Tony O'Malley

Tony O’Malley works in a huge industrial shop in Emmaus, Pa., with lots of space and light, high ceilings, and a big Oliver jointer and a sliding tablesaw. He’s been building furniture for more than 20 years, starting his own business after a first career as woodworking-book editor for a local publisher. He specializes in custom built-ins and cabinets. Where did you first get the woodworking bug? “Started out self-taught during college, when I needed some bookcases. Used salvaged skid wood for my first table.”