As woodworkers, we use a variety of materials in our craft: Solid wood in the form of hardwoods and softwoods; domestic and imported woods; plywood; MDF; melamine; multi-ply plywood;, and more.
Like choosing the right tool for the job, it’s important to choose the correct material. That’s why we created this class. We want to help you better understand the material you’re working with, and educate you about materials you may not be familiar with.
In addition to understanding material, it’s also important to understand what happens behind the scenes. How are trees converted to lumber? How are hardwoods ordered? What’s the difference between particle board, MDF and plywood?
Milling lumber (plain sawing, quarter sawing, air drying, kiln drying)
Using construction grade lumber
Hardwood, softwood, and what those names mean
Mastering board foot calculations
Hardwood grading (firsts and seconds, select and better, #1 common)
Paying for machining (surface two sides; straight line one edge)
Veneers
Incorporating defects into your projects (wane, spalting, blue stain, insect holes)
Exotic/imported woods
Having this information at your fingertips will make you a more educated consumer, help you save money on your projects, and ensure that you’re choosing the best material for the job at hand.
NOTE: You’ll receive this Class video instruction in two forms: As on-demand streaming video (in your WWGOA Account); and as a physical DVD, mailed to you.
Class Sessions
Session 1: Introduction
5:29
As woodworkers, we use a variety of materials for each project we do, and it's important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each. Just like not all trees are the same, the material we get from the trees differs as well. This introductory session will preview the wide array of commonly used woods and man-made materials that we’ll cover in this class.
Session 2: Particle Board and MDF
6:38
Imagine taking a bunch of sawdust and chips from your shop, mixing it with glue, and forming it into a sheet. That’s basically how particle board and MDF are made. They’re inexpensive, which is great, but there are some downsides to working with them. Weight, strength, and abrasiveness to cutters are just a few considerations you need to make.
Session 3: Melamine
4:05
Melamine is in the particle board family, but includes a plasticized coating. It’s great for cabinets and shop jigs. If you’ve only seen white melamine, you’re missing out. There are lots of colors and patterns available. This is a very versatile form of sheet stock.
Session 4: Plywood
12:38
Of the sheet goods we consume as woodworkers, plywood is at the top of the list from a quantity perspective. It’s strong, lighter in weight than particle board or MDF, and readily available. Of course, there’s no such thing as a free lunch. What are the downsides to plywood?
Session 5: Multi Ply
6:24
Also known as Baltic Birch or Apple Ply, multi ply is a whole different form of plywood. No internal voids, thicker face veneers, and A LOT of plies in the core...these are all great attributes. They also make multi ply a more expensive form of plywood. So, why use it?
Session 6: Where Do you Buy your Wood?
4:01
As your woodworking grows and you look for better grades of material, you’ll need to move away from home centers and lumberyards. How do you find a good source for better sheet stock and quality solid wood in your area? We’ll give you some tips on locating a supplier, and provide you with questions to ask to make certain you’re getting what you need.
Session 7: Trees to Lumber
7:53
What’s the difference between plain sawn and quarter sawn? Is it best if lumber is air dried or kiln dried? (Part of the answer, it depends…) What the heck is a medullary ray, and how do they figure into material choices? This session provides the answer to all these questions, and more.
Session 8: Drying Lumber
5:17
Cutting logs into planks is only one part of the conversion process. Once cut, the lumber will be very wet, and needs to be dried. There are two common approaches; air drying and kiln drying. There are distinct advantages and disadvantages to each method including working characteristics, and the possibility that the drying process changes the natural color of the wood. In this session, you'll get the ins and outs of each process.
Session 9: Construction Grade Lumber
3:21
Can standard 2x4s, 2x6s, 1x4s, construction material in general, be used for quality woodworking projects? The answer is a qualified yes. These materials are inexpensive, but there are some downsides you need to be aware of if you’re using them, and approaches you can take to minimize potential problems.
Session 10: Hardwood vs Softwood
2:08
All hardwoods are not necessarily hard woods. And all softwoods are not necessarily soft woods. A simple scientific classification defines hardwood and softwood, and these names shouldn’t be used to determine working characteristics. How do you do that? We’ll fill you in.
Session 11: Calculating Board Feet
5:42
A board foot measurement tells you the volume of wood you’re using, not how many lineal feet. It’s very important that you know how to calculate board feet in order to determine how much wood you need for your project, and how much to order from your supplier. Another wrinkle…what’s the deal with 4/4, 6/4….? Don’t worry, we’ve got that covered too.
Session 12: Hardwood Grading
11:54
You don’t always have to buy the best grade of material. Many projects lend themselves to using a less expensive grade, and working around the parameters for that grade. We explain Firsts and Seconds, Select and Better and #1 Common, and give you buying advice that will help you choose the appropriate grade for your projects. We also explain the many operations a supplier can do for you such as surfacing and straight-line ripping.
Session 13: Veneers
2:50
Veneers provide a viable way to get a very expensive looking project, without breaking the bank to do so. A single piece of veneer can be beautiful, but when they’re sequence cut and bookmatched, they are truly stunning. Using veneer can add lots of new options to your shop and projects.
Session 14: “Defects”
4:58
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What some people see as a defect, others will see as character. In this session, we show you a variety of “defects.” Our hope is that you can come to embrace the amazing beauty of wood, and the singular look that this character can bring to your projects.
Session 15: Exotic Woods
2:42
If your projects have been primarily pine, oak, maple or walnut, you’re missing out. There are so many amazing woods out there to experiment with. Many imported/exotic woods can be expensive, but you’ll find truly amazing grain, color and working characteristics in these materials.
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 the various materials you’ll see covered in the class video.
Video: Meet Your Instructor
Download this short video to meet your class instructor, George Vondriska.
Video: More about Materials
Download this short video to hear George talk more about the importance of knowing about material choices and determining what’s best for 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.
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.
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