David: Produced by WGBH Boston and Morash Associates, it has been helping everyone from amateur woodworkers to experienced carpenters for over twenty years. Norm Abram, a Master Carpenter, has been the host of the show from the beginning.

With his trademark plaid shirts and easy going style, Norm has been attracting viewers to the show from around the world.
Norm Abram began his television career when he was hired by "This Old House" creator Russell Morash to build a barn on his Boston property. Russ was so impressed with Norm's work that he invited him to help with several other projects that were being filmed for This Old House. Norm was a natural in front of the camera, and soon became a household favorite. Not long after that, he was offered the opportunity to host his own show, and the "New Yankee Workshop" was born. Norm has since appeared on many TV shows and trade shows across America. He has authored several how-to books, and been a consultant on many more.

Norm was born in Rhode Island, and got his love of woodworking from his father who was a carpenter. When he was a boy, Norm honed his skills by making wooden toys for his little sister. Norm attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and for a few years was Site Supervisor for a local construction firm. He then founded Integrated Structures, Inc., and specialized in remodeling homes.
The New Yankee Workshop is televised on PBS stations across the country each week. If you haven't seen it yet, you are in for a treat. You can also find out more about The New Yankke Workshop by visiting their website online at www.newyankee.com.

New Yankee Workshop has been airing for years now, and what it does is give those interested in woodworking procedures and projects a chance to watch the processes involved in making a piece of replica furniture, or garden project, from conception to finish.

Norm Abram has been in the business for years, and was originally featured as a workman in "This Old House", a series where houses were extended or renovated, and his skills were used in carpentry work, detailing what he would do and how.

Such was the demand for his skill and techniques that "New Yankee Workshop" became a program that really did offer the enthusiast and the professional alike ideas, not only on building projects, but also on the use of new tools available on the market.

It's a neat idea for a program and works very well in conjunction with viewers being able to buy plans and DVD's to enable them to create similar projects. His presentation is very good and the detail clear and concise, although here I have one criticism, in that in many of his shoots, in order to get a clear picture of what Norm is doing, guards have been removed from equipment, although he does explain the necessity to have guards in place when you perform the same task.

During the series, there have been many innovative projects, and Norm goes out to find the kind of antique or traditional item that someone has requested he make, takes it back to basics, and explains the following:

*Type of woods used.
*Preparation
*Joints
*Glues used or time when glues should not be used
*Finishes
*Special machinery for special jobs.

His workshop is amazing, and it always amuses me how clean it is, although I suspect on a movie set, there would be someone there to pick up all the sawdust as he works.

The program is popular and has been running for 19 seasons, covering projects such as the following :

*Tables
*Dressers
*Clocks
*Garden furniture
*Bookcases
*Consoles
*Chests

There are many more projects, although the emphasis isn't on large projects only and what is rather neat about the whole concept is that it covers areas where even the woodworker working on a small scale can glean information and advice.

Designs are usually traditional, and the ease with which Norm describes the process of putting furniture together means that viewers get the whole story from start right through to finishes. Many of the finishes that he uses enhance the projects, though what's nice about all the projects that he has presented is the element of individuality which is left to the viewer in making their own pieces of furniture, having learned the basics from the program. Woodworking requires skill, though the skills can be learned and experimented with to give the finishes desired, thus making each project have numerous possibilities for the individual woodworker.

The program is certainly worth watching and recording, and for those who forgot to record programs that they may need for the future, the DVD's can be bought online with full plans which ensures that even those that missed essential programs to particular products can catch up in their own time.

One of the best woodworking programs aired on television, Norm's use of innovative machinery, and explanation of processes is second to none. Enjoy it, as it is clear that viewers are learning with a man that has a passion for his craft. Beyond his reputation for plaid shirts, and neatness of workshop, Norm has solutions for those that seek them, and does so in a very acceptable and social manner. As for the machinery we can all dream can't we ?


Do you enjoy working with your hands? Do you enjoy working with wood? Do you enjoy creating a beautiful piece of woodwork? So does Norm Abram of The New Yankee Workshop.

Providing step-by-step instructions to viewers that would like to become a master of carpentry, The New Yankee Workshop gives us the knowledge and techniques to be able to create almost anything out of wood.

Norm Abram, the host of the popular PBS series, does an excellent job of showing hands-on how to create a variety of woodworking projects from bookshelves to TV stands to closets and even that old hutch that your grandfather picked up at the flea market last year. Whether you have been working with wood for years or just a few days, the series will be able to give hints and tips that you have never heard before.

Although the process may look quite simple, it takes a certain amount of dedication to follow through with such projects; however, if the tools are present and the effort is there, almost anyone should be able to create wonderful pieces such as done on The New Yankee Workshop. With the taped instructions of Norm, which can be purchased if desired, you can follow along at a leisurely pace. Be prepared to spend money for materials and tools, unless your garage is already full of them. If it is, you're lucky... otherwise a trip to the hardware store might be in order.

Each show begins with a friendly greeting to the viewers and a good overview of what the project will be, complete with an already-finished piece to show. After that he goes through each step in its entirety so that even the novice woodworker can follow along. He explains what the tools do and you get to watch as he uses them. At the end of the project, which on occasion can span multiple episodes, you come away feeling like you could definitely make that piece.

Whether or not you choose to do one of the projects that Norm teaches you, The New Yankee Workshop can be a fun and interesting way to pass some time and pick up some handy tips. If you haven't yet had the chance to watch Norm perform his woodworking miracles, take some time out of your schedule and watch an episode or two. If you admire woodworking art, you will not be disappointed.

Beware the guy who looks you in the eye, and tells you that this is so easy that even you can do it! The New Yankee Workshop guru Norm Abram has lured millions of viewers into the world of woodworking with just that sort of approach.

Over the course of 19 years, this PBS series has entertained those curious about the world of crafting wood into heirloom furniture pieces, and nearly made Norm Abrams a household name in the process.

As a consummate professional, he makes everything look so simple that the viewing public can be convinced that even they can do it. That is why I say, beware!

Norm is a great "power and technology" guy. He uses expensive equipment, and tools that are far beyond the means of the average hobby wood crafter. The likely result of many projects that are easy for him is something that most of us will hide in embarrassment from our friends and families.

For entertainment value, The New Yankee Workshop is great. From a
practical viewpoint, most viewers should be warned to not run out and invest thousands of dollars purchasing expensive equipment that they will probably never use. The craftsmanship needed to produce high quality results is not something that machines can provide, only experience will produce high quality results.

I join those who enjoy watching Norm perform magic with wood, but I also am one of those folks who are challenged by the use of a hammer, screwdriver, and a saw. When I decide that I'm ready for a beautiful hutch to grace my dining area, I'll shop around for that perfect piece. The money I spend will be less than what a functioning wood working shop would be, and I will know absolutely what the result of my labor is before investing my time, and money.

Two thumbs up for the show, two thumbs down for trying to make me think that I can become a gifted craftsman overnight. No amount of equipment creates a craftsman, only years of experience, plus an uncommon ability.

New Yankee Workshop has been airing for years now, and what it does is give those interested in woodworking procedures and projects a chance to watch the processes involved in making a piece of replica furniture, or garden project, from conception to finish.

Norm Abram has been in the business for years, and was originally featured as a workman in "This Old House", a series where houses were extended or renovated, and his skills were used in carpentry work, detailing what he would do and how.

Such was the demand for his skill and techniques that "New Yankee Workshop" became a program that really did offer the enthusiast and the professional alike ideas, not only on building projects, but also on the use of new tools available on the market.

It's a neat idea for a program and works very well in conjunction with viewers being able to buy plans and DVD's to enable them to create similar projects. His presentation is very good and the detail clear and concise, although here I have one criticism, in that in many of his shoots, in order to get a clear picture of what Norm is doing, guards have been removed from equipment, although he does explain the necessity to have guards in place when you perform the same task.

During the series, there have been many innovative projects, and Norm goes out to find the kind of antique or traditional item that someone has requested he make, takes it back to basics, and explains the following:

*Type of woods used.
*Preparation
*Joints
*Glues used or time when glues should not be used
*Finishes
*Special machinery for special jobs.

His workshop is amazing, and it always amuses me how clean it is, although I suspect on a movie set, there would be someone there to pick up all the sawdust as he works.

The program is popular and has been running for 19 seasons, covering projects such as the following :

*Tables
*Dressers
*Clocks
*Garden furniture
*Bookcases
*Consoles
*Chests

There are many more projects, although the emphasis isn't on large projects only and what is rather neat about the whole concept is that it covers areas where even the woodworker working on a small scale can glean information and advice.

Designs are usually traditional, and the ease with which Norm describes the process of putting furniture together means that viewers get the whole story from start right through to finishes. Many of the finishes that he uses enhance the projects, though what's nice about all the projects that he has presented is the element of individuality which is left to the viewer in making their own pieces of furniture, having learned the basics from the program. Woodworking requires skill, though the skills can be learned and experimented with to give the finishes desired, thus making each project have numerous possibilities for the individual woodworker.

The program is certainly worth watching and recording, and for those who forgot to record programs that they may need for the future, the DVD's can be bought online with full plans which ensures that even those that missed essential programs to particular products can catch up in their own time.

One of the best woodworking programs aired on television, Norm's use of innovative machinery, and explanation of processes is second to none. Enjoy it, as it is clear that viewers are learning with a man that has a passion for his craft. Beyond his reputation for plaid shirts, and neatness of workshop, Norm has solutions for those that seek them, and does so in a very acceptable and social manner. As for the machinery we can all dream can't we ?

Source: Helium.com