A few weekends ago I got restless — Norm’s project was a rerun, Bob’s old house episode was even older than me, and there weren’t any other good woodworking shows on. Trying to get my fix, I came across Woodworking Online’s podcasts and the new Woodsmith Shop show.

Woodworking Online’s in-depth podcasts (33 of ‘em so far) feature different aspects of tools and woodworking — they’re actually recordings of seminars done at the Woodsmith store in Des Moines, IA. The different presenters do a good job of going over the concept of tools and demonstrating their use.

Woodsmith has recently branched out beyond just podcasts with Woodsmith Shop, a public television program that’s available in some parts of the country. Each episode features different woodworking projects, and you can download free plans to go with each episode.

Unfortunately, I’m going to have to satisfy my woodworking video addiction with podcasts and free online plans until I can get to a TV market that has the new show. Have any Toolmongers had a chance to see it? Post in comments if you have.

Woodworking Podcasts [Woodworking Online]
Woodsmith Shop [Official Site]

With colder weather setting in, keep in mind that the ole’ homestead may need some maintance around this time of year. Why not make a list and jump to it? We found Bob’s list of items that need doing on bobvilla.com. Here it is in part.

1. Roof: Check roof and around vents, skylights and chimneys for leaks. Repair as necessary.
2. Attic: If there is no ridge vent, keep gable vents open year-round to ensure proper ventilation.
3. Gutters: Clean gutters and drain pipes so leaves won’t clog them and be sure they drain away from the house. (Fall: In cold-climate areas) Drain outside faucets.
4. Fireplace: Clean fireplace of ashes. (Fall) Check chimney for loose or missing mortar. Have chimney professionally cleaned. Make sure damper closes tightly. (Spring) Leave damper open for improved ventilation if the home is not air-conditioned

Of course, there are a bunch more tips over in the original article, ranging from the pretty mundane to some serious projects. But the meat of it is that it’s always better to tackle home maintenance early instead of waiting for mother nature to have her way.

Full Article [Bobvilla.com]

According to the Bradenton Herald (via Newsday), Bob Vila’s launching his own tool line.  Really.  From their coverage:

“Designed to be user-firnedly enough for the average homeowner, piece range from $16.90 for a utility knife to $79.90 for a 300-piece drill accessory kit.”

The tools are to be sold via the Home Shopping Network and directly via Bob’s own site, so we strolled over to BobVila.com to check ‘em out.  At first glance, they appear to be similar in build quality to the “celebrity” brands created for and marketed to women recently.  One major difference: Bob seems to have put some real thought into the accessories provided with many of the kits.

For example, a 220 RPM, 22 in-lb-capable cordless screwdriver ships as a 120-piece kit including six 1/4″ drive sockets, seven nut drivers, three Phillips bits, four standard bits, four Torx bits, four hex bits, three square bits, and hell — a bunch more.  Good stuff, not just ten slightly-different-sized screwdriver bits, all for under $40.

One struck me as a bit funny, though: the Bob Vila 25′ Tape Measure with Voice Recorder.  Wow.

Bob Vila Launches Tool Line [Bradenton.com]
Bob Vila Tools [BobVila.com]