Craig Thibodeau

Craig Thibodeau is a professional furniture maker in San Diego. He says that the recent economy has meant fewer clients looking for high-end work, but the ones who do appear “are interested in something special.” Having a good website with lots of high-quality photos of your work is essential, he says. A couple of years ago that website (ctfinefurniture.com) landed Thibodeau his greatest commission ever, when a wealthy client on the East Coast ordered a houseful of furniture, 60 pieces to date.

Video: Marquetry in motion

April 6, 2021

Look over Craig Thibodeau’s shoulder, and watch him assemble a marquetry panel. He makes it look easy.
Side-Rail Box Hinges: Looks, Performance, and Easy Installation

October 2, 2020

Clean, minimal look and built-in lid stops make the hinges a favorite of Craig Thibodeau.
Veneered Boxes Made Easy

June 23, 2020

Veneering pro Craig Thibodeau shows how to make a mitered, veneered box that he describes as simple but that looks anything but.
7 questions with Craig Thibodeau

May 15, 2020

We ask this master of the puzzle cabinet some tough questions, like “who is your favorite furniture maker,” and “what’s it like having your pieces go ‘viral’ on YouTube?”
Veneered waterfall edging

February 6, 2020

Craig Thibodeau demonstrates how to create crossgrain banding that starts on the face of a panel and flows outward, away from center, and over the edge.
Craig Thibodeau’s homemade sanders

February 4, 2020

Craig Thibodeau produces work that obviously comes from the mind of a mechanical master. It’s no wonder that when commercial sanders come up short, he modifies them or makes new ones himself.
Clamping tricks for mitered frames

September 10, 2019

To help clamp miters, Craig Thibodeau uses small triangular offcuts from the mitering process as clamping cauls
A Trick For Drawing Shallow Curves

August 27, 2019

Craig Thibodeau demonstrates a simple jig that makes it simpler to draw large single-radius curves
How To Make One Curve Match The Other

August 12, 2019

Craig Thibodeau’s technique uses each curve to refine the other in a back-and-forth sanding process that matches them perfectly.
Solid Edging for Curved Tops

July 26, 2019

Craig Thibodeau demonstrates how to get a durable, beautiful edge and a flawless fit

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