Furniture Maker / TV Personality / Husband

Thomas J. MacDonald, Craftsman

Every Thomas J. MacDonald creation is imbued with the no-nonsense authenticity of Tommy Mac.

Tommy is a furniture maker, woodworker, educator, TV personality, and, above all, a craftsman.

You can find or commission Tommy’s work here or at his shop in Boston’s historic North End.

Early Years and Education

Tommy grew up in the greater Boston area, the eighth of nine kids. He started working with tools early, both at home with his father and while attending a vocational-technical high school.

After a four-year union carpentry apprenticeship program, Tommy became a journeyman and licensed contractor, and worked in the field for the better part of two decades. At age 35, he was accepted into the North Bennet Street School. At this renowned institution, he honed his woodworking skills and learned the art of fine furniture-making.

 

Early Recognition

Since his time at North Bennet Street School, Tommy has created work worthy of attention.

Tommy and his work were featured on Bob Vila’s nationally televised program Home Again, and Tommy’s early handcrafted furniture earned praise and recognition from the Boston Globe, Forbes Magazine, and numerous other publications, as well as from several museums and exhibits.

 

Media Showcases

In 2005, Bob Vila invited Tommy to create a woodworking series for Vila’s website. The Rough Cut Show was a first-of-its-kind builder reality program. The series, over its 200-plus episodes, featured Tommy dispensing woodworking tips and techniques to countless viewers of all skill levels.

The Boston Bombe Secretary that Tommy built over the course of the series went on display at numerous museums, was featured in several publications, and became known as Tommy’s masterpiece.

In 2010, Tommy and WGBH launched the television series Rough Cut: Woodworking with Tommy Mac. As the co-creator, co-executive producer, designer, builder, and host of the show, Tommy introduced his unique sensibilities and you-can-do-it attitude to millions of domestic and international viewers. The series ran for seven seasons and earned five Emmy nominations and almost a dozen Telly Awards.

Today, Tommy continues to produce video content for Wicked Smaht Woodworking.

 

Personal Life and Passion Projects

Tommy met his wife, Rachel, in 2004, while opening his first furniture shop in Canton, Massachusetts. Today they continue to share a love of the arts, history, and black coffee.

Together, Tommy and Rachel work to support charitable causes and their own passion projects.

Furniture Maker / TV Personality / Husband

Thomas J. MacDonald, Craftsman

Every Thomas J. MacDonald creation is imbued with the no-nonsense authenticity of Tommy Mac.

Tommy is a furniture maker, woodworker, educator, TV personality, and, above all, a craftsman.

You can find or commission Tommy’s work here or at his shop in Boston’s historic North End.

 

Early Years and Education

Tommy grew up in the greater Boston area, the eighth of nine kids. He started working with tools early, both at home with his father and while attending a vocational-technical high school.

After a four-year union carpentry apprenticeship program, Tommy became a journeyman and licensed contractor, and worked in the field for the better part of two decades. At age 35, he was accepted into the North Bennet Street School. At this renowned institution, he honed his woodworking skills and learned the art of fine furniture-making.

 

Early Recognition

Since his time at North Bennet Street School, Tommy has created work worthy of attention.

Tommy and his work were featured on Bob Vila’s nationally televised program Home Again, and Tommy’s early handcrafted furniture earned praise and recognition from the Boston Globe, Forbes Magazine, and numerous other publications, as well as from several museums and exhibits.

 

Media Showcases

In 2005, Bob Vila invited Tommy to create a woodworking series for Vila’s website. The Rough Cut Show was a first-of-its-kind builder reality program. The series, over its 200-plus episodes, featured Tommy dispensing woodworking tips and techniques to countless viewers of all skill levels.

The Boston Bombe Secretary that Tommy built over the course of the series went on display at numerous museums, was featured in several publications, and became known as Tommy’s masterpiece.

In 2010, Tommy and WGBH launched the television series Rough Cut: Woodworking with Tommy Mac. As the co-creator, co-executive producer, designer, builder, and host of the show, Tommy introduced his unique sensibilities and you-can-do-it attitude to millions of domestic and international viewers. The series ran for seven seasons and earned five Emmy nominations and almost a dozen Telly Awards.

Today, Tommy continues to produce video content for Wicked Smaht Woodworking.

 

Personal Life and Passion Projects

Tommy met his wife, Rachel, in 2004, while opening his first furniture shop in Canton, Massachusetts. Today they continue to share a love of the arts, history, and black coffee.

Together, Tommy and Rachel work to support charitable causes and their own passion projects.

Tommy Mac Media

An internationally acclaimed television personality and world-class woodworker.

Charitable Causes

Explore projects and causes that are personal to Tommy and Rachel.

Home Life

Get up close and personal with Tommy, Rachel, and Murph.

Social Media

Follow Tommy’s day-to-day across his social media channels.

Videos

View our videos on YouTube.