KUED Programs

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. In this episode, he provides detailed instruction and discusses the technique of creating compound angles. Then he joins Gerry Ward from Boston's Museum of Fine Arts at the First Church of Ipswich, Massachusetts. Later, Tommy returns to his workshop for a visit from the North Bennet Street School's Steve Brown.

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. He also stops by the Whipple House in Ipswich, Massachusetts, to speak with artisan Rob Tarule. Later, his friend and fellow woodworker, Al D'Attanasio, stops by the shop for a chat.

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. Will provides instruction, and shares his carving experience and skill with viewers. Tommy then returns to his studio to speak with the North Bennet Street School's Steve Brown.

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. In this episode, Tommy demonstrates the techniques for constructing the bread box and building the tambour door. He also tours the Peabody Essex Museum with curator Dean Lahikainen, who shows off their wonderful collection of John and Thomas Seymour pieces of early American furniture. Finally, Tommy is paid an in-studio visit by fellow North Bennet Street School alumnus Eli Cleveland.

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. Tommy also steps outside the studio with Trellis Structure's David Valcovic, and the pair visits the John Adams House in Quincy, Massachusetts, to see a variety of magnificent trellises.

On the premiere of Rough Cut Season 3, Tommy creates a beautiful ambrosia maple Coopered Leg Table - perfect for a dining room or office. To get inspiration for the piece, Tommy travels to beautiful Napa Valley for a visit to the incredible Seguin Moreau Cooperage. Here Tommy gets an up close tour of the wine-barrel making process. Full of ideas from Napa, Tommy returns to the shop to teach the technique of coopering.