A router table adds a LOT to the shop. With the amazingly diverse availability of router bit profiles, there are many things you can do on a router table; from edge profiling to joinery. Thanks to the high rpm of a router motor, the cut quality is great, typically requiring very little sanding. With George Vondriska as your instructor, this online video class will give you many important tips and fundamentals – helping you to get the most out of your router table.
Safety
The same attribute that provides great cut quality can make routers intimidating to operate. Typically running at over 20,000 revolutions per minute, things can go wrong quickly if you’re not using a router correctly. This Class covers a variety of must-have safety tips including how to properly secure the bit in the collet, determining feed direction, setting up for multiple passes, and how to use feather boards and push pads. .
Buying Advice
There are lots of routers available in the marketplace. This Class will educate you regarding the best type of router to use in a table, and we’ll look at the advantages router lifts bring to router tables. .
Maintenance
While the router table itself requires little more than good housekeeping, router bits are another story. A dull or dirty bit will be unsafe to use, and will cut poorly. We’ll show you how to determine if a bit needs to be sharpened, how to do the sharpening in your own shop, and how to clean a pitch-covered router bit. .
Techniques
Dadoes, rabbets, slot cutting…these are just some of the woodworking techniques you’ll learn in this Class. We’ll show you short cuts that will make set up easier and more repeatable, so you can reduce set up time and increase accuracy.
There are over 100 minutes of hands-on video instruction in this Class. In addition to the detailed video help you’ll receive, this 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; a Speed Chart to help you determine the best speed to run your bits; and a resources document that will give you information on the products 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
35:34
Fixed base, plunge base, router lift….what’s the best set up for your router table? We’ll take a look at different styles of routers to learn what’s best for you.
Your router bit education includes choosing between 1/4” and 1/2" shanks, how to properly install a bit in a collet, determining if a bit is dull, how to sharpen it if it is dull, and more.
Once you know how to set up your router table and install a bit, we can move on to making cuts. There’s a lot involved with this including use of feather boards and push sticks and how to set up for multiple light passes.
Session 2: Making Clean Cuts
6:06
A router table can provide incredibly clean cuts, provided you use it correctly. Routing end grain often leads to chipping on the exit side of the cut. We’ll have a look at different ways to avoid this, including following the correct sequence of cuts, and using a great shop-made push pad to control the cuts and prevent chipping.
Session 3: Techniques
58:31
The router table provides a great way to make dadoes, rabbets, and slots. Even in delicate veneered material you’ll find that the cut quality is great. You’ll learn to create through and stopped dadoes, and how to make a dado or groove the perfect width.
We’ll also teach you:
How to use a keyhole bit; perfect for hanging things on the wall.
Two different techniques for trimming to a pattern, providing a great way for making multiple parts.
How to use the router table to make custom dowels.
Session 4: Class Summary
0:37
George wraps up this Class with a reminder to practice the processes and skills you learned on the router table – and you’ll be on your way to using this versatile tool for many projects in your shop.
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'll be a good reminder for you on many Router Table tips.
Speed Chart PDF
Use this handy reference guide to help determine the appropriate RPM speed to run your bits.
Class Resources PDF
See this list of tools, suppliers and reference information related to this Class.
Video: Meet Your Instructor
Download this short video to meet your class instructor, George Vondriska.
Video: Intro to Router Tables
Download this short video to hear George talk about the versatility and value of good router table skills.
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.
Explore Classes by George Vondriska
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
You may be interested in
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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.