Routers are such great tools and can do so much for you and your woodworking. We’re ready to take you and your router to the next level with some advanced techniques. C’mon along.
Techniques covered in this class:
The techniques you learn in this class will help you with many of your woodworking projects. Here’s what we’ll cover:
Making and cutting in bowties
Creating a liquid inlay using colored epoxy resin
Using a router as a biscuit joiner
Routing perfectly evenly spaced grooves
Making bowls and trays with a router and template
Routing specialized slots for fastening solid wood tops and allowing expansion
Using templates and a specialized guide bushing to create inlays
When to replace your router collets
Super simple shop-made dado jig
You’ll get step-by-step instructions for each of the processes, along with sources for any specialized tools you may need.
In addition to the video instruction in the class, you’ll receive a full Class Guide PDF that you can print and take into the shop with you to help you with each technique you’ll see in the video.
Since this is a higher-level class, you should be comfortable with a base-line of router knowledge coming into this class. If you want to sharpen your router skills prior to taking this class, check out the Hand-Held Router Techniques Class which includes router buying advice, safety information, correctly and safely installing router bits, using guide bushings and more.
Class Sessions
Session 1: Cutting in a Bowtie
17:24
Bowties are both functional and decorative. They’re commonly used to span cracks in slabs to ensure the crack doesn’t widen over time. You’ll learn how to create the bowtie, and how to cut it into your project; roughing it with a router and finishing with a chisel.
Session 2: Liquid Inlay
9:05
This is a VERY simple way to add an amazing decorative element to your projects. Create a recess using your router, and then fill it with tinted or colored epoxy. A little sanding and, depending on what epoxy you use, it can look like you’ve inlayed stone into your project.
Session 3: Router as a Biscuit Joiner
4:19
No biscuit joiner? No problem. With the right router bit your hand-held router can easily be used as a biscuit joiner. There are a few things you need to do to make this work successfully, but don’t sweat it. We’ll show you what you need to know.
Session 4: Rout Evenly Spaced Grooves
4:32
The key to this technique is a key. We’ll make a simple jig that attaches to the base of your router and includes a key correctly distanced from the bit. Once one groove has been cut, making as many more as you need is a very simple process.
Session 5: Routed Bowls
21:21
You don’t need a lathe to make bowls or trays. All you need is a router, template and the right bit. Templates can be purchased, or you can make your own. This is a unique and fun way to make any shape bowl or tray you want.
Session 6: Slots Allow for Wood Expansion
3:55
Solid wood panels have to be allowed to expand and contract independently of whatever you’re fastening them to. A specialty router bit, plunge router and fence clamped to your work will allow you to easily make slots for the screws holding things together. Seasonal change? Handled.
Session 7: Making a Keyhole Slot
7:29
Keyhole slots are a great way to hang things like picture frames and plaques on the wall. A plunge router equipped with a fence works great for cutting in the slot. You’ll learn two approaches for making the slot and you’ll have all of your projects hanging dead level in no time.
Session 8: Creating Inlays
9:32
One way to put in a bowtie or Dutchman is by free-hand cutting it. Another approach is to use a template and specialized guide bushing set that allows you to cut the recess AND make a perfectly fitting plug. Easy peezey.
Session 9: Collets Go Bad
3:58
At some point in the life of your router you’re going to need to replace the collet. Having a bad collet in your router can be very unsafe. What symptoms should you be looking for to know when the collet is shot? We’ll fill you in.
Session 10: Shop-Made Dado Jig
7:07
This is a very easy-to-make and useful jig. It allows you to cut a dado perpendicular to an edge, or at any angle you need. And it’s very easy to align to your dado lay out lines. When you’re setting up to make one, you should make a bunch.
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 great reference for using the techniques you’ll see in this class.
Printable Class Resources PDF
Download and print this PDF to complement your Class. It includes a list of products and materials you’ll see in this class.
Meet Your Instructor
Download this short video to meet your class instructor, George Vondriska.
Video: More about Router Skills
Download this short video to hear George talk about how using a hand-held router can add fun and interesting elements to your projects.
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.
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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?
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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.
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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?
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How do I contact WWGOA Academy?
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