Rough Cut - Woodworking With Tommy Mac Season 1 Episode 6 Shaker Night Stand

Tommy Mac, a master woodworker and furniture maker, is back with another exciting episode of Rough Cut - Woodworking With Tommy Mac. This time, he takes on the challenge of building a classic Shaker-style nightstand, in his very own style.

The episode begins with a brief history lesson on the Shakers - a religious community known for their simple and elegant furniture designs. Tommy explains the philosophy behind Shaker furniture and how it has influenced his own woodworking style. He then lays out the plan for the nightstand, which includes tapered legs and a dovetailed drawer.

Tommy starts by selecting the perfect piece of cherry wood for the project and rough-cutting the pieces to size. He uses a jointer and a planer to smooth out the rough edges and create a uniform thickness. Next, he marks and cuts the tapered legs on the table saw, using a jig to ensure consistent angles.

With the legs ready, Tommy moves on to the drawer. He demonstrates how to cut dovetails by hand, a technique that requires precision and patience. He also shows how to make a perfectly fitting drawer slide, using a router and some scrap wood.

Once the drawer is complete, Tommy moves on to the carcass of the nightstand. He cuts the mortises and tenons for the joinery and assembles the pieces using clamps and wood glue. He shows how to use a scraper to remove excess glue and achieve a smooth finish.

With the carcass assembled, Tommy adds the drawer and attaches the legs with dowels. He then uses a hand plane to shave down the legs and achieve a perfectly tapered profile. Finally, he sands the nightstand and applies a coat of finish to protect the wood and enhance its natural beauty.

Throughout the episode, Tommy shares tips and techniques for working with wood, including how to sharpen hand tools, how to make custom templates, and how to achieve perfect grain matching. He also talks about the importance of patience and attention to detail in woodworking.

In the end, Tommy's Shaker-style nightstand is a stunning example of craftsmanship and design. The clean lines, tapered legs, and dovetailed drawer showcase the beauty and simplicity of Shaker furniture, while Tommy's own flair adds a modern twist. Whether you're a seasoned woodworker or a beginner, this episode is sure to inspire and educate.