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    Thomas McKenna

    Author Headshot

    Tom McKenna is the editor of Fine Woodworking magazine. He was introduced to woodworking when he enrolled in a basics class during his freshman year in high school on Long Island. Those days it was small projects made of knotty pine, with rudimentary dark stains and runny finishes that became a trademark of gifts for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. While studying journalism in college, Tom made bigger things from wood, working part-time building decks and additions to pay for expenses at school (books and beer). 

     

    His first job out of college was copyediting a physics journal, a position that helped him learn the Greek alphabet and refine his math skills. In 1989 he dumped the Greek in favor of English, working on the copy desk of a local newspaper on Long Island. He moved to Connecticut in the early 90s, to become an editor at a home improvement magazine. He landed at Fine Woodworking in 1998, working behind the scenes as the magazine’s senior copy editor, a job that allowed him to re-engage his woodworking hobby in earnest. In 2004, he came out from behind the curtain, taking a job as associate editor, which allowed him to escape from the desk and travel the country, taking photos, meeting people, and learning more about woodworking. He gradually moved up the masthead, taking over as lead editor in October 2012. Tom lives in central Connecticut with his wife and two children.

    • Announcing FWW ambassadors

      September 21, 2020

      Seven ambassadors will help us mentor woodworkers of any skill level, and on any path in the craft.

    • Q&A: Why do I still have tiny scratches on my blade?

      May 3, 2019

      Mike Pekovich and Tom McKenna offer tips for getting a perfect mirror polish on your blades

    • An Interview with Gary Rogowski, and a Book Giveaway

      February 9, 2018

      Gary Rogowski discusses craftsmanship, shop injuries, and most importantly, patience, with our editorial director Tom McKenna

    • The Era of Manmade Machines

      October 28, 2015

      A generation of woodworkers overcame the high cost of machinery by building their own

    • Looking Back: The Era of Manmade Machines

      October 27, 2015

      A generation of woodworkers overcame the high cost of machinery by building their own

    • Micro Jig Grr-Rip Push Block

      October 24, 2013

      The block has hooks on each end that automatically lower to lip over and grab the back end of a workpiece

    • Video: How to Cut Coves on the Tablesaw

      August 1, 2013

      Learn how to use your tablesaw to safely cut cove moldings

    • A Journey to Bombé

      June 6, 2013

      Veteran woodworker Dan Faia plunges into the project of a lifetime

    • Fast Fixes for Joinery Mistakes

      April 4, 2013

      5 pros share their favorite saves

    • Two Jigs That Help Sharpen a Skew Plane Blade

      November 27, 2012

      Learn how two easy jigs can help sharpen a skew plane blade

    Page 1 of 7
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    Get the latest from Fine Woodworking Magazine

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