Live edge slabs provide a very unique look, and frequently change the way you create your projects. With slabs we commonly let the slab dictate the final appearance and size, creating an organic look. This class, and the companion book Woodworker’s Guide to Live Edge Slabs, will give you the information you need to work with slabs.
Right from the Start
It’s important to have an understanding of how slabs are cut and dried, so we start with a visit to a sawmill to learn about cutting, stacking, and drying lumber. On a smaller scale you can use your bandsaw or chainsaw to convert logs to lumber using techniques learned in this class.
Let your Creative Juices Flow
We’ve provided you with two galleries. One shows you a number of different live edge projects, from charcuterie boards to dining room tables. The other shows you a variety of ways you can put legs on your projects; from hairpin legs to wooden leg and rail assemblies. Use these galleries to enhance your own ideas, or to show possibilities to people you’re building for.
Working with Slabs
How do you get a huge slab that won’t fit through your planer flat? How can you tell if the bark will stay stuck? If there are voids or cracks in the slabs, what’s the best way to fill them? All these questions will be answered, and the class will also take you through:
-Adding bowties and other inlays
-Laying out and cutting waterfall edges
Class Sessions
Introduction
1:03
The Possibilities
11:23
Look at the gallery of project images we’ve provided for you to get ideas about the great projects you can make from live edge slabs. You’ll find tables, desks, charcuterie boards and more. Use our gallery to five friends, family, and customers ideas about what you could make from them.
Understanding Slabs
7:30
Where do slabs come from? Trees, of course, but there’s more to it than that. Let’s look at sawmills and how they’re used to turn logs into lumber. Sealing end grain, stickering, stacking and waiting are next.
Cut Your Own Slabs
13:33
Even if you don’t own a sawmill you can convert logs to lumber. Grab your chainsaw (no need for a special chain) and get cutting. You can also use your bandsaw like a sawmill.
Leveling Slabs
13:07
No matter how carefully a slab was dried it most likely won’t be perfectly flat. A slab mill, shop-made or commercially made, along with the right router bit, makes short work of flattening slabs.
Dealing with Bark and Live Edges
14:37
Bark on, or bark off? Well. It depends. You’ll need to double-check the bark to make sure it’s capable of staying on. You can then use a draw knife to remove the bark, if you want to, or a variety of tools to soften the sharp edges on the bark.
Creating a Waterfall Edge
10:54
Waterfall edges are beautiful, allowing the grain on the horizontal surface to flow into the grain on the leg. This creates some layout and cutting challenges. Layout is done working from a center axis. The miter cut is done using a saw and guide.
Cutting in Bow Ties
16:55
Bowties can be used for aesthetics, to add visual interest, or as a structural aspect of your work to add strength. With a few tips and tricks, it’s easy to cut bowties, and a variety of other shapes, using templates and your router equipped with a guide bushing.
End Grain or Long Grain
6:08
You can work with live edge slabs that are long grain, meaning the grain direction is parallel to the edge, or slabs that are cookies. Cookies, also called log rounds, are cross-sections of a tree. Working with cookies, and reducing cracking, is a different process than how we deal with long grain slabs.
Epoxy-filled voids
31:22
Leg Options
11:40
There are MANY options for putting legs under your live edge slab projects. Waterfall legs, slab legs, mortise and tenon bases, hair pin legs... This gallery provides you with ideas you can take to your shop and show the people you’re making projects for.
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
Project Plan - Working with Live Edge Slabs
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.
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.
