Classic Woodworking

Host Tom McLaughlin shares the design for his hanging tool cabinet – a piece that personalizes any shop – on this episode of Classic Woodworking. Tom uses a jig for the corners and a veneer panel for the front; then he’ll hinge and mount the doors and provide guidance on how to create an interior customized for any collection of tools.

Guest Chris Becksvoort joins host Tom McLaughlin in his shop to make a stunning table lamp. Chris shares his contemporary Shaker- inspired design that boasts elegant bent-wood techniques to give off a soft light effect. In a truly unique style, Tom and Chris bend multiple strips of wood and stack them to create a shade form that will elevate any space with its warm, pure shape.

Tom McLaughlin shares his design for a Shaker-inspired table made out of curly maple and takes a deep-dive into explaining the mechanism that makes this piece so unique. The table has a pedestal base which attaches to the top with a turned column which Tom shapes at the lathe. He also uses the band saw to shape and refine the feet, making this project engaging in its use of numerous techniques.

Host Tom McLaughlin welcomes his friend and neighbor, David Lamb, to his shop. They share tips for making an end table out of contrasting walnut and butternut and this one is all about the details. David shows how to carve unique design elements while Tom heads to the lathe for some turning. A contemporary design, this end table provides a great opportunity to play with artistic details!

Host Tom McLaughlin shares his technique for making a Craftsman-style dining chair out of white oak. It’s an example of mortise and tenon chair construction employing peg joinery and traditional chair making, amplified with details that modernize the construction of the Craftsman period. Tom will also add an upholstered seat to the piece, helping make this chair both functional and comfortable.

Host Tom McLaughlin collaborates with guest John Ryan to craft authentic reproduction Shaker oval boxes out of cherry on this episode of Classic Woodworking. These boxes are iconic because of their utility and potential for customization in size and shape. John shows Tom his Shaker technique for bending strips of wood around a form, creating a smooth and beautiful Shaker box.

Host Tom McLaughlin makes a Shaker-inspired blanket chest with drawer and bracket feet using an exterior of cherry and interior of white pine panels. He’ll focus on how to make a traditional drawer and will use a special jig to create dovetail corners. This chest is a functional, yet classic piece bolstered by its distinct design.

This Classic Woodworking project showcases the elegance of live edge black walnut. Host Tom McLaughlin makes a spectacular coffee table with a waterfall end and wood base that creates a cantilevered effect. Tom will also show us how to use hand tools to make a beautiful bowtie inlay.

Host Tom McLaughlin is joined by Fine Woodworking’s Mike Pekovich who shares his methods for making a beautiful tea box out of the dark and exotic wenge wood. He then contrasts that with a bird’s eye maple which creates the interior pieces. Along with sharing his methods for making dovetails and a textured surface, Mike reveals a special clasp enclosure that makes this tea box really special.

Host Tom McLaughlin shares his contemporary take on a classic design: the Adirondack lawn chair. Using cypress, Tom shows how to cut a comfortable curve into the seat and back of this chair. The mitered joint on the arm rest is an additional detail which makes for a smooth, slanting arm that resolves into a drink holder. Expect to enjoy time outdoors in this updated version of an old favorite.

Host Tom McLaughlin welcomes guest and veteran woodworker Terry Moore to his wood shop. Terry shares his technique for designing a dramatic sunburst walnut veneer pattern on a round side table while Tom heads to the lathe to show how to turn an Art Deco-inspired column. The two collaborate for an end result is an elegant, smooth, intriguing piece which is very pleasing to the eye.

Host Tom McLaughlin uses American ash from his back woods to create a hanging bow front cabinet featuring hand-crafted proud dovetails and a hidden magnet close. He’ll share his tips for using lamination to create the simple but beautiful bow front door by applying a fantastic figured ash veneer.