It’s hard to imagine a woodworking shop that doesn’t include a table saw. Whether you’re rough cutting stock to size, taking it to its final dimensions, or doing the joinery required for your woodworking project, a table saw has you covered. This instructional video class provides you with must-have information for setting up and safely using your table saw.
STARTING OUT
Your table saw won’t be much good to you if you don’t have it set up correctly. You’ve got to check the alignment of the blade to the miter gauge slot and the rip fence, and make sure the saw is cutting at 90-degrees. We’ll show you high- and low-tech methods, so you can choose the approach that works best for you.
It’s important to use the right tool for the job, and this is very true of table saw blades. Alternate top bevel, triple chip grind, flat top grind, hook angle, tooth count….what does it all mean? What differentiates a rip blade from a crosscut blade? You’ll learn exactly what you need to know to make certain you’re always putting the right blade on the saw.
SAFETY
Ripping, crosscutting, or cutting dadoes, you need to make sure you’re safe. This class provides you with safety rules for the table saw, and shows you where to stand, how to position your hands, and how to stay out of harm’s way.
TECHNIQUES
With the saw properly set up and safety techniques at your fingertips, you’re ready to get to work. We’ll teach you how to rip and crosscut, set up a stackable dado head, cut rabbets, and even how to cut non-ferrous metal; essential techniques for getting the most out of your saw.
In addition to the detailed video instruction you’ll receive, this online class provides you with some downloadable resources and helpful information to print and keep, including: A detailed Class Guide you can follow and use as a reminder for the key points of the class instruction; and a resources document that will help you find the products and elements you’ll see in the class.
NOTE: This Class video instruction is also available for purchase in DVD form. If you prefer to own a physical copy, you can purchase the Class DVD here.
Class Sessions
Session # 1: Getting Started
46:18
Before making any cuts, let’s make certain your table saw can do everything you ask it to do. We’ll look at:
• Parallelism between the blade and fence
• Getting perfectly square cuts
• Calibrating your rip fence and blade height
• Choosing the correct blade
• Ensuring your blades are sharp, clean, and ready to cut
• Taking care of your saw
Session #2: Using the Table Saw
20:36
Starting with safety, we’ll take you through how to rip boards, including when to use a push stick and how to position your hands and body. Then we’ll move on to crosscutting techniques, including a great tip for easily crosscutting wide material.
Rabbets require a sacrificial fence, and resawing requires the use of a featherboard. This session shows you how to make your own sacrificial fence and how to use it, and how to safely position and use a featherboard.
Session #3: Thin Rips, Bevels, Cutting Metal
14:43
Many woodworking projects call for exceptionally thin pieces, such as edge banding and splines. We’ve got a great approach that allows you to cut these small parts safely, with your guard in place. We’ll also show you to set perfect angles on your saw blade and miter gauge.
You may not know this, but the table saw provides a great way to cut thin walled non-ferrous metals. This session teaches you about the perfect blade for this work, and how to safely make the cuts.
Session #4: Dadoes, Rabbets and Grooves
14:23
Stackable dado heads are a must-have if you plan on doing joinery on your table saw. This session shows you how to stack the dado head so you don’t chip a tooth, a great trick for setting the height of the dado head, and how to safely cut dadoes.
Making a wide cut doesn’t always mean using a dado head. With proper set up, you can use a standard rip blade to cut custom-sized grooves and rabbets.
Session #5: Class Summary
0:33
A table saw is often the center piece of a shop. Refining and practicing the techniques you’ll learn in this Class will make you a better woodworker, and help you create more and better pieces.
Your Instructor
George Vondriska
George Vondriska is the Editor in Chief here at Woodworkers Guild of America and has been sharing his woodworking expertise since 1986. Apart from conducting classes at his renowned Vondriska Woodworks School, George's passion for teaching has taken him to woodworking shows nationwide and has led him to teach woodworking for prestigious organizations such as Peace Corps/Swaziland, Andersen Window, Northwest Airlines, and the Pentagon. With a wealth of published magazine articles under his belt, encompassing tool reviews and shop improvement projects, George's knowledge and skills continue to inspire woodworkers every day. To discover more about him and his school, visit georgevondriska.com.
Bonus Material
Printable Class Guide
Download and print this PDF Guide to complement your Class. It’ll be a good reminder for many Table Saw tips.
Class Resources PDF
See this list of tools, suppliers and reference information related to this Class.
Video: Intro to Table Saws
Download this short video to help overcome any hesitation in working with a Table Saw.
Video: Meet Your Instructor
Download this short video to meet your instructor George Vondriska.
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Do I have to be a Member of Woodworkers Guild of America to purchase a Class?
No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on WWGOA Academy content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great woodworking videos and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
How do I purchase a Class?
First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
How do I access/view my Class?
Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of Woodworkers Guild of America. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
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Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?
No problem. Most newer-model smartphones or other mobile/tablet devices with an internet connection are able to play the Class videos. Simply Log In on Woodworkers Guild of America, and you can view any Class you’ve bought through the MY ACCOUNT section. Or, you can click on the “View Class” link within the email confirmation you’ll receive upon your purchase.
How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?
Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.
How does the Class Q&A Resource benefit work?
Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but your Class Instructor and WWGOA contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
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We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, in order to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Log In to WWGOA.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from Woodworkers Guild of America from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.
Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?
Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
How do I contact WWGOA Academy?
If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at wwgoasubscription@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-855-253-0822. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
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