Classic Woodworking

In CLASSIC WOODWORKING, custom furniture-maker Tom McLaughlin turns design inspiration into easy-to-follow projects for woodworkers at every skill level. He teaches the latest wood crafting techniques, as well as tips and instruction for how to create projects that will stand the test of time. Projects include: a Craftsman-style dining chair in white oak; a Shaker-style hall table in cherry; a hanging bow front cabinet in American ash; a tilt-top round breakfast table in curly maple; a live-edge coffee table made from New England walnut; and much more.

Distributed by: American Public Television (APT)

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Tom McLaughlin

Classic Woodworking host Tom McLaughlin has been making and designing commissioned custom furniture for decades.

Episode #101

The Hanging Cabinet

Episode #102 · In this episode of Classic Woodworking, 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. Don't miss this all-new episode of Classic Woodworking!

Round Side Table

Episode #103 · Host Tom McLaughlin welcomes guest and veteran woodworker Terry Moore to his wood shop on this episode of Classic Woodworking. 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 on the cross lapped joinery feet and the end result is an elegant, smooth, intriguing piece which is very pleasing to the eye.

Episode #104

Wenge Tea Box

Episode #105 · Host Tom McLaughlin is joined by Fine Woodworking's Mike Pekovich on this episode of Classic Woodworking. Mike shares his methods for making a beautiful tea box out of the dark and exotic wenge wood. He then contrasts that with a spectacular figured bird's eye maple which creates the interior pieces in the box. Along with sharing his methods for making proud dovetails and a textured surface, Mike reveals a special clasp enclosure that makes this tea box really special.

Episode #106

Shaker Blanket Chest

Episode #107 · On this episode of Classic Woodworking, 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.

Shaker Box

Episode #108 · Inspired by the nearby Shaker Village, 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.

Craftsman Style Dining Chair

Episode #109 · Host Tom McLaughlin shares his technique for making a Craftsman-style dining chair out of white oak on this episode of Classic Woodworking. It's an example of mortise and tenon chair construction employing peg joinery and traditional chair making, amplified with details that modernize the honest construction of the Craftsman period. Tom will also add an upholstered seat to the piece, helping make this chair both functional and comfortable.

Episode #110

Tilt Top Table

Episode #111 · What does it take to make a tilt-top table? On this episode of Classic Woodworking, host Tom McLaughlin shares his design for a Shaker-inspired table made out of curly maple and takes a deep-dive into explaining the tilt-top 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.

Table Lamp

Episode #112 · Guest Chris Becksvoort joins host Tom McLaughlin in his shop on this episode of Classic Woodworking 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.

Hanging Tool Cabinet

Episode #113 · 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.

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