I think a little perspective on Norm is required. The producers of NYW are clearly cognizant of their audience. While I may not agree with all of his techniques, he is clearly far more accomplished and successful than I am, so who am I to pass judgment?
His projects usually fall into one of several categories:
-Beyond my skill level
-Beyond my budget
-I do not have appropriate tools
-I do not have a want or need for the item
Norm is inspirational most of the time, even when I'll never even consider building the project he is showing. But when he casually goes over to his band saw and resaws a plank with a 3" resaw blade, a little bit of me gets disconnected from the show. He clearly has a justified need for many of these tools and it is great to see them being used, but I'll never have the space or budget for most of these tools. The scale of Norm'a operationa is simply alien to me.
Overall, Norm is a positive force in the field. I seriously doubt any show about woodworking would be without criticism.
Rod - I agree about not using the safety equipment. I think Norm could at the minimum state that the blade guard has been removed for the sake of the cameras. But it would be even better if Norm were to bring in a table saw that had a riving knife and demonstrate a cut with the blade guard off, then another cut with the guard on.
We all know how dangerous this equipment is. We all know that virtually every accident is avoidable. Using the latest safety equipment and demonstrating how it works would only help raise the collective conciousness of the viewers. Safey first, second and last.
Measure twice, cut three times, start over. Repeat as necessary.