Rough Cut - Woodworking with Tommy Mac

In October 2010 PBS will air a new woodworking television series called Rough Cut - Woodworking with Tommy Mac.

Check out our exclusive interview with the host of Rough Cut Tommy Mac.

The only holdup to releasing the show was finding a proper underwriter and Woodcraft has now stepped up to the plate and will be the exclusive corporate sponsor.

Tommy has stated he wants to the show to follow in the tradition of other long-running PBS DIY shows such as This Old House and Victory Garden and if they succeed he is on his way to becoming the Bob Vila of woodworking especially now that Norm Abram's New Yankee Workshop is no longer on TV.

Tommy is also younger than a typical PBS host and looks similar to Kevin O'Connor who This Old House turned to as it's new host a few years ago and has done a wonderful job attracting a new generation of do-it-yourselfers.

If Tommy Mac has inspired you to give woodworking a try, there are many great resources online as well as a variety of books that can give you the basics. We recommend Woodworking Basics: Mastering the Essentials of Craftsmanship written by Peter Korn. It's based on a two-week course and focused on woodworking fundamentals offered at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Camden, Maine. This book takes a traditional approach to teaching, with the idea that learning basic skills is essential to craftsmanship.

From the press release:

The instructional show 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. Thirteen innovative episodes 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.

"WGBH is always looking for fresh, wonderful new talent," says WGBH Executive Producer Laurie Donnelly. "Tommy is not only an incredibly skilled worker, but he has this unique personality that draws people to him. "

"I am really excited to be working with the station I grew up watching," adds Tommy. "It was a big part of what inspired me to go in to this field. I grew up in a house with nine kids and there was always something for my Dad and I to repair. Shows like This Old House, Victory Garden and The New Yankee Workshop were always there with great information to get us started. Rough Cut hopes to carry on that tradition."

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 is produced by WGBH Boston and distributed by American Public Television. Tommy MacDonald is host. Executive producer is Laurie Donnelly for WGBH Lifestyle Productions. Woodcraft is the exclusive corporate sponsor.

photo: John Gillooly

Charles & Hudson | Comments () |

Laurie McNeil

Would someone please inform Tommy Mac that there are more than “GUYS” working in wood, and watching his show. While I do enjoy the show, and find it very well made and educational, even to an experienced carver like myself, I am disappointed to not be included in Tommy’s references to his viewers. I have caught the show twice now on PBS and I forgot about those "GUYS" references from the first show, only to experience the same offense to the reference in second show I saw. This causes me to come away from his show twice now, disappointed.

So please pass this on to Tommy. I would like to think he doesn’t really believe that only the “GUYS” count….. Is he really silly enough to want to exclude his female audience, after all, we too have money to spend and brains that learn.

lcmart

Tommy Mac recently visited the Martens Woodshop in Green Bay, WI. (www.martensinnovativewoodcreations) He also presented at the Northeaster WI. Woodworkers Guild. I was most impressed with his "earthy" charisma and practical application of woodworking techniques. L.C. Martens lcmart@att.net

helping the environment

Will I like your blog fishing woodworking great topics found you over at lumber jocks good luck

Woodworking With Lucy

Thanks for the very informative …we now know the woodworking much better. Woodworking With Lucy, Lucy Talks Table Saws

Carol

I've watched a few "Rough Cut" shows and really enjoy them. I tape all of the home/woodworking/garden shows on PBS and watch them every week. When he said the road trip was to Ipswich, my ears perked up; I have ancestors from there. Then, when the furniture expert said the blanket chest was made by Thomas Dennis, I nearly fell over! I had to stop the tape and call my kids and grandkids. I am a direct descendant of Thomas Dennis! I have read a few things about him, and realize he's pretty important in the history of fine furniture making in the Colonies, but it was really fun to hear him mentioned on the show!!! Thanks!

Russell Neyman

I love the new show, but the Boston-like "Alright" and "OK Guys" habit drives me nuts. What this show brings (and what other shows so badly miss) is spontaneity. The format has the feel of being completely unscripted, and the set feels like a real woodworking shop.

[Allow me to grind an axe for a moment: Woodsmith Shop show is soooooooo tightly scripted that you never feel like you're among woodworkers. The shirts are perfectly starched, the pointer-pencils sharpened to a needle point, and there's nary a speck of sawdust on the set. The hosts, having memorized and practiced the dialogue so often, frequently turn to each other BEFORE the a comment is even given.]

Tommy Mac has my respect and probably represents the bulk of weekend woodworkers (as opposed to hobbyists) in terms of skill level. Now, if I can just get over his chowderhead speak....

louis

You are sooooo right about the "Woodsmith" guys, they seem more like the wood-shop dorks back in high school[circa. 1972]. This new guy is pretty good although me thinks he has watched too much "Simply Ming" with all the "guys" and such. But hey, it works and although I'm more of a car guy, I'll watch untill I eventually see every episode 200 times like every else on PBS.

Tommy2

I'd sure like to find out where I can get a copy of that design you used to make the blanket chest. . . .

Deejay Sr

great show, great host ! enjoy every minute, hope tommy mac is around for long, long time. !as a native bostonian, brings back many memories. , as a wood worker,learn somethig every show. !the best to tommy.

Drweb4

Love Rough Cut. First wood working show that has me interested in making something. Loved the trellis on the show today. And I think I could make this one! Plans are available too. I also like his patter with all the Oks, sweets and guys. Keep it up.

Dpflaf

saw the first show was impressed continue to use two hosts as this makes for a better show-- moves along smoother eli is a good pick

Noone Bodee

Please tell Tommy to stop saying "OK" at the end of each sentence. It makes him sound like a moronic valley girl.

Loobeedo

Tell Tommy to stop saying "ok guys". We gals watch the show too! Stop saying " ok" period.

Shawn C

It made me think of making a college drinking game. Every time he says "OK" or "Alright", take a drink. If you really want to punish yourself, add "Guys" to the list.

Jlcook

I just saw my first Rough Cut show and I really like everything about Tommy Mac. He's a great teacher. Only someone who really knows his stuff can teach at this level. He's a natural.

woodworking project plans

I believe the PBS audience will find him entertaining and inspirational. Congratulations Tommy!

DWB

I have been following this guys work since he started publishing his goofy homemade podcasts a couple of years ago. I believe the PBS audience will find him entertaining and inspirational. Congratulations Tommy!

David

Why would you say "and if they succeed he is on his way to becoming the Bob Vila of woodworking" when in fact Bob Vila has never done any woodworking nor has he ever had a contractors license or a union card of any kind.

Dstowe1

In addition to being arrogant and flip. Vila deserves the bad reputation he has.

Charles & Hudson

Despite what people think of Bob Vila he is still the most recognizable personality in the home improvement industry and for Tommy Mac to reach Bob Vila's level of celebrity would be huge for the woodworking industry.