Tom McLaughlin

For the past 28 years, Tom McLaughlin has been designing and making custom furniture. As host of Classic Woodworking on PBS, he and expert guests will explore a range of woodworking topics and projects. He’s no stranger to teaching. For years, he’s taught classes in person and online at Epic Woodworking. To find him on Classic Woodworking, check your local listings and finewoodworking.tv.

Benchmarks: Tom McLaughlin—The more we give, the more we receive

June 5, 2020

During my early apprentice days in eastern North Carolina, I heard the story of a highly skilled local craftsman. He made many pieces of beautiful furniture that decorated stately homes…
A comfortable Craftsman-style side chair

March 25, 2020

Tom McLaughlin builds a Craftsman-style side chair with a reclined backrest, curved crest rail, and angled mortise-and-tenon joinery.
A Woodworker’s Layout Tools: Marking

November 29, 2019

Tom McLaughlin discusses the marking knives, gauges, pens, and pencils he uses every day in the shop.
A Woodworker’s Layout Tools: Measuring

November 28, 2019

Tom McLaughlin discusses the tape measure, rules, and squares he uses every day in the shop.
Finish Recipe: A Warm Finish for White Oak

October 17, 2019

A proper Arts and Crafts finish doesn’t come from a single bottle. Instead, it builds up, becoming richer and more complex with each layer. For more on Tom McLaughlin's Arts…
Tom McLaughlin’s Arts and Crafts Finish

September 25, 2019

Thin layers of dye, glazes, and sealers create an aged Arts and Crafts look
Wall Cabinet For Hand Tools Plan

March 28, 2019

Tom McLaughlin shares the design and construction for this hanging tool cabinet with this plan. It's a great shop project that can be personalized to accommodate your tool collection. Watch…
Video: Angled Joinery Made Simple

December 5, 2018

Tom McLaughlin demonstrates that making the angled arms of his Adirondack chair is much simpler than it looks
Modern Adirondack Chair

November 28, 2018

Tom McLaughlin builds a comfortable, contemporary take on the backyard classic
Live-Edge Coffee Table Plan

June 29, 2018

Build this elegant black walnut coffee table from episode six of Classic Woodworking. This spectacular coffee table has a waterfall end and a wood base that creates a cantilevered effect.

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