Most woodworkers will agree that the table saw is at the heart of a woodshop, and is key to making quality woodworking projects. This video class will help ensure that you’re getting the most out of your table saw by increasing your table saw joinery “vocabulary.”
SKILLS TAUGHT
In this class, we’ll take you through the following joints, step-by-step:
Dadoes
Rabbets
Half Laps
Rabbeted Half Laps
Tenons
Cross Halving
Drawer Lock
In addition to showing you every detail required to master these joints, in many cases we’ll show you multiple approaches to making individual joints. This provides you with a handful of techniques, instead of just one, making it more of a sure bet that one will work great for you and your shop.
TOOLS USED
Much of the joinery work in this class will be done using a stackable dado head, accompanied by dado shims. We’ll show you how to use the dado head, configure it correctly to avoid chipping the dado’s teeth, build it up to a perfect width, and set its height. We’ll also show you when and where flat top grind saw blades are a must-have for joinery, a double saw blade set up for cutting tenons, the use of a tenon jig, and how to use a sacrificial fence.
RULES OF THE ROAD
There are general conventions for depth of dadoes and sizing of tenons. This class provides you with rules you can follow to make sure you’re getting the proportion right for strong joints.
MORE THAN JUST A VIDEO CLASS
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: Dadoes and Rabbets
31:30
If you want to build cabinets, vanities, book cases; dadoes and rabbets are a must-have joint. The key to a strong dado is a well-fitted dado. We’ll show you a simple shop-made jig that takes the guess work out of setting the dado head width for a perfect fit, and how to correctly use dado shims.
When it comes to creating a strong corner, it’s hard to beat a half lap joint. There’s SO much surface area in the joint, it creates a great bond. We take this joint a step further by also teaching you rabbeted half laps; wonderful for picture frames.
Correctly sizing a tenon is critical to joint strength. We’ll show you three approaches to creating perfect tenons, so you’re sure to find one that works for you and your shop.
Half Laps – 0:05
Rabbeted Half Lap -- 7:10
Tenons -- 12:20
Dado Head Tenon -- 14:03
Tenon Jig -- 19:54
Double Blade Tenon -- 26:28
Session 3: Cross Halving and Drawer Joints
11:39
If shadow boxes are on your to-do list, you’ll love the cross halving joint. It provides a great way to join pieces edge over edge. A shop-made jig makes perfectly sizing your parts very easy.
Drawers take a lot of abuse, and require great joints so they stand up to the test of time. A dado head and a few test cuts, and our drawer joint technique will allow you to create rock solid corners AND cut the groove for the drawer bottom, all with one set up.
Cross halving – 0:05
Drawer Joint -- 4:10
Session 4: Class Summary
0:57
George recaps the many joints covered in this class. When you learn what joint works best for the project at-hand, you’ll be a more efficient, successful, and satisfied woodworker.
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 PDF
Download and print this PDF Guide to complement your Class. It’s a good source for many table saw and joinery tips.
Class Resources PDF
See this list of products, suppliers and reference information related to this Class.
Video: Meet Your Instructor
Download this short video to meet your class instructor, George Vondriska.
Video: Table Saw Versatility
Download this short video to hear about the value and versatility your table saw can provide in creating great joints.
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.
Do I have to take the Class right away?
No. Any Class you buy will be accessible to you always. You can view your Class whenever you want, and you can view individual Sessions in whatever order you like.
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.
Why do you need my email?
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.
This site uses cookies and other technologies to track your use of the site that will allow us and our service providers and partners to enhance your experience and deliver relevant content to you. By agreeing to or closing this notice, you understand and agree to such use and data collection. For more information about our privacy practices and your choices, please visit our privacy policy and cookie notice.