would say that in general, filming anything is going to add 2-4x to the time to accomplish it. So on its face, I would agree that most YouTube Woodworking channels are spending more time on the video than the actual product. There's a reason a 20 second television scene can take 8 hours to film.
Take a look at the channels posted above, they are very high quality and not gimmicky as far as I can tell.
Overall there is more bandwidth, the tools are better, the quality is better, and there are more choices. Seems like its moving in the right direction to me and that is my point.Quote:
Dylan Iwakuni
Ishitani Furniture
Kobeomsuk furniture
leaf-works
SQUARERULE FURNITURE
KASHO Furniture Studio
"Quality", in how you reference it, is subjective. I believe most people want the creator in the video to talk and build a "Human" connection. Entertainment value doesn't mean content is void of knowledge or education. In any event, it's a personal preference.
I also not blind to the general point being made either: There are a lot of channels that are really about eliciting 1) clicks, 2) engagement, and 3) product sales. It's still personal preference and its easy enough to avoid anyone you dislike.
Quote:
"
Quote:
production of some "content creator" using tools he has no clue how to use."
I don't see much content where the content creator has "no clue" how to use a tool. It is true that there are all different skill levels though. You don't have to be a master craftsman with 20 years experience in a trade to make informative or useful content. It's just targeted at a different audience/skill level.
I agree, however I've noticed some choices are clearly driven by sponsorship necessities. So anyone who is sponsored you have to take advice with a grain of salt. I think that is Clifford's point.
I think this is a great example of the above point. Marc Spagnola I think does a pretty good job disclosing his relationships, but that doesn't mean he doens't have similar conflicts. For example, his Powermatic sponsorship ended and now he's buying Felder and SCM equipment. WoodTalk is sponsored by Rockler now and he speaks highly of it, but he rarely goes there (which he's discussed on past WT). He also has more recently mentioned buying wood at Rockler when he has made a literal "cringe" sound stating "don't do that" before they were sponsored.
At the end of the day, it's his livelihood and like anyone being sponsored, they are beholden to some extent.
On a side note, I do really enjoy Wood Talk, but mostly for the entertainment value.
I used to love youtube channels years ago; however, it seems most channels cater to the DIY/beginner crowd, because that is the most populous demographic. Their capabilities all appear to be similar, and that is not too skillful or well-equipped. I did watch a few of the Parilla(i think) videos, and i am intrigued. He seems to build more intensive products and i like his shop is fitted with more pro-level kit. I wish there were higher end channels with top tier shops putting out high end product. I have yet to stumble upon it yet.
There are a few I like to watch. I'm pretty selective though. I like to learn new things and new techniques. Cosman has some good tips. Ishitani Furniture is fun to watch. I've learned a couple things from Paul Sellers too. The Samurai Carpenter has a few good project videos as does the Third Coast Craftsman. FWW has a number of worthwhile videos up as well. Like others here, I have no use for the 900th guy to post a video on how to clean up a flea market plane or use water stones. Been there done that.
Maybe it's time to add a section to SMC called "Woodworking videos" with several sections inside it. One for requesting videos and then sub categories like "furniture, cabinets, wood turning, cnc, etc". Between some of the very talented people here and the HELPFUL videos, like have been posted in this thread, you wouldn't need to search YT and deal with what's popular, not what's great.
Folks I watch include:
Matt Cremona
Bent's Woodworking
FourEyes Furniture
The WoodWhisperer
Andy Rawls
Bourbon Moth Woodworking
YouCanMakeThisToo
Mike Farrington
3x3Custom (Tamara)
Tim Sway
Michael Alm
Frank Howarth
Blacktail Studio
Jay Bates
Third Coast Craftsman
Crafted Workshop
lignum
Burls Art
Darrell Pert
RR Buildings
There's a lot to cover, I'll try to be short.
Yes it takes time to make good videos, when it starts to take too much time, the actual content can suffer.
When I said, some have no clue, I'm talking about the hundreds of times I've seen people almost lose a finger or similar from simply not understanding what they're doing. Just because no one gets hurt, doesn't mean it's safe to do. IMO many don't have enough knowledge/respect for their tools and it shows in how they use them, it is a difficult thing to explain. You can tell by body language more than anything.
No, you don't need to have 20+ years of experience, BUT you should have an idea of where you are in the grand scheme of things, a general understanding of what you know and don't know.
Those of us that do have decades of experience often see things differently (more critically) than the beginners precisely because we have that experience.
Watching someone cut corners or skip important information, it's frustrating to say the least. Then add to that the fawning comments of the subscribers, who simply don't know what they don't know.
Some content creators take on the personality that "I must be good, I'm popular, look at all the positive feedback I get"
This just reinforces mediocrity or a race to the bottom, as Derek Cohen wrote.
(They've also removed the thumbs down count from public view)
Can we collectively move past complaining about the quality of the content on YouTube? Its not relevant to the question the OP was asking...
I'm excited to view some more recommendations people have! Keep 'em coming!
He's that way in conversation, too. Social, funny, thoughtful. He's been really busting his butt with the daily videos from the post frame barn build...working an entire day out there with Donavan and the others and then spending many hours editing video from four or five separate camera sources. He's only been doing that because he knows folks want to see it because they are truly interested. My singular concern with things I see is sometimes there is a little inattention to "stuff lying around" 'cause I'm very anal about not letting anything be in the way.
I pictured Derek in tights, and my mouse froze. It would not go to YouTube.
Some of you might like Nick Pedulla’s channel - He’s in Sydney and I think it’s called Pedulla Studio. Basically no talking/voiceover, very nice pro shop, very high level custom commission work, beautiful design and execution.
Ishitani will always be my favorite, I think.
I really enjoy Guy Dunlap (GuysWoodshop), though he took a position at an Indy company a few years ago and hasn’t put out much content since then. On Instagram he posts fairly regularly about what he’s building or a part of at work.
I like Sawyer Design too
There is useful information found in furniture restorers, such as Scott Bennett/Fixing Furniture, and Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration.
Rob Cosman offers good, sound advice on furniture construction and traditional joinery, but one had to ignore the sales pitches.
Phil Lowe has a few videos on using handtools. He passed away a few years ago now, but must be ranked among the best teachers.
Sampson Boat Co. This is the restoration of a sailboat, and is filled with interesting joinery and working in out-of-square situations. Lots of power and handtool content. Highly recommended. Start at the beginning (about 3 years ago now) and you will be hooked!
Ishitani. A relaxing look at building Mid Century/Japanese influenced furniture with Western joinery using mostly power and some hand tools in a rural setting in Japan.
Doucette and Wolfe Furniture Makers. Stunning furniture, complex builds, inspiring power and hand tools, beautifully filmed.
Mike wanted to know if any of us here had a channel. I do, but it is for die-hards who will ignore my sex appeal and concentrate on the techniques I demonstrate. I imagine doing a search for my name would get you there. Don’t blame me - I warned you!
Regards from Perth
Derek
I want to second Derek's shout-out for Sampson Boat Company. My wife and I have been watching it faithfully since the first episode (an episode is published every 2 weeks). The shipwright work is first rate, particularly the joinery. It's not a 'how to' channel. Basically it shows people building a large wooden boat. And it's utterly fascinating. I'd also like to point out that the project is financed almost entirely through the patronage of a huge world-wide YouTube audience. No YouTube, no boat. Other channels I enjoy (and I confess a preference for old time craftsmanship--must be my age): Engels Coach Shop; Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration; and, finally, from film shot in Ireland in the 70's, Old Irish Craftwork--I proudly count myself among their 815 subscribers. And, as mentioned by several others, I find watching Ishitani a meditative experience.
Channels I subscribe to:
Curtis Buchanan
Chester Spier
Doucette & Wolfe
Brian Boggs Handcrafted Furniture
Engel’s Coach Shop
Bench.Talk.101
Ken Parker Archtoppery
Elia Bizzarri
Peter Galbert
Mary May
Paul Hamler
David W
Frank Howarth
Norm Abrams New Yankee Workshop
This Old House
Roy Underhill The Woodwright’s Shop
Popular Woodworking (Christopher Schwarz episodes)
Fine Woodworking
When I used to work for a high budget design/build outfit I wished they would make a reality tv show out of it. The craftsmanship was worth filming, but the opera bouffe aspects of client and subcontractor relations and design development would have made a hit.
Another vote for Samson Boat Company, Engel's Coach Shop, and Thomas Johnson. Excellent content and no sales pitch of any kind.
I really don't have any favorites, but will say that I have weeded through a lot of what I call "Tool Whores". They do this to gain tools for themselves with very little content to offer. Then they all go to a "live" broadcast to answer questions that many times they know very little about. Who has time to watch such blather. I rather be out in the shop making something instead of wasting my time watching.
Here are some of mine. You have to check out Nick Zammeti link below. This guy does some way out stuff is funny as heck and does some great work with resin & wood.
Thanks all for your lists
mike calabrese
Great product reviews and general woodworking https://www.youtube.com/c/KatzMosesWoodworkingShop
MAYUKO really nice turned bowls https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOLZ7YdUWAg
NICK ZAMMETI this guy is CRAZY , very entertaining a great watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbdEzpeUBSI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2M3D5wst_pM
Earls small segment shop https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sjb6do-v6LI