David: 1) I just watched episode 107 (the 7th one made). Some things have changed over the years. In this early episode I noted the following – -

- Norm uses a ShopSmith as his drill press.
- He does not have a mortising machine and he makes his mortises with the drill press and chisels.
- He never mentions the importance of safety.
- He does not have a dust collector hooked up to any machines (and he produces a lot shavings with his thickness planer).
- He uses the radial arm saw a lot – primarily with a dado blade.
- He uses a molder cutting head in his table saw
- He did not use a random orbital sander in a situation where I am sure he would use one today.

It’s interesting how things have changed in the last 20 years.

-- Rich, Cedar Rapids, IA - I'm a woodworker. I don't create beauty, I reveal beauty.

2) So True, No grey 20 years ago, Some Today, Oh same for you? Hah :)

Hail to the chief! Norm’s Gone:( I watched every week.

No more important safety rule than these safety glasses.

-- Striving Woodworker

3) I have a lot of respect and appreciation for Norm. He really got me excited about woodworking. However, there has been a transition in my life. Years ago I accepted everything that Norm said as the absolute gospel truth about the best way to do something. Today, I agree with him at least 95% of the time but, every once in a while I think, “No Norm – I wouldn’t do it that way”. Still, the bottom line remains, he has been very good for woodworking.
-- Rich, Cedar Rapids, IA - I'm a woodworker. I don't create beauty, I reveal beauty.

4) Some of the old shows used to say “the guards were removed just for filming” also. Gary

5) I’ve seen that a little while ago ,It looks like he’s using and old Craftsman table saw too.

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop, custom furniture ,maker, woodworking school, http://www.heirloomwoodshop.com/

6) So true, I think he using an old Rockwell Unisaw.

-- CJIII Future cabinetmaker

7) He also used a Shopsmith band saw. In later years manufacturers couldn’t push new tools at him fast enough.

-- "Heaven is North of the Bridge"

8) I just got done watching that episode. I forgot what a bare-bones set-up he had (relatively speaking). Also noted:
-no drywall on ceiling
-some walls were uncovered
-Pipe clamps?
-he was really excited about his new glue roller!

-- Tony, Ohio

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Source: lumberjocks.com