The American Woodshop Season 26 Showcases a History in Wood

The American Woodshop co-hosts Scott and Suzy Phillips show an in-progress and a completed folk art rooster, which teaches scroll saw use, bevel cuts and carving in Episode 7 of Season 26. (All Photo Credits: Zach Mills)

The American Woodshop co-hosts Scott and Suzy Phillips will focus Season 26 of their long-running PBS television show on a history in wood with custom creations from independent woodshops across the country. Thirteen new episodes, which begin airing Saturday, January 19, will feature the works of artisans in various mediums including woodturning, cabinet construction and carving. Check your local PBS station for airtimes.

The American Woodshop is produced by WBGU-TV in Bowling Green, Ohio, and is sponsored by Woodcraft, Rikon Power Tools, PS Wood Machines, FurnitureBank of Central Ohio, Armor Tool and Woodcraft Magazine.

“Woodcraft’s continued partnership with The American Woodshop is a great fit for us,” said Jack Bigger, President of Woodcraft. “Year after year, Scott and Suzy bring their viewers projects and inspiration for woodworkers of all skill levels. This aligns perfectly with Woodcraft’s mission to provide woodworkers expert education and advice, along with top quality tools and supplies.”

For Scott, who holds a forestry degree from Michigan State University, this season’s focus on appreciating the beauty of wood and all it has to offer is a philosophy that he lives daily. “In today’s world, I challenge anyone to get through a single hour without using wood in some way,” Scott said. “Without wood, the world of art would not be the same. Wood has power!”

For beginner woodworkers as well as those wishing to build their skills, Scott’s advice remains the same: “Express yourself with wood with the reverence it richly deserves!”

Season 26 Projects

In the first episode of Season 26, Beginning Turnings: Wonderful Treasures, Scott and Suzy welcome woodturner Barry Todd, who shares the art of turning boxes as well as his own spin on his latest piece from Malee and Ebony woods. Barry explains his appreciation for wood by saying, “In my opinion, wood itself contributes much to the beauty of the finished piece. The grain, colors, textures and defects all contribute to the story that each piece has to tell.” (2601)

More special guests for Season 26 include Master Carver Raymond Kinman, upcycler Barry Gertner, puzzle maker Tom Lensch and young woodworker Jaida Waggoner.

Other Season 26 episodes include:
Live Edge Tall Case Wall Cabinet: Learn how to build a Nakashima inspired Tall Case Wall Cabinet using air-dried live edge walnut for a stunning effect. (2602)
Carved and Scroll Sawn Crests: Raymond Kinman shares his easy way of perfecting your very own family crest and colorful signage. He also covers the effective use of handheld routers, CNC machines and scroll saws. (2603)
River Stone/MirrorCast® Walnut and Mahogany Nightstand: Watch the transformation of a mahogany and walnut table with river stones, MirrorCast resins and garnet shellac all in harmonious charm. Turning by eye is also shared. (2604)

Wooden Puzzles: Puzzle maker Tom Lensch takes viewers along for his fun-to-make but challenging puzzles, sharing techniques and solutions along the way. (2605)
Pallet Works: Outdoor coolers, serving bars, and couches created by guest Barry Gertner prove that recycling works! (2606)
The Folk Art Rooster: Tune in to see how this poultry-themed carving for beginners was made easier using the scroll saw and bevel cuts. (2607)
Resin and Wood Turned Table Lamp: Watch how special colorful materials can be bonded with resins to sculpt one-of-a-kind lights. (2608)
Segmented Salad Bowls and Laminated Tablewares: Kitchen and dining table centerpieces are crafted from recycled scraps. Breathtakingly simple and elegant. (2609)
Wright-Inspired Art Glass Freestanding Cabinet: Rectilinear details of wood and art glass combine with oak for spectacular results. (2610)
Floating Hall Table: A suspended top makes this eye-catching narrow table visually fly. (2611)

Maloof Inspired Chair, Part One: Jadia Waggoner shares her award-winning ways of making and honoring an American masterpiece. Glue and finishing techniques thoroughly explained. (2612)
Maloof Inspired Chair, Part Two: Journey back in time to be with Sam Maloof as he describes his original Hard Line Soft Line sculpting of chairs. See what all successful chairmakers know. (2613)

The legacy of contemporary furniture designer Sam Maloof is featured in Episodes 12 and 13. Scott kneels here beside a Maloof-inspired rocker made with the workmanship and style that Sam instructed before his death in 2009 at the age of 93.

For more information about The American Woodshop, visit them on Facebook or WBGU.org.

Cast and Crew (L to R): Meghan Murray, WBGU-TV; Co-hosts Scott and Suzy Phillips; Guest Barry Todd; Scott Kisabeth, Audio & Engineering; and Zach Mills, WBGU-TV.

Thank you, Scott and Suzy, for another great season! We look forward to seeing what Season 27 holds as you continue your second decade of inspiring and educating woodworkers and DIYers from beginner to advanced.