This simple and utilitarian project serves as a perfect introduction to woodworking. The step stool requires very little lumber or tools. Its traditional Shaker design gives it a quiet beauty, making it a good fit for any home. It can be used for getting to high...
TommyMac
Blanket Chest
The Pilgrim Blanket Chest is a great project to help you master good machining techniques and table saw work. You’ll get plenty of practice with dados, stop dados, raised panels, cutting stiles and rails, and top and bottom panels. The chest will also require some...
Maple Desk Finish
It’s the step that leaves many projects incomplete: finishing. Last but certainly not least, finishing takes center stage in this series as Tommy, Al and friend Mark Libby take you through the step by steps as they apply a shellac finish to Tommy’s Maple Desk. Pay...
Tool Box
A deceptively subdued piece, this tool box serves as the basis of a variety of casework, from a simple dresser to a slant-top desk and even a highboy. This project provides an introduction to woodworking fundamentals, including milling, sharpening, board layout,...
Basic Table Construction
A kitchen table of Tommy’s design, gentle curves pull a timeless piece into the 21st century. Despite a contemporary feel, the clean lines and soft curves give the table a lightness suitable for any home. This project teaches mortise-and-tenon table construction...
Through Dovetails – Fitting the Tails
The dovetail is both a decorative mark of fine woodworking and a strong and long-lasting joint. In a through dovetail, both of the pieces go entirely through one another, leaving the joint visible on the outside. With both the pins and the tails cut out, it’s time to...
Through Dovetails 05 – Cutting the Tails
The dovetail is both a decorative mark of fine woodworking and a strong and long-lasting joint. In a through dovetail, both of the pieces go entirely through one another, leaving the joint visible on the outside. Now that the tails are laid out, it’s time to cut...
Through Dovetails 04 – Tail Layout
The dovetail is both a decorative mark of fine woodworking and a strong and long-lasting joint. In a through dovetail, both of the pieces go entirely through one another, leaving the joint visible on the outside. With the pins cut and paired, it’s time to move...
Through Dovetails 03 – Paring the Pins
The dovetail is both a decorative mark of fine woodworking and a strong and long-lasting joint. In a through dovetail, both of the pieces go entirely through one another, leaving the joint visible on the outside. With the pins cut, the next step is the pare them. This...
Through Dovetails 02 – Cutting the Pins
The dovetail is both a decorative mark of fine woodworking and a strong and long-lasting joint. In a through dovetail, both of the pieces go entirely through one another, leaving the joint visible on the outside. Once the pins have been laid out, you’ll be...