74 – 2008 Holiday Gift Guide

Video - December 2, 2008

Welcome to the 2008 Holiday Gift Guide. Many of the items mentioned in the show can be found in The Wood Whisperer Amazon Store.

Fine Woodworking’s 102 Contemporary Designs – $12.99 at the Taunton Store

Lee Valley’s Miter Hook – $8.50

Lee Valley’s Plane Screwdriver– $12.99

Painter’s Pyramids– $5.99 for a 10-pack

Self-Centering Drill Bit Set– $28.99

Plug-Cutter Set – $43.99

Earlex Spray Station – $339

Black & Decker Auto Wrench – $19.99

Workbenches By. Chris Schwarz– $19.79

Craig Stevens Woodshop 101 for Kids $19.99

Charles Neil DVD’s

If you are interested in Wood Whisperer DVD’s and Gear, check out our store!

And if you are interested in joining The Wood Whisperer Guild, or if you would like to buy a membership for a friend or loved one, you can do so here!

Discussion

Drew December 2, 2008 4:16 pm

I saw the “Fine Woodworkingâ

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Michael Morton December 2, 2008 4:25 pm

Obviously there are a million good gifts/ideas out there – thought I would add one to the list above since I think it’s a great deal. Insty-Drive 18 Piece Self-Centering & Countersink Set – $34.99:
http://www.rockler.com/product.....r%20Outlet

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Andreas December 2, 2008 5:16 pm

Great items! And funny presentation :-)

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spwiz5578 December 2, 2008 5:24 pm

Is that a Christmas Story “Frageeeeeeeleeee” lamp I see in the background?

Awesome.

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Brian December 2, 2008 5:54 pm

So, do you also have the Wood Whisperer flame thrower available? You know the kids are going to love it. :)

Happy Holidays!

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Jacques December 2, 2008 9:18 pm

Hey Mark and Nicole, I really enjoyed your latest video, great gift ideas, I am super excited about the guild concept and looking forward to more details. Oh and by the way, I think the peanut brittle would be a best seller.

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Matt December 2, 2008 9:56 pm

Marc,

I have been a fan of yours for about a year now. Your vision of creating a truly free source of no nonsense woodworking where you could share your gift and teach others the fine art of woodworking was a rare find in todayâ

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- Eirik January 31, 2009 4:37 am
  
  I agree 100%. I was chocked when i heard about the guild. If this is serious I’ll get my ww info elsewhere.
  
  Reply
  - thewoodwhisperer January 31, 2009 10:33 am
    
    Yep, its serious.
    
    Reply
demowen December 2, 2008 10:01 pm

Merry Christmas! Poor Nicole can’t get any of those gifts for you now since you bought them all already. (except for the wrench)

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thewoodwhisperer December 2, 2008 10:39 pm

Well Matt. I am sorry that I do not live up to your expectations. If “selling out” is attempting to make a decent living doing something I love, and sharing my knowledge with thousands of people, then yes sir, I have indeed sold out.

I am just very disappointed that after a year of following the show and learning from nearly 100 of my free videos, the first comment I ever hear from you is this criticism of my effort to charge for premium content. Mind you, I will continue doing everything i have been doing for free. Nothing is being taken away from the free side of my site. I will just have to work harder to provide the extra content for the premium area.

My fear is that you were never a fan of me…….but a fan of my free content.

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thewoodwhisperer December 2, 2008 10:44 pm

And just one correction, the premium membership is $98/year, not $120/yr.

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thewoodwhisperer December 2, 2008 11:09 pm

Thanks for the price updates guys. If you guys find better deals then the ones I posted, please do post them here. I will admit that I didn’t do a SUPER thorough search on all of them.

And yes, that is indeed a Fragileeeee lamp, lol. I only wish I could have gotten more in the frame. But I figured it would be a great easter egg.

And see Nicole, at least one person got my Spaceballs reference!

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NicoleSpag December 2, 2008 11:13 pm

@demowen oh it’s ok. I have plenty of other ideas for this year. I’m thinking I should find something in the areas of video games, bbq, football and home theater :) or maybe I’ll just make him a years worth of peanut brittle !

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Paul-Marcel ST-ONGE December 2, 2008 11:42 pm

The “102 Designs” is available pretty much at any bookstore. I had pre-ordered mine from Taunton, but the week it arrived, I saw it in the magazine rack at the local Borg. They, too, think it’s a magazine so you get it 10% off cover.

The pink boa hasn’t made a cameo appearance in awhile.

Now, Marc, use your connections to get David Marks to make DVDs of his older projects. I don’t get WoodWorks on satellite :-(

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Michael Coffey December 3, 2008 8:36 am

To Matt:

I think you need to rethink your position. What is it you’re against exactly? Do you honestly believe that it is possible to provide hours of high quality instructional video for absolutely no cost? Look at the website itself – see those ads? Those ads are a small revenue source. Does that mean Marc has “sold out?”

You seem to believe that Marc’s creation of a “truly free source of no nonsense woodworking” has somehow been compromised. I don’t think there has ever been any mention of ever removing one bit of free content from the site. You need to learn that you can’t have everything for free. It just doesn’t work that way. In some way there has to be a balance. Some of that is offset by ad revenue, some by merchandise. What is the difference then between that and a members-only section?

I too have followed Marc’s site for a bit over a year. I’ve seen every video, read every blog entry, been at every live demo. I have taken in every bit of free content he provides because it’s high quality instruction that I can’t get anywhere else. Is he entitled to provide that to me for free? Of course not, but he does anyway. Because of what he has created here I support the site however I can; buying tools, etc through the WoodWhisperer store, a t-shirt with Marc’s logo that I love wearing, or just some small donation.

Matt, one day I hope you learn that feeling entitled to something doesn’t mean you get it. Learn to support those things you enjoy instead of expecting it all to be handed to you.

Marc – Keep up the excellent work. Don’t let any nay-sayers deter you from doing what is good for the WoodWhisperer. The fact that you have always kept us, the viewers, as your top priority says a lot for your character. I look forward to the content provided in TWW Guild – I signed up for my 6 months today and am glad for it.

Michael

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runningwood December 3, 2008 9:31 am

Just want to echo what the others have said about Marcs site and his work. I have been following Marc for 2 years now and I have learned a great deal from him- probably more from him than any other source. He has been doing an incredibly great job teaching, guiding, and entertaining. And he is accesible ! Name one other woodworking “celebritiy” or educator who will answer your emails within minutes.

I have felt such graditude towards Marc, that I have even taken advantage of the paypal feature and donated money to Marc on several occasions (ok Marc, maybe not so recently) as well as shopped through his links.

So no one has the right to come down on Marc for deciding to charge for “premium” service. I think that what he is asking is a bargain. In fact my greatest fear has been that he would some day stop his work because of financial constraits or burnout.

So sign me up !

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Mike December 3, 2008 9:45 am

It sure is great to see the ENTIRE Spagnuolo family, even the dog-in-law.
Another fabulous gift guide Marc & Nicole. How can I get one of those special
t-shirts – you know, the one that magically jumps up onto the sofa’s arm. Imagine, no more picking up dirty laundry – how cool is that!

I will be asking Santa to bring me a Woodwhisperer Premium Membership. You should make these available earlier (in time for the holidays) and then start everyone’s anniversary date when you kick off the premium service. You’d sell a lot of them (even more if you include a little sample of that yummy peanut brittle!)

Mike

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thewoodwhisperer December 3, 2008 9:52 am

That’s exactly what we did Mike. http://www.thewoodwhisperer.com/tww-guild

Great idea! :) Although I’m not sure Nicole is too keen on making that much peanut brittle.

And thanks for the supportive words guys. I really appreciate it. I have had an email exchange with Matt and it seems he pretty much misunderstood the nature of what I do. I gave him some more information and hopefully he sees that it is actually possible to make money without sacrificing one’s integrity.

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Germain December 3, 2008 10:14 am

Happy Holidays, Marc and Nicole! May you have a very merry Christmas in the Valley of the Sun. Consider your desert surroundings are very similar to those of “the first Christmas” and actually more traditional than snow cover and pine trees.

I wanted to say thanks to you both for all you do with The Wood Whisperer. I too have learned a great deal and enjoyed every minute of it. You guys rock!

I think The Wood Whisperer Guild is a great idea and a great way to take things up a few notches. I’m impressed and I’m looking forward to being a member. (Although I’d still like to see that full-color, Wood Whisperer book.)

I’m sorry your first reaction to The Guild was critical, Marc. I know how disappointing this can be when you work so hard to do the right thing. Keep in mind no matter what you do or how you do it, there will always be critics and those who want to tear you down. You should consider criticism a badge of honor for making a difference.

Oh, and all I want for Christmas is the video from your recent David Marks visit!

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Chad Tennant December 3, 2008 10:24 am

As a person who loves the art of woodworking, and a cheap skate at heart, I love as much free content as I can possibly get about the craft. But as a business owner myself, I totally recognize that I am not in business as a charity. My family needs to eat, and the tools I want cost money too.

I am pleased that Marc is able to make a living doing what he loves. I have benefited from the “free” content immensly, but I also want him to make the money he needs to accomplish what he wants. This is why I now always go thru the TWW link to Amazon to make sure he gets the credit for the things I buy online.

So to those who think that Marc has “sold out” or feels jipped that he is charging for additional information above and beyond what he already gives freely, I think you should sit and spin on a 1.5 inch dowel before you disparage his entrepreneurial spirit.

Marc took a big chance on something he loves. I wish I had the same guts.

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NICUTO – Nick December 3, 2008 10:29 am

Thanks for the great ideas ill have to pass this on to the fam!

You tell him Marc!! i think your free content has been great to access the added content will be a great addition. If he doesn’t want to pay for it, fine. Marc as you know, most of us here truly admire, and more so, appreciate all you do for FREE. Personally i have learned a ton from you pod casts and blogs, not to mention the quick replies on the emails i have sent you.

So i say keep it up Marc! What your doing is great, and just ignore the “na-sayers”. It just means more content and knowledge for the rest of us.

Cheers
Nick

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Matt E December 3, 2008 10:33 am

Gadzooks! I didn’t even know there was a premium membership. Thanks Matt for letting me know, as soon as i get paid i’m gonna make Marc 98$ Richer. on the up note I have been woodworking poorly for a couple years now making richity aquarium stands and reptile cages ( no escapes to date =) ) with no tools other then a drill and a skil saw. but after stumbling on to thewoodwhisperer I have discovered that rockler and woodcraft are actual stores in my area that iIdidn’t even know existed. And after watching all his Videos (and only those) I have built enough skills to actually start to sell my work to local aquarium stores. So i guess i kind of owe Marc some money!

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Matt December 3, 2008 11:49 am

All,

Looks like I did not have all of my facts straight before I made my point. Marc has done a wonderful job and his impact had effected many of us. The pro-bono content is invaluable and well appreciated. I do understand how a business operates but fundamentally misunderstood the plan for Marc’s future. I meant no insult or harm by my comments rather is was meant to be an outside perspective which may reconfirm his commitment to his viewers as he enters into another chapter of his work. It would be unfortunate to see his site turn into yet another site where everything had a charge. Talking to Marc this is not the case for him, his commitment and integrity still stands strong. Happy woodworking….don’t use power tools mad.

Cheers,
Matt

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kentuckybill December 3, 2008 1:59 pm

Well what can I say that hasn’t already been said. This video had it all, I laughed, I cried, I was mesmerized. Thanks and Happy Holidays to the whole Spag family. And about the guild. I have been here since very early on and have tried to support the free site by buying shirts,dvd’s, etc. I am excited about the guild, and yes I have already joined because it’s another way to show my support for the site. And hey if I get some extra bene’s from it all the better. So come up off it and show your support because as much as we like to think it, nothing is free. Marc and Nicole and the babies, err dogs have to pay the bills like the rest of us. Happy Holidays WoodWorkers

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demowen December 3, 2008 11:57 pm

OOOoooooOOOOOooohhhh, Nicole, BBQ gifts are never a bad idea! I’ve developed a taste for campfire breakfasts over the years. I’ll bet your peanut brittle would make a nice little addition to one of my favorite campfire flavors… Granny smith apple cored down the middle and stuck with a stick over smoke. Pour a little bit of bacon goodness over that apple….. OOOH Boy! Just slice that sucker and put some cinnamon sugar on it- BAM your in heaven!

Sorry, – woodworking now- uuummm great idea for those scrap pieces of lumber!

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Allen Lindsey (AlleninOH) December 4, 2008 5:44 am

Maybe you could offer a Woodwhisperer Cookbook as a premium for guild members.

Crunchy French Toast recipe
Marc’s barbequing tips
Nicole’s awesome artery-hardening peanut brittle
101 Ways to prepare a cat

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Matt E December 4, 2008 9:25 am

quick comment on two of those items. Fine Woodworkingâ

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demowen December 4, 2008 9:38 am

How do you make a cat sound like a dog?….

Pour gasoline on it and light it…..WOOF

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pam SHenberger December 4, 2008 4:37 pm

What is the best thing to protect a outdoor skateboard ramp that will be out in snow and rain

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Germain December 4, 2008 10:11 pm

Skateboard ramp? Pour gasoline on it and light it … “WOOF!”

Seriously, I bet Epifanes would work well for a skateboard ramp. It’s a marine varnish with good flexibility and UV protection. Urethane skateboard wheels would probably grip well on this surface.

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Santa December 4, 2008 11:53 pm

Marc,
Yes I will be a member

Nicole,
I’m thinking ….SOCKS!

Merry Christmas

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Chris December 5, 2008 10:52 am

If you are interested in the self centering drill bits (VIX bits?), Rockler has a special on their 3 pc set in the Insty-Bit family, includes #4, #6, and #8, for $12.49!!. Even if you don’t use the other Insty-Bit accessories, it’s a great deal.

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Shannon December 5, 2008 1:52 pm

Marc and Nicole,
Just watched this episode on my iphone and I had to comment. I enjoyed it some much that I am typing this out with my thumbs while on 3G. Not even a wireless connection…that’s how much I enjoyed it. Nicole we all miss you and you should make more cameo’s. I think Marc is more on his game when you are there to keep him in line. I laughed out loud during this episode and it was great to see the whole family. My furry 4 legged, 120 lb “kids” crawl up in my lap too.

Keep up the great work and can’t wait to see what my first installment of “premium” content will be as a guild member.

Merry Christmas,

Shannon

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NicoleSpag December 5, 2008 3:11 pm

@santa hehe i thought i had kept my foot under me the entire time, but I guess not :) besides it’s flip flops all year round here, there is no need for socks!

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Bas December 5, 2008 3:44 pm

Mark and Nicole, very entertaining podcast, but I must say the gifts were a bit lame. Too many books, DVDs and magazines. Granted, a couple of steps up from socks, but still……

On the Guild – I think you should do whatever you need to to make a living in woodworking. Free is nice of course, but if free means you can’t sustain it, paid content is the next best thing.

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Joe R December 8, 2008 12:30 am

Marc & Nicole,
Like your other fans, I have been a faithful podcast viewer (since episode 28) a merchandise buyer, and TWW Amazon link user, in order to support your work. I have no hesitation in signing up for “The Guild” and I encourage other appreciative fans to do the same. So far, I know I’ve already received many times the value of the $98 membership, with imparted how-to knowledge, helpful tips, product suggestions/recommendations, and yes, a few laughs. Marc is fortunate in finding what he loves to do and making a living with it (in an ideal world wouldn’t everyone do the same?). I only wish I had discovered my passion-turned-business at his age! Please keep up the good work, and if this is what you need to continue that work, I support it. Happy holidays.

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steve December 8, 2008 7:33 am

-100 man points for the auto-wrench.

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Chris December 10, 2008 7:55 am

Marc & Nicole,

I have been a fan for over a year now. First, I just wanted to say “Thanks”, I’ll definitely be subscribing to the premium content. Secondly, I loved the Mel Brooks reference “…we have lunchboxes, we have action figures, we have coloring books…” I knew where you were going the minute you started it! Well, I’m off to comb the desert… Happy Holidays

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74 – 2008 Holiday Gift Guide

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