OK GUYS its feedback time...now season 2 has been on all over the country i really want to hear how you think it is going?? i believe it is head and shoulders above season 1 and i expect season 3 to be even better...please take the time to air it out and dont hold back..

As part of the show project I'd like to see you focus on one aspect of that project in more detail. I almost don't really care what aspect you choose. Wood selection, rough milling, joinery, surface prep for finish, machine set up and operation, design, or others I can't think of.

For the most part I enjoy the guests you have. More Eli, and other real pro's let them speak more.

I too like the idea of devoting part of each show to a "how to" on various aspects of the trade, much like an apprenticeship of the air. Do it assuming the audience don't know diddly squat about the topic and must be lead by the hand through the process. For some simple topics, this might be as little as 2 or 3 minutes, while others might take up a serious portion of 2 or more shows.

The rfough cuts road trip is a fun part of the show, but need not be a weekly feature. Sometimes the show seems almost formulatised, so many minutes at the start for topic A, then so much on feature B, then part C being the project of the week, and so on. Being predictable borders on being boring, and you are nothing like boring.

I'd like to see, if possible, part of the first show of the season devoted to a list of all the projects of the year and the paer of the craft each project was chosen to demonstrate. Sort of, "Project one will be a bedside table featuring hand cut dovetails on the drawers. Our second project will be an arch-topped chest featuring a laminated arched top," and so on. Wouldn't take too long and would, I think, generate interest and show why you make what you do each week.

Lastly, a couple of multi-show projects that are too complex for a single 22 minute episode. You didn't do the bombe in a single webisode after all.

Above all, keep the air of a buddy dropping in to the shop for some pointers.

The soapbox is now empty.

Paul
the verbose little guy

Tommy: I agree that season 2 is better than season 1. You seem to be more relaxed and less hurried in your presentation. I am glad that you haven't lost your enthusiasm because I think that's one of the best things about your show.
I too would like to see some segments with more detailed explanations. For example. the parts of the "toolbox" pod casts on dovetails are the best I have seen. (I spent 35 years teaching high school, so I think I know good teaching when I see it).
Hope this feed back helps.

Regards,
George

Just wanted to say thanks - overall I enjoyed Season 2 (up here in Canada!). Here's some completely subjective feedback:

Good
- Presenting style - Like others have said, Tommy you seem more relaxed this season, and you make it a fun show to watch
- Modern projects - I like how you've added some variety by including a couple of more modern-looking pieces (e.g. bookshelf & coat stand). Even if the pieces weren't exactly what I'd want to build, it's nice to have a break from the more traditional/old-school stuff that dominated Season 1.
- Beginner material - Nice to see a "light" project for beginners (the potting stand) who don't have access to a large shop.

Room for improvement
- Roadtrips - like tiny said, these can seem a bit formulaic, and can sometimes only tangentially relevant to the piece being built (e.g. more history than woodwork!)
- Furniture Design - the "classic" pieces (e.g. blanket chest, footstoll etc) take their influence from truly classic pieces and established furniture styles. They're beautiful pieces. However, the "modern" pieces seem to be designed more off the cuff - without much reference to established 20th century designer/craftsmen (e.g. Maloof, Nakashima, Nelson...), so the end results suffer by comparison

Hands up if you want to see Tommy tackle a Maloof style dining chair!

Tommy,
No apologies for season one please. I really liked it. I think you became a little more comfortable in front of the camera in season two but I enjoyed the projects in both seasons. I also like the road trips although perhaps they do not need to be in every show. I like that most of the projects appear to be doable at least to the people here in the 207. Beyond the 207 bunch and those like us in truth, most people just don’t have the tools, room or patience to build these projects. I went through the list of both seasons again looking at each project and there were only a few that I did not care for. I am not a fan of the veneering or inlay shows but that’s just because I don’t enjoy working with veneer. I wasn’t a fan of the floor lamp show because I don’t have a lathe set up and no plans to put one in the shop any time soon. I also was not that interested in the pie crust tray show (sorry Eli) as I'm a lousy carver. The laminated coat rack,,,, not so much.
However, the trestle table, step stool, wall cabinet, flag box, night stand, ‘finish’ show, serving tray, blanket chest, Chippendale footstool, breadbox and trellis from season one were all excellent. Believe it or not, my favorite project from season one was probably the very simple step stool. I think maybe because it appeared so simple and feasible for anyone and had such universal utility and actually looked terrific. In season two I really liked dressing mirror (although you have to get Steve to smile a little bit), the arts and crafts chair was excellent, the serving cart, drop leaf table, standing mirror, console TV table, book case and potting station were all terrific shows.
Really looking forward to season three. Maybe build Murph a dog house!

I didn't see anything wrong with season 1, so season 2 was just as interesting. I second the "more Eli" request. Maybe a smidgen more Brown too.

More lively banter....

I particularly enjoyed the field trip to the , I don't know where the hell you went, the place where the "Diva's" work was on display. Interesting work. That was also the episode with Mclaughlin. With you and Mclaughlin in the shop at the same time the best you two could create was a bookcase? Kinda like Einstein and Copernicus sittin' down to play scrabble and the best word they can come up with is "it".
With that kind of talent in the shop you two could of done a two episode.

That episode was on last week , I don't know if it was season 1 or 2, but it's the first time I saw it.

All in all great job with season two and good luck with season three.

Diva's was at the Fuller craft museum in MA. interestingly enough a friend of mine has a few of her origami pieces there for a show now.

Really liked the Kristina Madsen piece.

I enjoyed both season 1 & 2. I would also like to see a project that would span two shows to be able to see more of the details & techniques. For example: making a bowed front drawer; like the drawers for the bombay secretary. Showing how to shape the drawer and cut the dovetails on an angle. The shows with veneering and inlay are my favorites because it is something I want to learn and because I do not recall any other woodworking program that showed these techniques. I also like the way you use various machines in each program and offer alternatives to viewers who may not have that type of machine. The more diversity, the more interesting. The challenging and unique projects are what really get my attention.
I would also like to see a show that focuses on various finishing techniques (including French polishing). The second season was better and I look forward to the 3 season.

Okay group, let's make this a sort of mini poll.

I'm going to toss out a few ideas and you guys let us know which ones interest you, which ones don't, and which ones stink.

First, the road trips. Instead of cutting into valuable project time, how about two or three of them in a show once a month, that show being exclusively road trips?

Techniques: how about a "technique corner" at the end of each show covering one techique of basic wood working? Dovetails, box joints, even something as simple as the proper (and safe) way to crosscut or rip a board on the table saw. This might alternate with shop safety tips. I know Tommy does these as he goes along, but it's easy to forget that some viewers have just started watching and are green as grass in wood working. A minute or two telling why hearing protection is so important, even for that quick cross cut. Maybe a guest M.D. who specialises in treating industrial injuries of the sort we are prone to in home shops to lend weight to the points.

I'd love to see demonstrations of some of the more esoteric parts of our beloved craft. We hit marquetry, how about intarsia? I have never even heard it mentioned in a wood show, let along seen a demo. It's closely related to marquetry, being a sort of 3-D version.

For future consideration, it might be nice to do a "set" of projects. Perhaps a bedroom set, starting with a bedside table in week one, a lowboy in weeks two and three, with referrence to the next show, the highboy using the same techniques for many of the steps. After all, matching drawer construction and such makes it easier to make such a set Add a couple of weeks to build a wardrobe and then finish off with the bed, and a really nice one to go wiith the style of the rest of the pieces. Maybe show a few options, like a sleigh bed, a captain's bed and a set of bunk beds with explanations of how many features of all are the same and showing the different techniques involved in each design.

Okay, there's a few to get the ball rolling. Feedback? Alternate suggestions? Let's hit them keyboards!

Paul
the little insomniac

P.S.

This just hit me: for the varied bed designs, have Tommy do one, Eli do another and Al do a third, then they can sit down and discuss the points I mentioned, with flashbacks to them doing the part of the project under discussion. (ammateur producer ambitions?)

Me

Hi Tom,
The show is great the way it is. You're teaching us how to build fine furniture and for those of us who can't attend the NBSS, your show is the next best thing. I like the guest woodworkers because while they are teaching a technique, you are playing the student and bouncing questions off of them that we as viewers are also asking. It is very effective as a teaching tool. Also, contrary to others, the road trips are nice because they show where the inspiration for the piece came from.

The only change I would suggest tandems on the posts where more time be spent on a specific technique. So, as a suggestion, whenever you feel the need to say "OK guys, I know this looks tough, but I know you can do it." If you feel that you had to edit out a little too much (layout etc.), maybe you can create small side video that explains the technique in more detail, post it on the website and refer viewers to it. Kind of like an "online extras" thing that ties the show to the website. We as woodworkers would like it, more information. Your sponsors would like it because people would see their ads when visiting your website. You'd benefit as more people would be visiting your website. The only downside is that it IS more work for you. (Sorry)

Hope this helps.

I like the idea of posting a video(s) on the website that explains the details. This way it does not take time away from the show. It would also boost the activity on the website which at times seems slow. I personally don't want to see basic woodworking techniques on the show. Basics can be found all over the internet, magazine, & books. I would prefer more difficult and unique techniques. Something similar to what is on the "WoodTreks" website. Ocassionally you could have a whole show that is a road trip and have the guest demonstrate and explain how the technique is done. What got me hooked on the Rough Cut show and Tommy's website was the level of projects. He makes furniture that you typically don't see on any other woodworking show. That's my 2 cents; maybe that was more like a quarter.

I have been enjoying season 2 very much. Its a big improvement over season 1 in style and content. Keep it up.

We thought we'd post this comment here also, (possibly better for this topic) because we had some feedback for the Rough Cut TV show too:

We think Rough Cut is Awesome! One of our new faves! Tommy is the best!
We watch on PBS in Chicago - Yo!

We say, don't change a thing! We love the fast talking - East Coast MASS accent of TOMMY MAC! It makes the show!!! The pace moves along and it keeps the show lively! If you miss any details, you can check out the plans if needed. With Tommy's quick talking we also love the T-Mac Tips and funny phrases like, "Let's put that Puppy together!" or the best is: "Let's get Crackin'!"

Tommy Mac's ROUGH CUT ROAD TRIPS are the best too! Some history and art thrown into the woodshop! Great, Man! We love it! He always gives credit to his inspiration -- High five for that!

We want to buy some T-shirts, Tommy! C'Mon, Man!
We love the website, and everything looks great, and love the Rough Cut Logo!
Our Regalia Creative suggestion of the week:
Make some Rough Cut T-shirts, with the logo because we want to wear them!

Best Wishes and we hope even more great success comes your way - Tommy Mac!
-- MB Noble, Regalia Creative
http://www.regaliacreative.com

First... love the show. Just got the plan for the flag box, which I'll start as soon as I finish building my workbench.

Since you asked for no-holds-barred constructive suggestions, I've got some thoughts.

First, a broad observation. Thousands of people invite you into their homes every week to teach them your craft. Most of them probably at least dabble in woodworking, and many harbor a fantasy of going to school at NBSS or someplace like it. Your job is to be the best teacher you possibly can. It's not about Tommy. It's about imparting a tiny bit of your skills. Check out some of Julia Child's shows from the '70s and '80s. They're timeless because she was a great teacher. You can learn a lot about the art of how-to television (to say nothing of making great food!) from them.

The show would benefit from production crew upping their game. Several times (especially in the finishing show in season 1) when you've been trying to point out surface defects or subtleties in the grain pattern of a board, and those things didn't read on the screen. There were times when camera angles weren't ideal or shots were too wide, and didn't capture technique (like when Eli was carving out the cove on the pie crust tray). And they should try to eliminate distractions in the background of shots with zooms, camera placement, depth-of-field, or just moving stuff in the shop around.

I agree with the comments about the road trips. They're great if the location is part of the lesson you're trying to teach (as in the Artisan Lumber roadtrip), or if you're trying to teach a lesson in design that follows directly on to the week's project. For example, the MFA trip to see examples of pie crust elements in 18th c. furniture and silver worked well for the pie crust tray show. The trip to the Sam Maloof home didn't really follow well into the arts-and-crafts chair. And the visit to the countertop shop seemed like pure filler.

Time management has improved since the first couple of shows (to say nothing of the podcasts!), but still needs work. You have something like 25 minutes with your students. Use it wisely. Bantering with your guests doesn't add to the learning experience. Almost all of your viewers know how to do basic operations like milling, ripping, cutting to length, cutting dados and rabbets and doing edge treatments at the router table; no need to spend time on those things. Spend more time on intermediate and advanced techniques, especially those that involve a high degree of skill in layout, setup or hand work. Those are the things your audience want to learn.

The idea of doing a project in two parts in consecutive shows is a very good one.

I prefer substantial projects like the drop leaf table to pedagogical exercises like the sand shaded clock. Sand shading is a technique that I hope to use in future projects, but I'd rather have seen you make a fan or a patera inlay for a piece of furniture.

Finally, some ideas for future projects or techniques I'd like to see in future seasons:

- you raced through making half-blind dovetails in Season 1. I'd like you to spend time to teach this technique.
- somebody suggested a project with a bow-front drawer. I'll second that. And up the ante by suggesting a block front project in a future season.
- the Federal end table, simplified to eliminate the crazy legs. You might not have time for the bellflowers, either. Purpose is to teach making a spade foot, fitting an inset drawer, cock beading and stringing.
- a project with a Townsend or Goddard-inspired carved shell.
- a highboy or a desk with a Chippendale bonnet
- a poster bed with turned and reeded posts
- a demi-lune console table (or card table)
- a project like a cabinet with fluted pilasters and Corinthian capitals
- a pier table
- a wing chair
- a windsor chair
- a Chippendale or Sheraton style dining chair
- a dining table with leaves
- for an outdoor project, an arbor
- for another outdoor project, dining chairs and a table in Ipe.

(you can see that I really dig 18th and 19th century furniture).

Anyway, looking forward to Season 3.

Cheers!

The world is full of critics... I jus want to know when I can see some new episodes. Seems I've seen all the ones they're airing already. I'm hungry for some new episodes!!!

New Season is a step up from season 1 well done (not saying season 1 was bad!)

My only suggestion is to push for a 1hr show!!! the extra air time would allow you to go into more detail and make things even better.


keep up the good work


joez

Tommy,
I just want to thank you and your crew for putting out such an inspirational show. I have been woodworking for over thirty years, but I had lost a little of the passion in recent years. Since the Rough Cut showed aired, I have become an avid fan, and I have gone back in the shop and got crackin'. I purchased several of your plans and the season 1 book from shop PBS. I have already built the the flag box to house my father in-law's memorial flag and the Greene and Green inspired dressing mirror for my God Daughter who graduates in June.

I hope you don't change a thing with the show. I enjoy the banter between you and your guests. It shows that you truly are friends and you all love what you are doing. How many of us can say that about our own jobs? I also enjoy the road trips especially when there is a historical significance. These are places that I know that I will never get to see any other way. I only wish the show was an hour long.

Just watched the episode with the bent lamination for the table legs. It's a great show, with the best blend of road trip and how-to yet.

You and Eli did a fine job of showing me how to make the legs on a bending form. I intend to use the technique for legs on a maple slab table. In less than half an hour, you showed me how to save hours of work. I never would have thought of the unglued caul on the outside of the strips. Using the bending form as a jig to saw the straight section of the curves was really a pearl.

Why not rip the walnut strips on a band saw so that you lose less wood in the process? Maybe the sanding required to get a good laminating surface would cancel any savings in the kerf? I'll do my own research.

Great job, Tommy. You're on a roll!

Does anyone know if the episodes are available on HULU? Around here season 2 was a hit or miss thing

Sometimes in the show it would be instructive if you would show other ways to do a technique for the guys without all the tools you have.

Enjoy the guests, do more of that.

The road trips seem a little contrived, only use them when they are really informative.

Really liked the Mirror show. Was very helpful to see how to use triangles glued to bring miters together and the "step system" for the curve of the Eifel Tower to glue the the pieces together. Really appreciate the use of "jigs" for working and seeing how a simple idea comes to help.

I came to the party a little late, only caught a few episodes from season 2 (none of season 1). However, I love the show. I just finished a bedside table for my daughter inspired by the bentwood console table thing you did (and I came up with a brilliant yet simple jig for making sure the tops and bottoms of the legs are perfectly parallel so that there is no rocking when assembled). I do think there could be some improvements (some have already mentioned them). Here are the top ones:

- The road trips don't always seem to fit. I liked the one for the marquetry on the mirror in season 2, as I saw how it directly applied to the project. However, the road trip for some of the other projects seemed to be only remotely related.
- My first time hearing about the show was checking out the season 1 project book from the library. Each project in the book stated what the one technique focus was for that, but the show doesn't seem to convey that same information, but I would like it if it did.
- I like the idea of multi-show projects.
- I know you are a fine furniture builder, but I myself build a lot of different styles and there are only so many colonial and federal style pieces I can make. Now I realize you can't please everyone, and that is fine, just trying to think of what might be nice. I think something like a slightly more modern dresser or something where you can show us some of the tricks to larger-format carcass work.

Those are the biggies. But like I (and others) have said, love the show, keep it up. When it didn't air on my local station yesterday, I wrote in asking about it (never done anything like that, never even cared enough about a show to do that). Turns out the last episode was the week before .