George Vondriska

Hand-Held Router Techniques

with George Vondriska

Hand-held routers are incredibly versatile. Used properly, they can add detail to an edge, create rock solid joints, add decorative details and more. There are many keys to successful and safe router use, and we’re proud to bring you a broad selection of router know-how in this class.

Start with the Basics

What are the advantages and disadvantages of plunge and fixed base routers? When installing a router bit, just how much of the shank should be in the collet? Is it better to use 1/4″ or 1/2″ shank router bits? How do you know what the correct (and safe) feed direction is? We start by answering these questions, and so much more. This will significantly increase your confidence level when using a hand-held router. We’ll also provide you with buying advice that will help you make good choices on future router purchases.

Make the Cut

There are definitely right and wrong approaches when using a router. We’ll talk about what not to do, and provide you with the correct techniques that will help you achieve the best results with your router. In addition to general router skills, you’ll learn some great tricks that will simplify setting your router bits to a precise depth, every time.

Specific Skills

Once you’re comfortable with setting up and using your router for basic cuts, we’ll increase your router vocabulary by teaching you some more advanced skills. These can be used to simplify the work you do on your woodworking projects, make your projects look better and more professional, and add interesting decorative elements.

There are over 90 minutes of hands-on video instruction in this class. In addition to the detailed video help you’ll receive, this class provides you with some downloadable 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 speed chart to help you determine the best speed to run your bits.

  • 6 Sessions
  • 1h 40m
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

Hand-Held Router Techniques - Resources

What is the “Purchase” option all about?

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If I’m a paid Premium or Gold Member of Craftsy, do I need to purchase the Class to have access?

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How do I know what the Class covers?

Nearly every Class has a free “Class Preview” video clip. This will give you a flavor for the Class Instructor and the skills or project that you’ll learn in the Class. In addition, each Class Lesson has a brief written summary of its content, including the length of each Lesson video. Lastly, under the Bonus Materials tab, you can see what extra elements are included with the video Class – usually a printable PDF resource, or two, is included. You will get a good feel for the complete Class content by reviewing these various elements.

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Absolutely not. Anyone can “Purchase-to-Own” a Class without the commitment of Premium Membership. If you’re not a Member, when you click on the “Get Class Access” button, you’ll be given a couple purchase options. One of those options is to purchase the Class on its own. You would then own the Class and have access to it in your Craftsy account permanently – weather you’re a Member or not. Do keep in mind, however, that as a benefit of Craftsy Membership, you would have access to all Classes on the Craftsy site as long as your Membership is valid.

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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 Lesson before you purchase-to-own, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase the Class, simply click the “Get Class Access” (or it may show “Purchase Option”) and proceed. You will be given the option to join as a Premium Member of Craftsy, giving you access to this and all other then-active Classes throughout the term of your Premium Membership, or to purchase this one Class only, which you would then have access to perpetually.

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If/when you are a Craftsy Premium or Gold Member, you will have access to all then-active Classes on Craftsy. In that case, you can simply visit any Class page and enjoy the videos (be sure you’re logged in to your Membership Account). If you are not a paid Member of Craftsy, but have completed a “Purchase-to-Own” transaction, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of Craftsy. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “Classes” will appear, including a link to watch the videos of your Class and to access any Bonus Materials included. You can access your Class(es) 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.

Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?

No. You can view any Class as many times as you want, whenever you want – as long as your Membership to Craftsy is valid and paid, or if you elected to “Purchase-to-Own” a Class.

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How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?

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How does the Class Discussion benefit work?

Once you become a Craftsy Premium Member, or purchase-to-own a Class, you’ll have the ability to post a question, comment, or tip in the Class Discussion area. You’ll find the Class Discussion tab directly below the Class video frame. This is not a “live chat,” but a subject matter expert may answer posted questions. The responses may not be from the actual Class Instructor. You’ll be able to see all Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have viewed the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.

Can I print out Class Bonus Materials?

For any Bonus Materials element that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Found within the Bonus Materials tab, directly below the Class video frame, just click on the icon/button for any of the extra Class elements you want, download the asset, and print with your local printer.

Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?

Your Class video content is best enjoyed when viewed on a device manufactured in the past few years, with a good broadband Internet or WIFI connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, Chrome, or Edge as your Internet Browser. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.

Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?

If your access to a Class is through Premium Membership in Craftsy, then there is no refund available on any specific Class. A refund on a Craftsy Premium Membership will be applied on a pro-rata basis, within the then-existing term of your Craftsy Premium Membership. If you did “Purchase-to-Own” a given Class, yes we want to make you happy. Even though you will have been able to view all videos and download any Bonus Materials, we have a 100% money-back guarantee on any Class you purchase on an a la carte basis (Purchase-to-Own). This refund is available if you request it within 30 days of your Class purchase. Please direct any refund request to our Customer Service team, using the Contact Us information on Craftsy.com. In an attempt to avoid this situation, please review the Class Preview video and the various other written descriptions of the Class and each Lesson before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.

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Hand-Held Router TechniquesJoin Craftsy to continue watching for $10.00 per month / $97.00 per year or purchase this class for $39.99.