Episode 01 – Trestle Table
This week on Rough Cut, host Tommy MacDonald tackles a Trestle Table, perfect for any kitchen.
Episode 02 – Step Stool
A Shaker-inspired Step Stool is Tommy’s project on this episode of Rough Cut.
Episode 03 – Wall Cabinet
Boston’s Old North Church may be most famous for its steeple lanterns, which once signaled the start of the American Revolution…
Episode 04 – Lazy Susan
Not only is the octagonal shape beautiful to look at, but the inlaid veneer of birdseye maple and beeswing mahogany really make the piece magnificent…
Episode 05 – Flag Box
With a reverent nod to Veteran’s Day, this episode of Rough Cut features Tommy building a Flag Box, commonly used for housing the American flag…
Episode 06 – Night Stand
The Shaker-inspired Night Stand is one of Tommy’s favorite projects. This particular piece really shows off Tommy’s style in using rough cut lumber and gives Tommy a chance to put a contemporary spin on a traditional piece…
Episode 07 – Finishes
Tommy is the first to say, finishes are an art unto themselves. That’s why he dedicated an entire episode to this topic featuring two very talented finishers, Christine Thomson, a period finisher from Salem, Massachusetts, and Mark Libby, a local finisher who has worked with Tommy for years.
Episode 08 – Keepsake Box
The Keepsake Box is a perfect project for anyone who wants to learn simple, small box construction. The box would make a great jewelry box or even a humidor. A special feature of this box is the herringbone inlay – a dramatic embellishment featured on top.
Episode 09 – Serving Tray
Though the Serving Tray in this episode may look simple, it involves a complicated compound angle that defeats many woodworkers. But, Tommy has an answer for you – a trick that makes compound angles easy.
Episode 10 – Blanket Chest
The blanket chest has been around since the Pilgrims came to Massachusetts in the 1600s. In this episode, Tommy builds one that demonstrates basic frame construction, and mortise and tenon joinery. And, he shares his techniques for carving, a special feature of the box that is dramatic, yet simple.
Episode 11 – Chippendale Footstool
The s-curve legs and ball and claw feet are the dramatic features of Tommy’s Chippendale footstool. Many furniture makers get defeated by the ball and claw, but in this episode, Tommy stops by master carver Will Neptune’s shop to get tips on an incredibly easy way to break it down.
Episode 12 – Bread Box
Who doesn’t want a beautiful natural bread box for their kitchen, especially if it features a fabulous tambour door? The tambour door has been around for hundreds of years, and though it looks like it would be hard to construct, it is made of just a few slats of wood stuck onto a canvas.
Episode 13 – Trellis
In the final episode of season one, Tommy guides viewers through the process of building a trellis, perfect for any outdoor space. Whether growing roses, creeping vines or clematis, this is an easy-to-make project that will highlight the side of any home.




