George Vondriska

Shop Jigs, Helpers and Shop-Made Solutions

with George Vondriska

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.

  • 6 Sessions
  • 1h 11m
George Vondriska

George Vondriska

Formally trained in technology education, George Vondriska has been teaching woodworking since 1986. He has been the managing editor of Woodworkers Guild of America since 2007. In addition to classes at his own Vondriska Woodworks School, George teaches at woodworking shows across the country and has taught woodworking for the Peace Corps, Andersen Window, Northwest Airlines and the Pentagon.

Bonus materials available after purchase

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.

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.

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 to CRAFT & HOBBY, and you can view any class.

How do I access the Bonus Materials for the class?

Go to view your class, and 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 would like and/or save them to your device.

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.

How do I contact Craft And Hobby?

If your question is about the Class content, please use the Class Discussion benefit to ask your question online – 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 craftandhobby@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-833-363-1239. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.

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