Tommy MacDonald is an internationally acclaimed furniture maker, television personality, producer, and seasoned craftsman. With over four decades of experience in the world of woodworking, twenty-five years of that as a furniture maker. Born and raised in and around the Boston area, Tommy’s infectious energy, authentic charm, and exceptional skills have made him a sought-after figure in the furniture & woodworking industry and beyond.

Tommy’s television career began with a feature on Bob Vila’s “Colonial House” project, leading to the creation of “The Rough Cut Show” on BobVila.com. He later co-created, co-executive produced, designed, built, and hosted the Emmy-nominated series “Rough Cut – Woodworking with Tommy Mac,” which aired for seven seasons on Public Television. Throughout his career, Tommy has earned five Emmy Nominations and nearly a dozen Telly Awards.

Known for his unique and exquisite furniture pieces, Tommy collaborates with a wide range of designers, businesses, and institutions. His work has been featured in numerous museums, including the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Museum, MA Historical Society, and MA State House; showcasing his ability to create stunning, handcrafted works of art that appeal to diverse audiences.

During this episode, we discuss:

• How Tommy got started with woodmaking
• The changes his business has gone through in the past 20 years
• How Bob Vila offered him a personal brand on his website
• What led him to get his own TV show on PBS
• His favorite type of furniture to work on
• How long it takes him to build furniture
• Advice he would give for anyone looking to get into the industry

And more. Tune into this episode as we dive into all things woodmaking!

Watch the episode on YouTube here.

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