Rough Cut - Woodworking with Tommy Mac
This series invites viewers into the workshop of Boston native and fine furniture maker Tommy MacDonald, a graduate of the famed Boston-based North Bennet Street School. Follow Tommy as he travels to historical New England landmarks to gain design inspiration, then returns to his workshop to demonstrate the steps and techniques it takes to create comprehensive woodworking projects. In addition to providing detailed project instructions to his audience, Tommy shares his skills and best practices, giving the opportunity for anyone with an interest in woodworking to not only learn the basics but also excel at the craft. For those more experienced in woodworking, Tommy offers more advanced tips and techniques by showcasing his more complex projects.
Rough Cut - Woodworking with Tommy Mac Previous Broadcasts
Potting Station (Episode #213H)
KQED Life: Sat, Sep 29, 2012 -- 10:30 AM
The final project in season two of Rough Cut is a Potting Station, perfect for any outdoor gardening space. To gather inspiration for the project, Tommy heads on a Rough Cut Road Trip to the Massachusetts Horticultural Association in Wellesley, Massachusetts, where gardens curator David Fiske shows Tommy what is needed for the perfect potting station. Back in the shop, Tommy is joined by friend and fellow woodworker Al D'Attanasio.
Simple Case Construction Book Case (Episode #212H)
KQED Life: Sat, Sep 22, 2012 -- 10:30 AM
This time, on Rough Cut, Tommy discusses project design and explains how to do basic mortise and tenon joinery for a Simple Case Construction Bookcase project. He takes a Road Trip to the Furniture Divas exhibit at the Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton, Massachusetts. Back in the shop, Tommy is joined by New Hampshire furniture maker Tom McLaughlin.
Sand Shaded Clock (Episode #211H)
KQED Life: Sat, Sep 15, 2012 -- 10:30 AM
On this installment of Rough Cut, Tommy takes a look at the art of sand shading, a technique dating back to the ancient Egyptians. He demonstrates how this art form can be uniquely applied to his Sand Shaded Clock project. For the Rough Cut Road Trip, Tommy heads to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, which houses some beautiful examples of sand shading made by John and Thomas Seymour. Back in the shop, Tommy is joined by St. Louis radio personality McGraw Milhaven.
Console Table/Hdtv Stand (Episode #210H)
KQED Life: Sat, Sep 8, 2012 -- 10:30 AM
Tommy looks at the technique of bending wood for his Rough Cut Console Table/HDTV stand project. To get some inspiration, Tommy goes on a Road Trip to meet with the curator of the Brooklyn Museum. There, he learns about the Thonets, who are famous for perfecting the technique of steam-bent lamination. Back in the shop, Tommy is joined by Rough Cut regular Eli Cleveland.
Laminated Coat Rack (Episode #209H)
KQED Life: Sat, Sep 1, 2012 -- 10:30 AM
In this episode of Rough Cut, featuring the Laminated Coat Rack project, Tommy teaches basic geometric patterns using different species of wood by stack laminating. Then, Tommy and crew head out on a Rough Cut Road Trip to Brookhaven, New York, where studio artist David Ebner is busy making his famous Scallion Coat Rack - a project that teaches both lamination and turning techniques.









