Anyone used "Smartflix" (mail-order woodworking classes)

[GaryA]

There is an article in the just received Sep/Oct FWW about "Smartflix" www.smartflix.com a web based educational DVD rental service that caters to woodworking, metalworking, hobbyists, etc. I was all excited about the service (as I love any woodworking videos I can get my hands on), until I saw the cost. $9.99 a week for a rental...Ouch!!! Anyone used them? I guess if you compare it to a purchase (example "Mastering Your Tablesaw by Kelly Mehler - Taunton sells it for $19.95). They should charge a fee for "all you can eat" rentals like Blockbuster - even though it would be higher.

What do you guys think? I think I'm going to go to the library today to see what they've got...

[final_t]

If I remember correctly, Woodcraft will rent you a dvd video for a few days for something like $3 or so. Check with them and see if your local store (if you have one) does or if this was a store-specific thing.
Also check your local library - if they don't have a video you want, put in a request for it so that when they get to their purchase cycle, they can see if they can get it.

[stormdog74]

Another option would be to just buy the video and then sell it (maybe here on the classified board or ebay). That way you can keep the video for as long as you like and recoup some of your cost.

[GaryA]

I'll have to check out Woodcraft...yep there is one within 30 minutes of me. I didnt realize they did that. I went to library today...NO woodworking videos, and I own most of the books they have...

[radhak]

You might do better with an annual membership at FineWoodWorking.com for $35. You get tons of articles (even archives) in beautiful PDF format good to download and print, and you get excellent video clips very specific to the task on hand. And they keep adding, and it's at your finger tips any time you want it.

I read here recently that they are running a 1-month-free special now, you could check it out if it suits you. My take is, once you use it for a month, you'll be hooked.

[mater]

I believe I would check the library also.

[gerti]

Don't forget local woodworking clubs/guilds, many of which have a video library.

[GaryA]

You might do better with an annual membership at FineWoodWorking.com for $35. You get tons of articles (even archives) in beautiful PDF format good to download and print, and you get excellent video clips very specific to the task on hand. And they keep adding, and it's at your finger tips any time you want it.

I read here recently that they are running a 1-month-free special now, you could check it out if it suits you. My take is, once you use it for a month, you'll be hooked.

Yep...I did do that this year...and you're right...WELL worth the money!

[Bob Bassett]

You might do better with an annual membership at FineWoodWorking.com for $35. You get tons of articles (even archives) in beautiful PDF format good to download and print, and you get excellent video clips very specific to the task on hand. And they keep adding, and it's at your finger tips any time you want it.

I read here recently that they are running a 1-month-free special now, you could check it out if it suits you. My take is, once you use it for a month, you'll be hooked.

Signed up today and after an hour of 'looking', I finally came back here to finish reading the 'New Posts'.