ABOUT
Welcome to Cassi Woodshop, glad you stopped by! I’m Thomas, a multigenerational woodworker with a deep-rooted passion for creating and educating.
Since the age of 10, I’ve been honing in on skills in the art of whittling, steadily evolving into creating more complex projects.
My woodshop is a sanctuary steeped in heritage and ingenuity. Inspired by the spirit of Norwegian woodworkers who came before me, I proudly carry the torch of tradition. At the Cassi Woodshop, you’ll find a collection of vintage Norwegian tools, lovingly passed down from my great-grandfather, alongside a meticulously curated collection of tools inherited from my wife’s grandfather, a skilled woodworker from the Pacific North West.
At the Cassi Woodshop, sustainability and a commitment to using natural materials are woven into all creations. With a focus on custom projects that transcend boundaries, I cater to both commercial and residential clients. Embark on a journey with me, and together, let’s transform your visions into reality. Whether you seek an exquisite bespoke piece or a statement-making addition to your space, I’m ready to collaborate with you and bring your dreams to fruition.
I look forward to working with you, let’s make something great!
Thomas grew up in San Diego and now crafts and creates in Oceanside. He sources inspiration from the nearby coast to the forests up north. Thomas has a degree in studio art and a wealth of experience working with a diverse range of materials at breweries, hotels, and large production wood shops. Thomas specializes in high-end custom pieces from outdoor furniture to fully designed bars & retail spaces. Fueled by a deep passion for craftsmanship and an innate understanding of design principles, the Cassi Woodshop came about, driven by the desire to create unique and captivating creations.
SAN DIEGO ROOTS
“Sustainability and a commitment to using natural materials are woven into all creations.”
— Thomas Cassi
More about me
My journey in woodworking began during my early years and has been very much self-taught.
At 10 years old I found myself carving small pieces of wood into intricate forms like dolphins and turtles. My connection to woodworking runs deep, as my great-grandparents came from a long line of woodworkers in Norway. My dad inherited a substantial collection of tools that have been passed down through generations. To this day, the extent of this treasure trove remains a mystery to me and tools from the past continue to show up and find a home in my shop. In my spare time as a kid, I’d sort through toolbox after toolbox learning about each tool and how they worked and what made them unique. From then on, I developed a profound appreciation for the traditions and techniques of woodworking. This craft is not just a hobby; it's a part of my heritage, a lifelong passion, and a constant source of inspiration.
I consider myself a modern woodworker, although I have a deep appreciation for the styles and techniques of traditional woodworking. During my college years, I pursued studies in studio arts and multimedia at San Francisco State University, equipping me with the versatility to navigate various materials and artistic styles. My portfolio includes a diverse range of projects, including the construction of signs and sets for schools, homes built for Habitat for Humanity, workshop management for a boutique hotel in San Francisco, custom furniture crafting, and managing projects and events for a brewery. I’ve worked at a large-scale production woodshop, building pieces for events and retail spaces leading a slab production team focusing on crafting hundreds of live edge tables.
My creative journey knows no bounds, and I'm open to your most unique ideas. I love a challenge and am always looking for opportunities to expand my woodworking horizons and learn new techniques. My ultimate goal is to collaborate with you to turn your vision into a tangible reality. Thanks for being here, let’s make something great!
Working with Me:
When working with me, I want you as the client to feel valued and heard. Whether you want plywood & butt joints or dovetails & hand-cut joinery, you can expect a professional and collaborative experience that is guided by my passion for woodworking and commitment to delivering high-quality results. I always push quality over quantity and have a hands-on approach. When collaborating with me, you can expect me to be detail-oriented, communicative, dedicated, transparent, punctual, creative, versatile, and passionate.
Materials:
My goal is to source from local and sustainable materials whenever possible. I value pieces that have a story and history of their own.
If I had to pick a favorite material to work with, it would be Oak in any shape, color, or form. However, wood is an imperfect material and I love looking for those imperfections and intricacies in each piece from funky grain patterns to markings left behind by ambrosia beetles. I’m going to stop there before I totally geek out.
