Norm Abram

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GBusardo

GBusardo

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Titebond is having a contest and the prize is a weekdend in Boston, watching a Norm Abram TV show being filmed, lunch with Norm and a year supply of wood glue. I thought it would be cool if someone from this forum would win the prize. I know I would not mind winning.

www.titebond.com/norm

Good luck :)
 
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per prize details.... A year's supply of Titebond wood glue (up to a $300 value).


Just who do they think we are? That is not nearly enough[:p]

I entered to, it would be fun to meet Norm[:D]
 
met Norm at a trade show a couple of years ago...he had a heavily bandaged hand, so we know we don't get to see EVERYTHING that happens in his shop!![:D] Have the framed signed picture in the woodshop.[:D]
 
Originally posted by GoodTurns
<br />met Norm at a trade show a couple of years ago...he had a heavily bandaged hand, so we know we don't get to see EVERYTHING that happens in his shop!![:D] Have the framed signed picture in the woodshop.[:D]
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I've already won b/c I met him too, 11 years ago. Have his signed photo hanging in my office. He's a great guy... very personable and loves to visit w/his fans. I know a number of "fine" woodworkers that think he's a joke. "You NEVER use water on wood!"[:0] By the same token, they think (as do I) that David Marks is great. And I've seen him use water on a glue cleanup. Woodworkers is a fickle bunch. Go figure.

BTW, thanks, Gary! I'd love to hang out w/him all day. The rest of you don't stand a chance. [}:)][;)]
 
I would take the glue but wouldn't cross the street to see Norm Abram. He uses unsafe practices that I consider very bad examples. Last time I watched his show he was using a compound miter-slider and holding the wood CROSS HANDED in front of the blade. Like I said, that was the <b>last</b> time I watched him.
 
I met Norm here in Atlanta at both the Wood show, and at Highland Hardware. A very nice guy, who took the time to sign pictures for everyone that asked, and had a very down to earth approach to everyone. I am sorry there are people that dont watch him, but he is very interesting, and presents things in ways the average Joe can handle. If you dont know how he started out, it is an interesting story, and a success story for a hard working dude.
 
Originally posted by Rifleman1776
<br />I would take the glue but wouldn't cross the street to see Norm Abram. He uses unsafe practices that I consider very bad examples. Last time I watched his show he was using a compound miter-slider and holding the wood CROSS HANDED in front of the blade. Like I said, that was the <b>last</b> time I watched him.
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Your right about the unsafe woodworking, but I would think I would learn a thing or two. I am not a star stuck person but I think it would be pretty cool. Hopefully, whoever wins, will know what is safe and what is not.
In my mind, the people who look down on Norm as a woodworker, are also the same people who look down on Emeral as a chef. They may not be close to the best in the world, but they sure know how to entertain, and everyone can learn something from them. Hopefully, it's something safe. [:)]
 
Originally posted by Rifleman1776
<br />I would take the glue but wouldn't cross the street to see Norm Abram. He uses unsafe practices that I consider very bad examples. Last time I watched his show he was using a compound miter-slider and holding the wood CROSS HANDED in front of the blade. Like I said, that was the <b>last</b> time I watched him.
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I'm trying to get a mental image of that and the only thing I am coming up with not only doesn't make sense but I doubt anyone would do, let alone Norm.

I've watched him off and on for years and learned a lot, never saw anything bizarre. Could you describe what you are talking about?

George
 
Originally posted by Texatdurango
<br />
Originally posted by Rifleman1776
<br />I would take the glue but wouldn't cross the street to see Norm Abram. He uses unsafe practices that I consider very bad examples. Last time I watched his show he was using a compound miter-slider and holding the wood CROSS HANDED in front of the blade. Like I said, that was the <b>last</b> time I watched him.
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I'm trying to get a mental image of that and the only thing I am coming up with not only doesn't make sense but I doubt anyone would do, let alone Norm.

I've watched him off and on for years and learned a lot, never saw anything bizarre. Could you describe what you are talking about?

George
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I thought my explanation was clear. He was holding wood on the right side of the blade with his left hand. That placed his arm directly in front of the blade as he brought it down and forward to make his cut. That is about as dangerous an act as one can do in woodworking.
 
Originally posted by Rifleman1776
<br />
I thought my explanation was clear. He was holding wood on the right side of the blade with his left hand. That placed his arm directly in front of the blade as he brought it down and forward to make his cut. That is about as dangerous an act as one can do in woodworking.
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No, "crosshanded in front of the blade" wasn't that clear to me, that's why I asked. But what you just said was the mental image I conjured up.

I went out to the shop, placed my left hand on a piece of wood to the right of the blade then grabbed the handle with my right hand. I was crossed up so bad I couldn't have even completed the cut without letting go of something and I've got lot longer arms than he's got... just doesn't make sense!

Was this a recent show, I've gotta see this?
 
Originally posted by Texatdurango
<br />
Originally posted by Rifleman1776
<br />
I thought my explanation was clear. He was holding wood on the right side of the blade with his left hand. That placed his arm directly in front of the blade as he brought it down and forward to make his cut. That is about as dangerous an act as one can do in woodworking.
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No, "crosshanded in front of the blade" wasn't that clear to me, that's why I asked. But what you just said was the mental image I conjured up.

I went out to the shop, placed my left hand on a piece of wood to the right of the blade then grabbed the handle with my right hand. I was crossed up so bad I couldn't have even completed the cut without letting go of something and I've got lot longer arms than he's got... just doesn't make sense!

Was this a recent show, I've gotta see this?
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Tex, it was a few months ago. I had set my DVR to record his shows so I could watch at my convenience. But, I turned it off. No more Norm for me. As you say, it doesn't make sense. But, my former doctor and now, my son, an ER physician, both have said they treat a lot of injuries from folks doing things that 'don't make sense'.
 
At least Norn appears to be an "average" guy doing "average" work that we could all aspire to be doing, and usually with a lot more safety than many shows. I taught woodworking for years so safety is something I always worried about, preached about it constantly, and seeing unsafe stuff on TV drives me crazy. I can't recall ever cringing while watching Norm, and appreciate his little safety comments at the begining of his show. Not doubting that Frank did see what he said, but it does surprise me that it would happen. On many of the other woodworking shows on cable they rarely wear glasses, make dangerous cuts, practice poor shop cleanliness, etc. Ever notice on "American Chopper" they are always welding with no glasses at all, much less welding goggles. I know it is not a "how-to" show but people still watch it to learn how to do things.
 
Originally posted by woodwish
<br />At least Norn appears to be an "average" guy doing "average" work that we could all aspire to be doing, and usually with a lot more safety than many shows. I taught woodworking for years so safety is something I always worried about, preached about it constantly, and seeing unsafe stuff on TV drives me crazy. I can't recall ever cringing while watching Norm, and appreciate his little safety comments at the begining of his show. Not doubting that Frank did see what he said, but it does surprise me that it would happen. On many of the other woodworking shows on cable they rarely wear glasses, make dangerous cuts, practice poor shop cleanliness, etc. Ever notice on "American Chopper" they are always welding with no glasses at all, much less welding goggles. I know it is not a "how-to" show but people still watch it to learn how to do things.
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Ray, I agree with you about American Chopper. Very bad example. And, unfortunately, I'm afraid a lot of others will follow that example. They never wear hearing protection. And, in shops I occasionally do business with, hearing protection is never seen. I quit doing business with one welding shop because the owner welded without goggles or mask. Downright idiot in my opinion. Back to Norm. The example I cited isn't the only time I have seen unsafe practices. His safety admonitions seem hypocritical to me when, in practice, he does other things dangerously.
 
They do use goggles when they're laying a bead - just frequently they tend to lay a quick 'sting' to keep the metal in place - for a half-second burst, it's not always worth it to hunt down the goggles and mess up the alignment...

How many times have you put on ear plugs to use your shop vac for a split second...
 
Originally posted by maxwell_smart007
<br />They do use goggles when they're laying a bead - just frequently they tend to lay a quick 'sting' to keep the metal in place - for a half-second burst, it's not always worth it to hunt down the goggles and mess up the alignment...

How many times have you put on ear plugs to use your shop vac for a split second...
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Always. I have ear plugs and muff type protectors all over the place, including in truck, suitcase when I travel, everywhere. At age 68 and ten months, I just recently got hearing aids. They ain't no fun. I protect what I have. Those welders doing the quick 'sting', I disagree, eyesight is "worth it".
 
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