Woodworkers seem to love building, instead of buying, jigs and fixtures for their shop. It’s easy to understand why! When you build your own jigs, you can easily customize them to your tools and your needs. It’s also rewarding to create simpler and safer ways to do things with the jigs you build.
Ready to add some great jigs to your shop? You’re in the right place.
The jigs in this class
The jigs you’ll learn to build in this class will help you in a number of ways on your table saw and bandsaw. In addition to simplifying the following tasks, you’ll get more repeatable results and, in some cases, a higher level of safety.
Cross cutting large panels
Table saw tenons
Cutting small parts on the bandsaw
Splining mitered corners
Cutting tapers, and straight-line edging boards
Cutting dadoes and rabbets on the table saw
The class includes step-by-step instructions for building each jig, and demonstrations of how to use the jigs.
Materials and hardware
MDF is a great choice for jigs. It typically remains very flat, it’s inexpensive, and is readily available from home centers. We provide the dimensions for each of the jigs, and also let you know what accommodations you need to make on each, so the jigs will work with your tools.
Some of the jigs require specialized hardware or accessories. We’ve got that sourced for you, so you’ll be set to go.
Once you’ve worked your way through our jigs, you’re sure to come up with ideas for other jigs you can use in your shop. And the instruction you get here is sure to help you build on your own.
In addition to the detailed video instruction you’ll receive, this video 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 steps of the class instruction; and source references for the materials used in the class.
Class Sessions
Session 1: Table Saw Sacrificial Fence
11:59
The case work required for cabinet making typically requires dadoes and rabbets. Cutting rabbets means getting your rip fence very close to the dado head, unless you’ve already installed your sacrificial fence. In addition to protecting your rip fence, the sacrificial fence you’ll build accommodates a feather board for hold-down pressure.
Session 2: Table Saw Panel Sled
18:04
When it’s time to crosscut wide panels, and get a perfectly square cut, any panel over 12” or so is probably too wide for your miter gauge or miter saw to handle. No problem. Build a panel sled, and you’ll be able to easily crosscut wide panels for cabinets, doors… whatever you need. The miter gauge track we’ve sourced for the jig makes it easy to build a very accurate sled.
Session 3: Bandsaw Small Parts Sled
9:58
Here’s a great way to safely and easily cut small parts you might need for pen turning, or any number of other projects. The shop-made sled acts like a miter gauge, and makes it simple to cut small parts. You can even add a stop for length repeatability.
Session 4: Large Taper Jig, Straight Line Jig
12:20
Need to cut tapers in long pieces? This jig has you covered. Need to straight-line rip a good edge on some live edge pieces? Yep, this jig will do that too. The jig takes advantage of some very cool clamps that seat in dovetail sockets cut into the base of the jig. In additional to being wonderful for this project, you’re sure to find other uses for the clamps in your shop.
Session 5: Rip Fence Tenon Jig
11:14
Tenon jigs for the table saw are wonderful, but can be an expensive dedicated tool. Let’s take advantage of the adjustability your rip fence has and make a tenon jig that capitalizes on it. The jig simply straddles the fence and, with the help of a toggle clamp, your rails are secure and any size tenon can be cut.
Session 6: Table Saw Spline Jig
7:36
Mitered corners show up on frames all the time. They look great, but don’t have a lot of strength. Adding a spline not only gives the joint a lot more strength, it also provides the opportunity for a decorative accent. In addition to showing you how to build and use the jig, we’ve provided information on the best type of table saw blade to use for the spline cut.
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 key steps used in building and using the jigs 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.
Video: Meet Your Instructor
Download this short video to meet your class instructor, George Vondriska.
Video: More about Jigs and Helpers
Download this short video to hear George talk more about how using jigs makes your time in the shop more productive and fun.
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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