Table Saw Essentials
George Vondriska
Class Preview
1:36:33
- In-depth Instruction; over 97 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Session # 1: Getting Started
46:18
Before making any cuts, let’s make certain your table saw can do everything you ask it to do. We’ll look at:
• Parallelism between the blade and fence
• Getting perfectly square cuts
• Calibrating your rip fence and blade height
• Choosing the correct blade
• Ensuring your blades are sharp, clean, and ready to cut
• Taking care of your saw
Session #2: Using the Table Saw
20:36
Starting with safety, we’ll take you through how to rip boards, including when to use a push stick and how to position your hands and body. Then we’ll move on to crosscutting techniques, including a great tip for easily crosscutting wide material.
Rabbets require a sacrificial fence, and resawing requires the use of a featherboard. This session shows you how to make your own sacrificial fence and how to use it, and how to safely position and use a featherboard.
Session #3: Thin Rips, Bevels, Cutting Metal
14:43
Many woodworking projects call for exceptionally thin pieces, such as edge banding and splines. We’ve got a great approach that allows you to cut these small parts safely, with your guard in place. We’ll also show you to set perfect angles on your saw blade and miter gauge.
You may not know this, but the table saw provides a great way to cut thin walled non-ferrous metals. This session teaches you about the perfect blade for this work, and how to safely make the cuts.
Session #4: Dadoes, Rabbets and Grooves
14:23
Stackable dado heads are a must-have if you plan on doing joinery on your table saw. This session shows you how to stack the dado head so you don’t chip a tooth, a great trick for setting the height of the dado head, and how to safely cut dadoes.
Making a wide cut doesn’t always mean using a dado head. With proper set up, you can use a standard rip blade to cut custom-sized grooves and rabbets.
Session #5: Class Summary
0:33
A table saw is often the center piece of a shop. Refining and practicing the techniques you’ll learn in this Class will make you a better woodworker, and help you create more and better pieces.
It’s hard to imagine a woodworking shop that doesn’t include a table saw. Whether you’re rough cutting stock to size, taking it to its final dimensions, or doing the joinery required for your woodworking project, a table saw has you covered. This instructional video class provides you with must-have information for setting up and safely using your table saw.
STARTING OUT
Your table saw won’t be much good to you if you don’t have it set up correctly. You’ve got to check the alignment of the blade to the miter gauge slot and the rip fence, and make sure the saw is cutting at 90-degrees. We’ll show you high- and low-tech methods, so you can choose the approach that works best for you.
It’s important to use the right tool for the job, and this is very true of table saw blades. Alternate top bevel, triple chip grind, flat top grind, hook angle, tooth count — what does it all mean? What differentiates a rip blade from a crosscut blade? You’ll learn exactly what you need to know to make certain you’re always putting the right blade on the saw.
SAFETY
Ripping, crosscutting, or cutting dadoes, you need to make sure you’re safe. This class provides you with safety rules for the table saw, and shows you where to stand, how to position your hands, and how to stay out of harm’s way.
TECHNIQUES
With the saw properly set up and safety techniques at your fingertips, you’re ready to get to work. We’ll teach you how to rip and crosscut, set up a stackable dado head, cut rabbets, and even how to cut non-ferrous metal; essential techniques for getting the most out of your saw.
In addition to the detailed video instruction you’ll receive, this online class provides you with 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 points of the class instruction and a resources document that will help you find the products and elements you’ll see 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
