Finally saw an episode of Rough Cut on PBS in the LA area

[Paul Comi]

I had a chance to see an episode of this new show on my local KOCE today. Eventhough I'm a fan of Tommy's work and as a casual contributor to his community, I had not seen an episode of the show before today. Having seen Tommy's podcast I'm familiar with his style and his skills so his addrenaline-filled zest for woodworking and his down to earth personality didn't shock me or take getting used to. But, if you're used to Norm Abrams more down home at-ease style it will probably seem like Tommy talks like he's had one too many espressos for the day!

Personality aside, there was so much valuable content in a single non-stop 30 minute episode that I had to wonder how casual non-watchers would perceive the show. But, for us woodworkers, there's some great content here. In this episode Tommy met with Alan Breed who showed his approach for cutting speed dovetails by hand. For those of you impressed by Frank Klaus, you should check it out. I'm definately going to learn this approach because I'd bet for building simple projects it would be faster than setting up and using a dovetail jig and the way he does layout without even dividers is killer.

As far as the actual build, I'm amazed that the entire build of a project could be squeezed into a 30 minute show. Let's just say I'm glad that I tivo'd it because I plan to watch several parts over and over and save them in my woodworking library where I keep methods of work for joinery on my computer. I've built the step stool he builds on this episode and even his podcast covering the build of this project takes probably 2 hours of footage to cover. Here he covers it with high quality filming and editing of course and the episode probably takes up 2/3 of the show episode. If I were trying to build that step stool just by following the show it would be hard. I'd either consider the show to be inspiration for my own design or I'd have to go to the forum that supports his show and ask the people there for the lumber list and the dimensions. From what I've seen there are some very skilled guys there including a guy named Eli and Tommy's old teacher from North Benet Street School where Tommy got his break in woodworking and unlike the "members only" feel of period furniture grade work online communities I've visited, these guys are helpful and more than willing to help others who sincerly want to learn.

On a purely personal note, I'm honestly glad to see that Tommy and Al didn't try to act like highbrow woodworking snobs once they got a show. I'd like to see him slow down a bit and become more at ease in front of the camera, and I think that will come in time as he gets a good sense about how to pace himself to cover everything needed in a single show. Otherwise, I'd like to see it become a full hour so he could expand on both the out of shop exploration scenes and the in shop builds. At the least, this show is going to inspire a lot of new woodworkers to stretch beyond basic cabinetry by seeing a young enthusiastic guy having fun creating beautiful stuff. I just hope that Tommy keeps up with a serious approach to exploring furniture grade woodworking and the show doesn't take a detour once the fan mail starts coming from all the non-woodworking females who think he's cute and talks funny. My wife never sat through a single episode of New Yankee Workshop eventhough Norm was a great guy and she met him with me when he was in Orange, CA a couple years ago. But, she sat through the entire episode and said "he's like the Bobby Flay of woodworking." Hopefully he will get another season of episodes in the can before casual viewers discover him and he slides into more of the DIY/HGTV turf.

[keith micinski]

They are just now showing it in the northern indiana area and I am going to enjoy it. I wouldn't mind showing more of the build process and breaking things up into multiple shows.

[lowell holmes]

I saw Rough Cut for the first time yesterday. It was the Shaker Table. He did a lot of fast talking and didn't make much sawdust. Having built Shaker tables, it left me a bit cold. I'll watch again. I really don't care for furniture with ragged edges though.

[Von Bickley]

I have seen 2 or 3 episodes and I have not been impressed. I will continue to watch when I get a chance because it is woodworking, but he is no "Norm".........

[Michael Weber]

I've seen 2 or 3 myself. I can't exactly put my finger on what's different in his show and Norms but I don't seem to follow Tommy's show as well in an educational, instructional, or inspirational way. May just be me but I suspect it's a production or editing problem. I think that the shows producers need to study the way that New Yankee was produced. Just seems like much more planning went on for New Yankee as far as project step presentation and clarity. JMHO

[Alex Horvath]

His shows need to be 1 hour IMO. Not only does he spend unecessary time going on "road trips" to visit the mill or a old church but he skips lots of the steps (especially the hard ones). At least his end results are nice.

But we should probably count our blessings that there are any woodworking shows on. I believe Norm lost funding for any new shows.

[Bill Huber]

You know guys

I have watched it 4 times

And guys I just can't get into it.

You know guys there is just something about it.

And guys it just goes so fast

You know guys if he would just stop saying you know guys

He could get a lot more done, you know what I mean guys.

[John A. Callaway]

He needs to slow down. Show a little more of the actual process. I like the road trips... but they take away from the actual build. I lose interest pretty quick. Honestly, I would rather watch old episodes of Norm. At least I get a really good idea of the process each piece requires.

[Dan Friedrichs]

I like the road trips... but they take away from the actual build.

Norm did that, too, though, and I found it interesting. Oddly, I've NEVER felt that NYWS was "rushed", but even the Rough Cut episodes where Tommy does the simple, simple projects, he seems REALLY rushed. That takes a lot away from the enjoyment for me.


And Bill, that made me laugh out loud :)

[Dave MacArthur]

The shows aired on 27 Dec here, and I had DVR set to record them... but my TV died on 26 Dec! So now I'm not sure if it got recorded, or over-written yet, or what! Of course Sony sent me the wrong part, so I'm still waiting to get back on the tube. Haven't seen Tommy's show yet, but was really looking forward to it after browsing the online stuff.

[keith micinski]

Uh Dave, are you trying to say you haven't had a single working tv for almost three weeks? That is the craziest thing I have ever heard. Isn't there some sort of government emergency funding that kicks in once your tv is broke for more then a few days? And yes, Bill may have had the funniest post of the year so far. It also happens to be true. Half of the dialogue that he uses is "personalty" and has nothing to do with the actual project at hand. Also he uses Eli's name about a hundred and forty times to many a show. All that having been said other then sports wood working and home improvement shows are my favorite thing in the world so hopefullynhegets his show figured out and it does well because I'll watch it no matter what but I don't get that feeling that many other people will.

[Matt Winterowd]

We just started getting it in Seattle too. I'm feeling the same way as others have expressed here. I really don't like the fact that he *tells* us how to do so many of the steps rather than actually *doing* them. And Norm did do road trips to show the original pieces, but they only took 2 minutes. Tommy spends way more time touring and doing background. Too much for a half hour


You know guys if he would just stop saying you know guys

Heh. I don't know if anyone else here watches cooking shows, but Ming Tsai talks to us "guys" constantly too. Drives me crazy.

[Dan Friedrichs]

Heh. I don't know if anyone else here watches cooking shows, but Ming Tsai talks to us "guys" constantly too. Drives me crazy.

I've noticed that, but it never really bothered me until I saw Rough Cut. Now I can't watch Ming, either :/

[Don Jarvie]

Biggest difference I have noticed between Tommy and Norm is Tommy assumes you have seen the previous episodes and understand the techniques he has used so he will say he milled the wood and moves on.

Norm on the other hand gives a blow by blow on everyshow so each show is in its self. For a beginner Norm is preferred because he goes step by step and will repeat the same steps on each show, say cutting tenons.

For someone with the basic skills Tommy is great. Watching how he made the serving tray and the steps to rip the boards with the story stick was great. I would have never thought to do this. Also, how he lays out the wood and labels it is helpful. The blanket chest is a good example.

I agree he packs a lot in the show and may need to work on the pace but its only season 1. Season 2 should bring inprovements. He told me you don't realize how fast 25 minutes goes by.

[Damon Stathatos]

I had a chance to see an episode of this new show on my local KOCE today...

I'd yet to find the show here on the off-occasion that I'd look for it in the program guide.

I just did a DVR search and it looks as if it's on two channels KOCE (channel 50) and KVCR (channel 24), both off-air channels here in the L.A. area.

It looks as if they're broadcasting different episodes next Saturday (episodes three and four) so at least I'll get to catch up a bit faster with the two channels broadcasting.

[Cody Colston]

I haven't seen Tommy's last episode but I have it on DVR. I, too wish his show would go to one hour.

Tommy isn't Norm. Norm is Mr. Everyman on camera and built projects that even the beginning woodworker could build with the video and measured drawings. Tommy has raised the bar quite a bit.

I was a huge fan of the NYW, especially as a beginning, hobbiest woodworker. My skills have progressed over the past years, though, and I find myself wanting to be challenged more in my projects. That's why I'm also a big Tommy Mac fan. I've learned tons just watching his podcasts and expect to learn even more watching his show.

[Josh Rudolph]

I am an original fan of his podcast. It took a little bit for me to get used to his "fast talking" and his dialogue, but I did. I can't say I learned any specific techniques from watching him, but more gained the confidence to give it a shot. Instead of the...I could never do that attitude, he helped me realize woodworking is just a bunch of simple steps/techniques that combine to make something.

I will continue to watch any woodworking show...even suffer through the terribly scripted Woodsmith shows. I have seen the new shows of Rough Cut and it is definitely a change from his podcast. The rushed feeling comes from his "fast talking" and editing. When you have a fast talker and then need to constantly cut scene to show the next thing, you will get a rushed show...no way around it. Two things will need to improve for the show to win over a lot of the people who don't care for it. 1 - better editing 2 - his delivery/dialogue.

He is always getting compared to Norm as everyone believes he replaced Norm. In a sense he did...but we have to realize, Norm retired. Norm made some great pieces in his years. Take a look at Tommy's portfolio. Some of his work is absolutely breathtaking. Not saying Norm couldn't do the same, but I feel Tommy is a well rounded craftsman. He uses power and hand tools all the same. Norm was much more of a power tool woodworker.

When I started woodworking, I was a complete power tool woodworker, had no desire in hand tools. Now I am a hybrid woodworker. I still use all my power tools for my work, but do most of my joinery/fitting via hand tools, and almost all of my finish prep by hand tools. My work has drastically improved as I better understand how to use hand tools. My style of work has evolved into one that is almost identical to Tommy's. He appeals to both power tool and hand tool users.

Hopefully his producers will listen to what the audience is saying and start making the adjustments for next season.

As a side note...I met Tommy at WIA and we talked for close to 45 minutes. Quite a few people gathered around and all talked woodworking and a little baseball. I truly believe he is genuine in wanting to show people that anyone can do woodworking. This is the same message he is trying to convey in his show.

[Dan Friedrichs]

I will continue to watch any woodworking show...even suffer through the terribly scripted Woodsmith shows.

:) That's true. We shouldn't forget that there is a show much, much worse than Rough Cut :D

That said, I can endure even the cringe-inducing awkwardness on Woodsmith Shop because the show is so relaxed. At the end of the day, I don't want to sit down to watch a show that's so fast-paced that it raises my blood pressure!

[Neil Brooks]

Whenever this topic comes up -- and I think it's a good one -- I mention a few things:


We don't get it in Colorado, so ... I'm jealous
I met Tommy and Eli, and spent an afternoon with them, in their shop, back in June. I think they're GREAT guys, and trained, talented woodworkers
I think ANY woodworking show that's even HALF decent -- over time -- benefits all of us, so I root for their success !
I've corresponded with Tommy, and can tell you that they SEEK constructive feedback. To the extent that any of you are willing to take the time, there's a site feedback link/forum on his website (http://www.thomasjmacdonald.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=107&sid=af6cc2c2408ec82e4b09b18477efc3d8). They WOULD like to know how to do it better !


No. He's no Norm. When I say that, though, it's neither good nor bad. One thing that Tommy MIGHT do, though, is get the NEXT generation of woodworkers inspired. Remember: WE aren't the Red Bull, iPhone, and Monster Drink generation.

He may really connect with them ... maybe even in a way that -- today -- Norm wouldn't.

Again: I hope so -- both for our sake, as woodworkers, AND for their sake, as the guys who got the show !

Anybody got any pull with Colorado's station ??? I'd like to see an episode, before I die :)

[Matt Winterowd]

The comparison that's more interesting to me is with David Marks. His delivery was painful (made the Woodsmith guys look good), but his work is so amazing that it was still really interesting and inspiring. I kind of disagree with the idea that Rough Cut is geared more towards the experienced woodworker, because the projects themselves, while very nice, are not particularly complex or using advanced techniques. Yeah, he can skip showing me how to cut a miter, but in place of that I'd like to see a different technique or a design I would have never considered. I think that NYW and Woodsmith are actually interesting even with the repetition of some knowledge, because they show you another craftsman's whole workflow and might show you a different way to trim a miter or something that might change the order in which you do your work. That kind of subtlety is very helpful to me. If anyone has watched any of Marc Adam's videos you'll see what I mean. Talk about fast moving! But he highlights each critical bit and explains why he does it that way. I eat that up!

[Josh Rudolph]

The comparison that's more interesting to me is with David Marks. His delivery was painful (made the Woodsmith guys look good), but his work is so amazing that it was still really interesting and inspiring. I kind of disagree with the idea that Rough Cut is geared more towards the experienced woodworker, because the projects themselves, while very nice, are not particularly complex or using advanced techniques. Yeah, he can skip showing me how to cut a miter, but in place of that I'd like to see a different technique or a design I would have never considered. I think that NYW and Woodsmith are actually interesting even with the repetition of some knowledge, because they show you another craftsman's whole workflow and might show you a different way to trim a miter or something that might change the order in which you do your work. That kind of subtlety is very helpful to me. If anyone has watched any of Marc Adam's videos you'll see what I mean. Talk about fast moving! But he highlights each critical bit and explains why he does it that way. I eat that up!

Very good points all around. I easily overlooked Marks' delivery all because his projects were so motivating to me.

I also agree that Rough Cut is not geared towards experienced woodworkers. One of Tommy's beginners projects is the Shaker inspired step stool. I had a family relative down to the shop the week after Christmas. He has never even cut a piece of wood in his life. He built his own step stool all on his own. The only thing I did was use the table saw for ripping to width. He did all of the jointing, planing, cutting to length, removing mill marks with the hand plane, hand cut dovetails, and finishing himself. It wasn't perfect...he also didn't expect it to be. But for a first project with a lot of first for him...he did a darn good job.

I think it will just take time for the show to evolve and for him to grow on everyone.

[Van Huskey]

I have seen 2 or 3 episodes and I have not been impressed. I will continue to watch when I get a chance because it is woodworking, but he is no "Norm".........

If you are comparing them as TV hosts then I agree. Norm was a significantly better host after years of doing TV than T Mac is now after 10 or so shows. If you are comparing them as furniture makes I disagree Norm will unlikely ever be 1/2 the furniture maker Tommy Mac is now. Tommy has a portfolio of furniture that is full of pieces most woodworkers would think of each as their "Everest". Just take a look at his Bombe chests, Newport high boys etc etc. Tommy is a craftsman I will watch even if I have to sort through his dialect and tivo his rapid fire delivery because there is no question his skills are incredible.


I also agree that the show should be 1 hour and/or get rid of the road trip.

[Richard Coers]

I've tried watching three different episodes, and can't make it past 15 minutes. As stated on another forum, that guy talks faster than I can listen. I get to the point that if I hear him say "guys" one more time,.......then I hit the channel down button. No more TV woodworking for me because I loose my interest in hearing Tim Yoder do his silly giggle. Hey, don't make it entertainment, just make it WOODWORKING! One smart guy, sharing his experiences, making good off site shop tours, it shouldn't be that tough!

[lowell holmes]

Houston's PBS channel has 5 hours of Rough Cut scheduled on Jan 29, 2011 to air consecutively starting at 1 PM on chanel 8-2.

I can hardly wait! :)


Can you believe it?

[Joe Angrisani]

The Create Channel, which is a cable channel here on my Colorado Comcast service (but a "network" I believe to be a national thing), is airing Rough Cut in a marathon on January 29th. It looks like ALL of the episodes to date will be aired. The sequence repeats and runs twice from what I see looking at the guide.

Neil.... They've started running it on KRMA, one of Denver's PBS channels. There's an episode today at 9am and another Friday at 9am.

[Van Huskey]

The Create Channel, which is a cable channel here on my Colorado Comcast service (but a "network" I believe to be a national thing), is airing Rough Cut in a marathon on January 29th. It looks like ALL of the episodes to date will be aired. The sequence repeats and runs twice from what I see looking at the guide.

Neil.... They've started running it on KRMA, one of Denver's PBS channels. There's an episode today at 9am and another Friday at 9am.

I believe Create is a Public Broadcasting sub-channel. Rough Cut airs on the primary PBS channel in some areas and Create in others. The problem with create is that it usually is broadcast over the air on a digital subchannel many cable and sat providers only air the primary PBS channel and not the sub-channels (which you can get over the air with an antenna). Locally RC airs on the primary channel but all the other WWing shows are on the sub-channels. This is one reason I suspect a lot of people have not been able to find RC.

[Chris Padilla]

I have AT&T U-Verse here in the SF Bay Area and FINALLY I see a scheduled broadcast on Jan. 29. I'm looking forward to checking it out. Heck, even HGTV doesn't broadcast David Marks any more...loved that guy.

[Russell Smallwood]

Personally, I'm a little surprised at the comparisons to Norm. Personalities aside, it's like comparing Grant Wood to Don Ross. I'm pretty sure that none of Norm's pieces are sitting in period furniture museums at this point.

Don't get me wrong, I really like Norm, but take his work for what it is; A carpenter's approach to furniture making. This approach is commendable and to be celebrated as it has undoubtedly inspired many many people to take up the craft. Norm was ground-breaking in that his show was very digestible, and I'm positive that he has many skills beyond those displayed which were never employed publicly for the sake of keeping the show consistent.

Tommy, on the other hand, gives us a glimpse into what they teach woodworkers at one of the most prestigious woodworking schools in the country. This is particularly true in his case in that a work-related accident forced him to find a new career in the early 2000's so he was pretty much a newbie when he started at NBSS. Point being, that what you're getting with Tommy is probably very close to what they teach at the school. That alone is worth the price of admission (at least to me). Tommy is the first "celebrity woodworker" that really gives clues as to what it means to be "classically trained".

I do agree that the show does need to be an hour. I prefer his podcasts (what few there are), as they are much more detailed and relaxed. It's definitely not designed for those of us who are more interested in building shops, than building furniture, and I could certainly see where his personality could be a show-stopper.

All that being said, I know I'll keep watching.

[Garrett Ellis]

What is the name of his podcast?

[Russell Smallwood]

What is the name of his podcast?

Sorry, absent minded reference on my part. I think he used to call his video projects podcasts. I was referring to the videos on this page:

http://www.thomasjmacdonald.com/content/howto/howt/videos/

[Mike Jaeger]

I'm not sure the show need to be an hour -- I think he needs to demonstrate more and talk less. I too cannot stand to listen to him say "guys" either. I also cannot stand to have Al in the shop and have the two converse. I'm not sure if he just likes to hear himself on TV -- but I have only seen a couple of shows and I'm not planning to watch any more.

[Eric DeSilva]

Having just started watching Rough Cut, I found myself thinking it was a very different creature than either NYW or Woodworks (D. Marks). I think a comment in this thread somewhere is dead on--I'll give props to Norm for popularizing woodworking, but he's a carpenter first. I just never got into his show all that much.

David Marks, on the other hand, impressed the heck out of me. I liked his show and even though a lot of the projects were beyond my capabilities, each project used an array of new skills (there wasn't a whole lot of repetition of technique in his few shows--other than tung oil). I'd say David's shows were also "complete" in the sense that he did show every step.

Rough Cut takes the approach--I think--of emphasizing a few techniques and glossing over a lot. In other words, I tend not to think of it as a "complete" project--there is a lot that is skipped. But, I think he does do a good job on the few things he does pass on. Maybe I'm weird, but the accent and speed doesn't bother me. The "field trip," on the other hand...

[Matt Winterowd]

Personally, I'm a little surprised at the comparisons to Norm. Personalities aside, it's like comparing Grant Wood to Don Ross. I'm pretty sure that none of Norm's pieces are sitting in period furniture museums at this point.

Except that nobody here is comparing their level of woodworking craftsmanship, we're comparing how the shows are structured and presented. Grant Wood may be able to out-paint Bob Ross, but could he have lulled us all into blissful semi-consciousness with gentle intonations about "Now maybe there's a happy little tree right over here..."

[Russell Smallwood]

Except that nobody here is comparing their level of woodworking craftsmanship, we're comparing how the shows are structured and presented. Grant Wood may be able to out-paint Bob Ross, but could he have lulled us all into blissful semi-consciousness with gentle intonations about "Now maybe there's a happy little tree right over here..."

Fair enough. I guess I'm making the leap because the content of the shows certainly has something to do with the presentation which has everything to do with the structure. It's much easier to show someone how to cut yet another dado on the table saw than it is to describe how it feels to hand-cut a dovetail pin. I think the latter is much more difficult to partition into a set of 10-second build-by-number instructions, hence the lack of details for certain aspects which makes for a "choppy" or "rushed" presentation if you're expecting the former.

[Dan Barber1]

You know guys

I have watched it 4 times

And guys I just can't get into it.

You know guys there is just something about it.

And guys it just goes so fast

You know guys if he would just stop saying you know guys

He could get a lot more done, you know what I mean guys.

Bill:

That's just great. Sums it up perfectly. Too bad because he's probably a great woodworker but for me is almost unwatchable.

[Dan Barber1]

I agree that his emphsis on hand tools is good, something that Norm did little of and is helpful to me as I am just now moving toward using hand planes. So I'm trying to watch the show. But the dialog. pace, and the almost worthless road trips make the thing painful. He seems like a nice guy who knows what he's doing but after five minutes another "all right?" and "guys" is the equivalent of a fingernail on the chalkboard. Also, why does he have that other old guy running around doing things? It's another distraction from the project and how to do it. It reminds me of the brainless chatter between the anchor and the weatherman when they transition into the weather report on the local news.

[lowell holmes]

Who can tell?

[Steve Orbine]

Going against the grain here, I really enjoy the TMac show. Personally, I don't need to see every board ripped and every edge routed, it gets boring. Yes, I love Norm, but he's already shown me all he's got. Tommy shows me new stuff, and the techniques, tools, and materials are at another level. I am also a David Marks fan, but if the response here is typical I think Tommy will be visiting David in the re-run bin. That would be a shame.

[Steve LaFara]

Another preception is that Norm catered to the masses. The average Joe with a radial arm saw, a circular saw and some hand tools that wanted to make an Andirondac chair for the patio, and Tommy caters to the guy with a few more power tools and, gasp, some hand planes and chisels that wants to make "furniture". The types of projects are no where near the same even though we may some day see Tommy make a piece from reclaimed pine. Both have their place and for me, a mix of David Marks, TMac and Nahm would be awesome. Just picture an Asian inspired tressell table put together with glue and a few brads. Prep done on power tools and finished with hand planes and topped off with tung oil. All available with a video and measured drawings.

Maybe HGTV can come up with a show with all three of them like The Woodsmith Shop. Heaven knows they would do a lot better job than those guys! Heck, throw in Roy Underhill too! Now that would be an interesting show!

I for one am just happy to have ANYTHING woodworking related on TV. If you can't get past the dialog, turn the volume down.

[John A. Callaway]

the podcasts went into more of the process of each piece, the show just goes through the instructions. There is a difference.

[Dave MacArthur]

Posted this in another thread too, but this thread seemed the main one with criticisms, so thought I'd comment here now that I've seen the show.

I finally got to watch Rough Cut this week, after recording it for a month ( My TV monitor was broken). I was actually very impressed--particularly after reading several comments here that caused me to expect worse.

In fact, I would have to say that IMO Tommy Mac's delivery and style are the MOST enjoyable to me of all the shows. And this is from someone that has every single NYW burned to disc and watched numerous times, all the David Marks "Woodworks" shows recorded/burned, and about 30 "Woodwright" and 30 "Woodsmith". In fact, I would say his fast paced coverage is vastly more enjoyable to me than the scripted and stilted bogusness of faked-up conversations on all the other shows. I do love the Norm, but on the other hand, Tommy is much more exciting to watch, he's got some humor in there, and honestly... he makes you want to woodwork! He does something that I don't feel any of the others do--he's a motivational "coach", not just a demonstrator.

Bill Huber made me laugh parody of "guys this" and "guys that", so I was expecting the worst, but after watching the first 6 shows twice now, I have to say that I cracked a smile once or twice, and after that it was no more distracting than any other speech affectation or accent. And without a doubt, I actively like the high-energy speed of Tommy's chatter. He's a guy you could see yourself enjoying spending the day in the shop working with and sharing a laugh with... But you get me in the room with some WoodSmith guys, and I'm thinking there's not gonna be a lot of funny jokes. I know that's all production and writing, but personality does shine through.

But more importantly than any discussion of how professional a "talker" or "host" a guy is (or could possibly be) after 6 times in front of the camera, is what he chooses to demo and what he chooses to just say, "now you make 3 more just like that". So far, I find myself liking his choices more than the NYW. I think this is because he does quickly demo one mortise, or one tenon, or one bandsaw cut, and then he uses the time to move on to better/more advanced ideas and work. Now maybe I wouldn't be such a fan of this style if I hadn't watched Norm cut 500 dados and 1000 tenons, which made me comfortable that I know how to do something when a guys says, "just cut this tenon on the tablesaw with your dado sunk in a sacrificial fence". But I do believe that Tommy demonstrated every single thing I found myself thinking, "hmm, I wonder if that's harder than it sounds... Oh, great, he's demoing one." But he didn't demo two, which I liked.

Anyways, I was actually expecting the worst from reading some posts here, but I found myself extremely pleasantly surprised. I spent the last three days burning woodworking shows from my digital video recorder to disc, and watching them, and after watching about 5 each of NYW, Woodsmith, WoodWrights, and Rough Cut, without question Rough Cut was most enjoyable.

I just thought of something else that struck me strongly while watching, and I think is HUGELY commendable: Tommy Mac doesn't try to set himself up as the final pinnacle of knowledge, sprung complete from a chunk of wood one day. He constantly refers to teachers and people he's learned things from, and while he is clearly the host of the show, he is equally clearly confident enough in himself that he DOESN'T have to pretend that no one ever taught him anything and he's the most expert there is. Virtually every DIY show they do this, trying to build up the host--you know the host is regurgitating some writing on something he practiced 10 times to make himself look super expert. Not Tommy-- he clearly knows how to do something, but has no problem saying, "I learned all this from THIS guy, so let's have him demo it to you now". Now this seems a small thing, but in fact to me it sets a completely different tone. It makes me think throughout the show of the master passing knowledge on to an apprentice, who works hard until he becomes a master in his own right... but always gives respect to those who taught and went before. It makes me think of the father to son parts of woodworking, of the old-world tradesman-like method of passing knowledge. It just makes me think of woodworking and my time in the shop as something more than one guy reading a book and bumbling his way through things. At first I didn't like all the "guests" he had sitting in the shop with him, until I realized they were NOT helpers, they were folks he'd learned from and he respected.

Anyways, there you go. Great show so far, and I think it will really grow into something special as time goes on.

[Paul Johnstone]

Going against the grain here, I really enjoy the TMac show. Personally, I don't need to see every board ripped and every edge routed, it gets boring. Yes, I love Norm, but he's already shown me all he's got. Tommy shows me new stuff, and the techniques, tools, and materials are at another level. I am also a David Marks fan, but if the response here is typical I think Tommy will be visiting David in the re-run bin. That would be a shame.

I agree. I like Rough Cut much better than Norm's show. Norm was a nice host, but his shows got very repetitive. Now, in his defense, he was geared towards the beginner, but I also got bored of him ripping a board on the tablesaw in every episode.

Tommy gives you enough information where you could do the project, but doesn't spoon feed you.
I learn new stuff by watching Tommy. He knows there's no need to show you how a mortiser works on every episode, etc.

[Dave Lehnert]

I always seem to miss the show but did get to meet T.M. at the Woodworking in America show last summer. Was a very easy guy to talk to.

[hank dekeyser]

My girlfriend asked me "who the hell is this guy, and hoow come it's on ALL DAY?" I replied, " That's Tommy Mac or somethin' like that, it's a new show - and yeah he's got that Yo brooklyn thing going on and talks way too fast" Yes he has a different approach, and yes he does alot of things others don't do, and yes he is knowledgable. Having never heard of him before, I would not know that by watching just one episode. I've seen it a few times, and like most all of the woodworking shows, I just don't get it. Remember that crappy show with the 2 guys that did EVERYTHING on a router table ? Hated it. Woodsmith ?? Every time it's on I am reminded why I only subscribed to their rag for one year. That's another thing, is it just me or do all the wood rags try to dumb down everything like we're all a bunch of deer in the headlights ? Too bad there really isn't a REAL GOOD wood mag out (aside from the custom furniture, etc mags SWEET) "and lets take the time (and half the magazine /TV show, etc) to talk about shop safety" ENOUGH already !


ooop - sorry guys - got a little carried away - TMac has skills, I just don't like the show. "Honey, you and Kelly should make a woodworking show" - " OK sweetie, we'll call it the "Gitodaway, we're makin' sawdust already damnit" show and it would carry an -R- rating for language and crude humor." and the only hand tools we would use would be a utility knife and a chisel.

That's pronounced " git odd da way "

[ken carroll]

I've only watched a couple of shows. I can't say that the "guy" thing bugged me as much as him saying "Alright" and "OK" at both the beginning and end of most sentences.
It's also hard to tell if he's a talented woodworker or not. David Marks clearly was, Norm was in his power tool-centric way.
The Woodsmith guys drive me nuts - "I'm going to go ahead and do this", "Let's go ahead and do that", "I went ahead and cut the miters and Joe is going to go ahead and do xyz."

OK, I'm going to go ahead and end this post now, OK? Alright?

[Chad Bender]

we'll call it the "Gitodaway, we're makin' sawdust already damnit" show and it would carry an -R- rating for language and crude humor." and the only hand tools we would use would be a utility knife and a chisel.

That's pronounced " git odd da way "

I've been watching the bombe podcasts and many of the early ones are at least PG-13 for language. He starts showing a little more restraint after the first 20 or so, which seems about when bobvilla.com started hosting the episodes.

For those who question his skill, I suggest you watch some of the podcasts. Particularly in the 50s, when he is building the pediment. Ther eis more skill there than I'll ever have in a lifetime.