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    Master Class with Tom McLaughlin

    Dialing in the details of a design

    In our first master class episode, Tom McLaughlin demonstrates how he fine-tunes a design with sketches and mockups.

    Author Headshot By Tom McLaughlin Nov 30, 2020

    Sponsored by Lee Valley/Veritas

    A lot of people struggle with design, and with good reason–you don’t get to do it very often. If you’re like most, you probably build between two and five projects a year, and you might design half of them. It’s difficult to hone a skillset you only use a few times a year. That’s why many woodworkers borrow from designs that they already like. In this episode of Master Class, you’ll see how Tom McLaughlin borrows from two pieces–a Shaker classic from a book, and a dresser from his mentor’s sketchbook. Tom’s projects start with an idea, basic dimensions,  and a picture, before heading to the sketchboard and eventually full-size mockups. So next time you’re struggling with a design, start with an established one that you like, and make it your own.

    Master Class with Tom McLaughlin is brought to you by Lee Valley.
    Lumber provided by Goosebay Lumber

    Extra: Tom looks through the sketch notebook of his mentor, Pug Moore


    A comfortable Craftsman-style side chair

    Tom McLaughlin builds a Craftsman-style side chair with a reclined backrest, curved crest rail, and angled mortise-and-tenon joinery.

    Modern Adirondack Chair

    Tom McLaughlin builds a comfortable, contemporary take on the backyard classic

    How to Fit Hinges on a Shaker Blanket Chest

    In this video, Tom McLaughlin shows you how he installs hinges and his method for dialing them in for a perfect fit

     

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    Comments

    1. markbarabas | Dec 01, 2020 10:49am | #1

      Love this. Tom really expresses the joy of the design process that I so much want to emulate, and not fear. He is making that possible for me. Thanks, and keep the videos coming.

    2. AlainPilon | Dec 05, 2020 12:17pm | #2

      Hi,
      I just want to say that as a paying member, I find it EXTREMELY frustrating to see advertisements in your videos. 

    3. seasmokedesign | Dec 11, 2020 04:50pm | #3

      Great series guys! I for one don't mind the 30-second ad (By a series sponsor). As a paying member myself, I think the monthly fee versus return is well worth it. Thanks for always adding new material and I look forward to watching this series.

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