Sam Maloof Shop Tour

[@EpicWoodworking]

Visit sammaloofwoodworker.com to see more of Mike and Stephen's work, and/or follow them on Instagram here: @sammaloofwoodworker.

[@musamor75]

Thank you ever so much for this most privileged tour of the Maloof Dynasty. I am too overwhelmed to say any more. This is beauty incarnate. It's so reassuring to know that Sam's legacy is being carried on after his departure. With my deepest respects. Greetings from France, and warmest wishes for the New Year.

[@drewk3402]

Thank you for this tour! Tom asked great questions and the camera work was excellent, Kris. I’ve always admired Sam’s work and it was a treat to see his workshop and how some of the pieces are sculpted to produce finished products.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thank you for your kind words Drew, so glad you enjoyed it! 👍😎

[@kingofcastlechaos]

Amazing. I always say that as a craftsman there is no greater honor than to have others utilize your tools and the knowledge you left them once you are gone. Mr. Maloof, like many master craftspeople, obviously spotted something special in Mike and went with his gut when he took him on. Anyone with any time in this profession knows what a massive gamble it is to take on apprentices or employees in a small shop setting- even more so if the work is sculptural in nature. While the potential employee may think it is not a hard decision, it really is for the master and will impact the business and the vibe of the shop. I think Sam and Mike both hit the jackpot that day in J.C. Penny's, and of course we cannot discount the impact their wives had in the encounter. Loved this episode!

[@EpicWoodworking]

Yes, couldn’t agree more! 👍So glad you enjoyed it, thank you!😎

[@robertgarrett3002]

Synergy!

[@johnkayak10]

I have a framed poster of Sam's rocker in my office I got almost 40 years ago. What a craftsman he was.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Yes, such a solid man and craftsman, so inspirational to me too…as you may have noticed in the video 😎

[@ChrsDxnWrks]

This was absolutely wonderful. So entertaining and thoughtful. Can’t believe we got to have such an intimate look at the space and history. This was just so awesome.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thank you so much, we can’t believe we got to experience it first hand, and to bring it to you live was such an honor and pleasure! 👍😎

[@robertgarrett3002]

Thank you, great show. Sam Maloof was highly skilled, a teacher and role model. His work was polished so that wood surfaces were buttery smooth, irresistible to human touch. If you love his rocking chair, research the spiral staircase in his house. He had a reverence for wood.

[@johna.9742]

I simply loved the man. To watch any video of Sam working or giving tours of his house or shop was such and pleasure. Then to top it off I see he was born on January 24th, which is my birthday, for some reason, made the connection with him even more significant. The man was an inspiration to all. Thank you Tom for the great video and tour of this amazing individual.

[@tonymcdonald4773]

Stunning artistry and craftsmanship. Mike Johnson’s humility and reverence for his mentor and his work are on full display in this wonderful interview and shop tour. Beautifully done Kris and Tom.

[@pirakoXX]

Thank you for introducing me to Sam Maloof's work. As a Dane, I know most about Danish furniture makers (fx. Børge Mogensen, Hans Wegner), but of course, I've heard names from other countries. But Maloof... no, I've never heard about him or his work/art before. Thanks for correcting that flaw! ❤

[@charlesthomas1142]

Thanks for sharing this tour. I met Sam and Mike at Aspen in 2005. When Mike brought out his miniatures it caused quite a sensation, all the craftsmen in the audience were quite taken with them.

[@Hog-g2z]

Good morning 🌅, That was a privilege watching, going through the master chair builder Sam Maloof, last year I bought a set of plans to make a rocking chair, I still have not started because I’m trying to build a workshop connected to my property, I have some French files as I live in France so I come from the UK, always been interested in three artists Maloof McIntosh, and Gaudi , Art Nouveau, Many years ago, I had the privilege of making 14 Tub chairs for one other universities in Cambridge , I’m now in my 70s , I am self taught, I have made furniture, church organs, specialist doors and windows for prestige properties, How I wish I was still back at work ,

[@EpicWoodworking]

Sounds like you have excellent taste and are quite a craftsman in your own right! It was our sincere pleasure to be there and bring this video to you! Thanks for your kind words and for watching and supporting from France! 👍😎

[@Hog-g2z]

@@EpicWoodworking thank you for reply, You might find Simpsons architects of London interesting, looking through the portfolio,

[@billballeza377]

Of all the various new wood finishes available today I have never found any better than the Maloof poly/oil finish. I’ve been using it on my walnut, maple and cherry pieces for nearly twenty years. It’s a one step, foolproof method of obtaining a durable and beautiful finish.

[@EpicWoodworking]

That’s great to know, I have never actually tried it so it’s high time I picked up a bottle! Thanks 👍

[@billballeza377]

@@EpicWoodworking It actually comes in one of two sizes of cans. I recommend you purchase the larger size. In addition to the poly/oil there is a wax/oil that is recommended to follow the poly/oil. The one drawback is that for optimal results four coats of the poly is recommended, followed by two or more coats of the wax. There is a 24 hour waiting time between each coat, with entire process beginning with burnishing with four ought steel wool. The luster you see on Maloof pieces can only be achieved by following the entire process. It is now available at Rockler exclusively.

[@craigjohnston5678]

Loved this tour. "We have to get a set of these...We'll start with the fish." 🤣

[@ricday9296]

Thank you Tom and Camera Lady for this episode...The tour was fantastic with all the examples of the low back chair. I started making a copy of this chair a couple months ago...your tour will help guide and inform my decisions. Your timing is great for me. I had an opportunity to speak with Mike Johnson a few months ago and a very giving person. We spoke for some time about the shop, if they sold plans (they don't)...but I am so happy for your video...thank you. Ric D.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Oh that’s awesome Ric, so glad to hear it was timely and helpful to you. It’s on my bucket list to make one of those rockers myself! Mike is a great guy, so generous with sharing his experiences. It was my great pleasure to bring you that episode! 😎👍

[@RVHabit]

Wonderful tour. What a pleasure to listen to this man that never overshadows Sam and stays completely humble. I can see why Sam and him worked well together.

[@EpicWoodworking]

So true, I could feel the deep respect and honor he has for Sam, never dimmed 👍

[@tomfields8963]

Awesome visit of Sam's shop and furniture! Thanks Tom and Mike Johnson. Sam has been one of my woodworking heroes for many years!

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thank you, we had a great time being there, the time flew by so fast! 😎

[@davidsanturri9832]

Just watched again. Incredible the second time also. As someone else mentioned what an historic place and shop. I hope future generations will appreciate a master craftsman like Sam Maloof. As we remember the craftsman of the 18and 19 centuries. They have certainly left their mark on American history.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thanks David, nice to know it’s inspiring the second time through. I loved every second being there as you might have guessed! 😎

[@slhasebroock]

Spectacular! What an honor to see such an intimate tour of the shop. Great interview, great tour and great camera work during the interview!!!!

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thank you! We felt honored to be there and to bring this to you, a true pleasure…the time flew by! 👍😎

[@AXJ1971]

Thank you Tom! One of the best videos I’ve seen. Inspiring and humbling!

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thank you, so glad to hear you enjoyed it that much! We would like to do more of this kind of shop visits with other craftsman, that’s affirming to us! 👍😎

[@michaelnorman5640]

Tom I’m just seeing this and must say what a treat definitely a treat my friend congratulations and a big thanks for sharing!

[@ronhirsch9091]

Thanks for the tour, it was great to see the process of taking a raw chair and see the finished product side by side.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Yes Ron, I loved seeing them side by side too. 👍😎

[@user-ph8zz7zm5f]

This is an excellent interview. I always admired Sam's work.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thank you, that makes two of us…and countless others as well! I appreciate your kind words too 👍😎

[@joeasbeck1924]

Wow you two really nailed that tour Thanks.Your like the Rick Steves of woodworking tours!

[@EpicWoodworking]

Haha, thanks! I wasn’t sure how that was going to go, if I would do an okay job asking the questions and keeping it moving. So I really appreciate you saying that. We plan to start doing more shop tours and visits…kinda like shooting for the stars right out of the gate, glad you enjoyed it! 😎👍

[@tomjudkins3799]

This was a very touching tribute to Sam.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thank you Tom, I enjoyed every minute!

[@garynelles]

Tom, thanks for this. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this tour. Very informative and inspiring!

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thanks Gary, so glad you enjoyed it! 👍

[@pinview8519]

Wooh, truly eye opening, beautiful chairs.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Yes, agreed…insane eye-candy, and to sit in the chairs was an incredible treat…now I have to build one myself 😎

[@tommcmurray1002]

Wow! Very nice tour! Thank you for sharing. I’d love to see an episode where you demonstrate how to keep those hard lines. It’s one of the skills that I struggle to do well. I’m constantly chasing the fluid line…

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thanks Tom, that’s a great idea to demo something like that. So glad you enjoyed it! 👍

[@henrysara7716]

Thank you, both Epic and SM woodshop

[@EpicWoodworking]

Truly our pleasure, thank you! 😎

[@rjc305]

Excellent video. Very interesting interview and shop tour. Well done!

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thank you so much, truly our pleasure!👍

[@TheLocalWoodworker]

Great video about a great man! I admire Sam's work so much and am making my 2nd set of DR chairs now, inspired by Sam. The tables I built for these sets resembles the big Library table in the video, which I have never seen until today!

[@EpicWoodworking]

He is a giant in the world of woodworking, yet humble and unassuming as well. An amazing treat to get to have that insider access and tour 👍

[@armandoozuna1559]

Such an amazing shop your!

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thank you!! 🙏 😎

[@brettyoung8328]

I really enjoyed this tour. Thank You.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Our pleasure, thank you! 👍

[@TWC6724]

Great tour. Thanks for sharing this. I would absolutely love to see a video on how in the heck you make a small scale model of furniture!! They look as good as the real size!!

[@EpicWoodworking]

Yes, agreed. That would be a fun one! I wish you could have felt how light they were, and up close how exquisitely detailed and beautiful they were even at such a small scale! 👍

[@Kingsoly]

thanks that was amazing to see the real making

[@EpicWoodworking]

Yes, you could feel it was still a working shop 👍

[@SimonHoning]

Absolutely stellar program- brilliant insight into Maloof's life & processes.Wondering though about dust removal in this shop overall.Making furniture in this fashion generates massive amounts of dust; we saw a fan in the wall and an airshield helmet but..is that it?

[@TerellJones-t9l]

It’s so funny to me when Tom see you next time on shop night live to me haha

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thank you Terell, glad you enjoyed it! 😎

[@geraldanania8081]

What a great shwo. Many intersting points on SaM MAloof and his philosophy. Found Mr Johnson very interesting. He still seems o have retained his enthusiasm for hiw career. Like you his enthusiasm came through. NOw one of my top Thursdaay Night Shows. Thank you very much. Maybe the camera lady will get you that last rocker you liked so much. LOL See you next week!!

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thank you! I loved being there and being able to bring it to you live…not possible without the camera lady and Mike’s openness. He is an awesome guy with deep character. I think doing honest, great and beautiful work for so many years, not to mention being along side Sam, has a way of shaping your character as well. I tried to contain my enthusiasm a bit on this one, but I guess it leaked out a bit 😎👍

[@waynebooker498]

Really great interview/tour. I wish I could afford to buy a Maloof rocker, and wish i had the skills to make one.

[@EpicWoodworking]

They certainly are something special to behold…like “frozen music” as has been said about great architecture and art! 👍

[@ChrisStCyr-gnt7]

Great show

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thank you! 👍

[@vladimirroudnev7825]

Great tour. Thanks! I have never seen a cork lamination before... And I wonder, how the cork lamination have been finished? Is it a kind of oil finish? How does it feel on cork? Is it durable? Could it be?

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thank you! I didn’t ask Mike about the finish on the cork but it looked like an identical finish to the finish on all the wood furniture. The cork felt fairly dense and hard, and I think Mike said during the livestream tour it was a type of architectural flooring material. It must be a durable material for Sam to use it in that way, he even had it on the top of his personal breakfast table. 👍😎

[@douglasbrown3493]

The maple rocker blew my mind.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Yes, it’s truly a thing of beauty! Incredible eye-candy everywhere you turn! 😎👍

[@thayerkids]

Thanks for showing us around. Man, I wonder what they will use for that 25’ table top. How many pieces or wood, etc.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Good question. I’m not sure how wide the boards will be but they will be oriented to run across the table width, as shown in the model Mike made. My guess is he will select for wider boards, probably 8 - 12” wide if possible. But with a 25’ long table there will still be a lot of boards 👍😎

[@jameshoerter8090]

I don’t think you mean the INFAMOUS Sam Maloof!

[@EpicWoodworking]

Oh you’re right, my bad!! I meant to say world famous! 😎 I’ll make the correction 👍

[@bradhaver4644]

WOW!

[@dpmeyer4867]

WOW

[@dougscott9524]

I 'm a furniture builder of 38 years , but got into repairing and miss building , My designs don't come close to what Sam built .