There’s nothing more important about working in your shop than safety. If you want to have a long future in woodworking, you’ve got to know how to use your tools safely and properly.
This class will provide you with the fundamental information you need to safely operate the mainstream tools common to most woodshops. In addition to general safety information that you need in the shop, you’ll learn specific safety rules for these tools:
Table saw
Jointer
Planer
Bandsaw
Hand-held router
Drill press
Router table
Miter saw
Lathe
Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker, or just getting started, you’ll get many safety tips from this class. In fact, as a seasoned woodworker, you may find that you’ve developed bad habits. Part of being safety conscious is learning the right way to do things, and unlearning any bad habits that you’ve developed over time. This Shop Safety Class will help you with both of these tasks!
Passing along your knowledge
One of the greatest things about woodworkers is their tendency to share their woodworking with others; neighbors, relatives, kids, Scout groups….woodworkers are a giving group. It’s important that as you pass your woodworking along to others, you’re teaching them the best, and safest, possible means of working with tools. Be completely sure that the methods you’re teaching are safe.
Print outs for your shop
A detailed printable Class Guide is included, as it is with all our classes, to serve as a reminder of what you learn in class. In addition to that, you’ll also receive with this class:
Bowl turning speed chart
Spindle turning speed chart
Router bit speed chart
A rule poster for each tool that you can post in your shop
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: General safety
10:20
Regardless of what you’re doing in your shop, there are general rules that apply to every task. Learn about personal protective equipment, tips for being safety conscious and general procedures to follow for making sure that your shop environment is a safe environment. Following these general guidelines will get you started on creating a safe work atmosphere.
Session 2: Table saw safety
21:41
At the heart of most woodworking shops, a table saw can do many functions. Of all the tools you have, you’ll probably spend the most time running this one. Make sure you’re using it safely by learning about:
- Splitters and riving knives
- Kickback
- Body position at the saw
- Using push sticks and push pads
-Safe use of the miter gauge and rip fence
Session 3: Jointer safety
8:26
A great tool for straightening edges and flattening faces, jointers are high on the must-have list for many woodworkers. Used properly, they’re wonderful tools. Learn about hand position, when to use a push pad or push stick, safely edge jointing, and safely face jointing.
Session 4: Planer safety
6:48
Like table saws, planers have a kickback zone you need to be aware of. Another important aspect of safely using a planer is understanding the minimum board length for your machine. Running too short a board through the machine can be very bad. Planers also have pinch points you need to know about, and maintenance that should be regularly performed.
Session 5: Miter saw safety
10:52
We’ll start with proper blade selection for miter saws, and move on to correctly handling the saw. It’s especially important on sliding miter saws to cut in the correct direction, which comes down to pushing or pulling the saw, one of which is much safer than the other. You’ll also learn about the benefit of lasers on miter saws, and how you might be able to add one to your machine if it doesn’t already have one.
Session 6: Lathe safety
13:49
You’ll receive both a spindle and bowl turning speed chart with the class; critical to ensuring you’re running your material at the correct rpm. Additionally, you’ll learn about positioning the tool rest, prepping material for safe turning, tips for safe sanding and finishing on the lathe, and the benefits of wearing a respirator while turning.
Session 7: Drill press safety
5:58
Controlling rpm on the drill press is very important, as is securing your work to the table to make certain it doesn’t “helicopter.” You’ll also learn tips about securing drill bits in the chuck, drilling metal, and peck drilling.
Session 8: Hand-held router safety
10:13
Spinning router bits at a high rpm is what allows router bits to cut so well. It’s also what can make them dangerous to use incorrectly. Learn about properly installing a router bit, correct and safe feed direction and how to manage cords. Use the provided router bit speed chart to make sure you’re running the router bit at the right speed.
Session 9: Bandsaw safety
12:13
General cutting techniques, resawing, cutting roundstock….each of these is covered to help make sure you’re using your bandsaw safely. We’ll also cover positioning of the upper guide, when to push your work versus pull your work past the blade, and using featherboards and push pads to stabilize your cuts.
Session 10: Router table safety
9:22
You’re likely to use large diameter bits on a router table, so be sure to reference the provided speed chart. We’ll discuss safe and proper feed direction, and proper positioning of the router table fence for edge cuts and dadoes. You’ll see how featherboards and push sticks can be used to help keep your hands well away from the cutter.
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 many Shop Safety tips you’ll see in the class video.
Class Resources & Speed Charts PDF
Print this reference for proper speed in running a router and lathe, and information on where to get the items used in this class.
Shop Safety Posters PDF
These small printable signs are a great reminder for key safety tips on each of the main power tools in a shop.
Meet Your Instructor
Download this short video to meet your class instructor, George Vondriska.
Video: More about Shop Safety
Download this short video to hear George talk more about the critical importance of shop safety.
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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