Shop Jigs, Helpers and Shop-Made Solutions
George Vondriska
Class Preview
- In-depth Instruction; over 72 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
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.
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.
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