"Jointer and Planer Secrets"
2-DVD Boxed Set
At 4 hours and 38 minutes you’ll need a sackful of popcorn to get through this DVD. And don’t expect non-woodworkers to sit through more than a few minutes. But whether you are a complete novice or have been woodworking for a while I’ll wager that you’ll get some useful tips from this DVD that Varju markets through his own Web site.
He starts by explaining how the jointer and planer operate, what you use them for, and how they are complementary tools, not alternative ones. He places great emphasis on safety.
The part I found most interesting was the section at the end on how to edge-glue a solid wood panel. This falls into the category of something that’s easy to do badly but hard to do well. After showing how to prepare the boards using the jointer and the planer, Varju shows how to set the boards on blocks of wood. This enables cauls to be used to keep the joints even, and clamps to go over and under the boards to pull them together. Varju explains his method in exhaustive detail but time spent here will be more than made up by not having to flatten glued up panels later.
I sometimes wondered whether Varju, a former lawyer, thinks he’s still being paid by the hour. But settle down with that popcorn, pay attention, and prepare to learn.
-- Mark Schofield
Managing Editor of Fine Woodworking Magazine
This set of two DVDs is billed as the first in a series of “Private Woodworking Instruction in a Box”. The presentation style is interesting in that Varju talks to you as an individual. There is strong emphasis on safety, reinforced through regular habits, and his approach is extremely thorough. Covered are the principles and practices needed to convert rough-sawn timber into planks with four flat sides and four right angles. This includes some coverage of wood movement and together, it provides a thorough understanding of how to use a jointer (planer in the UK) and a planer (thicknesser).
The front of the box promises bonus footage – and does so, with 1 ¾ hours of coverage of edge-gluing a solid wood panel. Finally, he shares some of his thoughts on woodworking in general, including the hand versus machine debate, and advice on tool purchasing. Overall, this DVD offers good value-for-money and should enable the viewer to improve the quality of the end products from their planer thicknesser.
-- Alan Wadsworth
Furniture & Cabinetmaking Magazine
Imagine that you've asked a professional woodworker over to your home to give you some private lessons about using Jointers and Planers. Imagine that when the guy arrives, you find he's brought his workshop gear with him.
Sound good? Well, this two disk set of DVDs comes close to giving you just such an experience. Not surprisingly, they're labelled: Private Woodworking Instruction in a Box.
Hendrik Varju, who calls his business Passion for Wood, is located just outside Toronto in Canada. He's a professional woodworker who does a lot of things other than making fine furniture - he also repairs and re-finishes furniture, restores antiques and teaches woodworking. As a spin-off of the latter he offers an unusual service: he supplies phone or e-mail advice for a pre-determined fee on any topic related to woodworking.
This is his first foray into the production of instructional DVDs. They are divided into 13 chapters, 12 of which are devoted to using a Jointer and Planer to prepare the boards that might be used to make something like a tabletop.
First, he discusses the differences between Jointers and Planers and why one can't be used to replace the other. Then he goes on to the steps that must be taken when milling timber and, in Chapter 3, he demonstrates the Jointing of One Face.
Everything is said and shown against a background of 'reading the wood'. In fact, it is the author's quiet and continual referral to understanding how the grain and texture of the wood affects any attempt to work it, that underlies the entire presentation. It is also this that adds so much value to the instruction, since Varju tries not only to show how each task should be performed, but also the precautions that should be taken when approaching it.
Chapters 4 and 5 deal with special cases - Twisted Boards and Planing Boards Convex Side Down.
Chapters 6, 7 and 8 go on to describe the next three steps of the process: Jointing an Edge, Planing the Opposite Edge and Planing the Opposite Face.
In Chapter 9, Varju talks about arranging boards in a panel, then in Chapter 10, Improving Edge Joints before Gluing. Chapter 11 and 12 cover Edge Gluing Procedures and the Glue Up.
The final Chapter shows the procedure for Edge Gluing a Solid Wood Panel and offers some comments on a number of subjects related to woodworking and learning woodworking.
The subject matter on these DVDs will be particularly interesting to those who have never had any formal education in the craft. The presentation is easy to watch and to listen to. The main reason for this is probably that the presenter is readily recognisable as a real and talented woodworker rather than a polished performer. He makes occasional mistakes, corrects them and continues on in the same way you might expect if you had a real live teacher in front of you.
For those who can't attend a woodworking course, these DVDs offer an interesting alternative.
-- As reviewed in The Australian Woodworker Issue 137
This is a double-disc set of instruction that runs four and one-half hours long, and at first it seems somewhat repetitive as Mr. Varju goes over procedures several times. But I have to say, this is one of the few DVDs I've watched, that I didn't feel I was missing something because it went by too fast and I had to back it up to review the material. By the time you've listened to and watched Hendrik correctly and efficiently make use of his jointer and planer, you will know how to get the best and safest results from them for your own woodworking.
Beginning with safety measures and equipment, Varju discusses the different purposes of planers and jointers, then jumps right into the basic steps for milling lumber. He covers machine setup and adjustment, recommends depths of cut for different steps, and explains how to read edge grain and end grain in the wood to help prevent tear out. One section is devoted to dealing with twisted or cupped boards by wedging corners with shavings, by applying top pressure unevenly, and by listening closely to the sounds of the operation as you proceed. When planing, the importance of cutting speed and feed rate is discussed, as well as how to avoid planer snipe.
The second disc covers how to use what you've produced with the jointer and planer by gluing up multiple boards for a flat tabletop. Varju spends a considerable amount of time showing how to select the arrangement of boards for appearance and to reduce the effect of warping during seasonal humidity changes. He teaches the viewer how to alternate end-grain growth rings for stability, how to align boards with similar grain direction, and how to select for color and grain matching.
Instruction for edge gluing newly jointed boards for a full panel is very thorough. He uses support risers and clamping cauls, shows preparation in a dry run, and then gives several tips for making a complicated glue-up go smoothly. He admits to sweating. With three clamped cauls and an edge-clamped panel, he says, "If you're totally relaxed during this glue-up, you're not doing it right." He handplanes only the glue lines for clean-up afterward, and shows how to test for flatness. His methods of stock preparation and glue assembly yielded a 20"x36" tabletop that was flat within three to five-thousandths of an inch, straight out of the clamps after glue clean-up.
If you are serious about getting the best out of your mahinery, Hendrik's video instruction is worth having. To see more about his work and to order the double DVD set, visit his website at www.passionforwood.com.
-- Barb Siddiqui
Editorial Assistant of WoodCentral
After reviewing the DVD ourselves, we realized that this product will help our customers who purchase jointers and planers learn to get the most out of their machines. It is clear that Varju is not just an accomplished craftsman, but a master at passing his knowledge onto others. He is a very precise technician in describing how best to use these machines, including such rare instruction as how to stand, where the feet should be positioned, where hands and even individual fingers should be placed. Not only does Varju take viewers through the process of milling precise lumber, but he covers it with tremendous emphasis on safety practices that we feel can only benefit our customers.
We highly recommend it to all of our customers who are unsure of what their jointer and planer can really do.
-- Steel City Tool Works
Hendrik Varju’s “Jointer and Planer Secrets”. This DVD is the most thorough review of fundamental jointer and planer techniques that I have ever seen. The set also includes bonus footage where Hendrik thoroughly reviews panel glueups, the hand tools vs. power tools debate, and tips for purchasing tools. Definitely take some time to check out Hendrik’s site, Passion for Wood.
-- Marc Spagnuolo
Host of The Wood Whisperer Video Podcast
For anyone who uses either the jointer, the planer or both "Jointer and Planer Secrets" is a must see DVD. Understanding how and why these two workhorses in the woodworking shop do their jobs and more importantly how you can bring out the best in them is all found in this DVD set. Each step is detailed extensively throughout the entire DVD, there's no skipping a step or explanation for the sake of time. Watching this instruction is like being at Hendrik's shop and learning directly from him. A must watch for anyone who wants to not only learn how to use the jointer and planer, but more importantly a must watch for anyone who wants to learn how to use these tools better. After I watched it for the first time, the results I got on my jointer went from good to great. Thanks Hendrik!
-- Matt Vanderlist
Host of Matt’s Basement Workshop Podcast
I recently had an exciting opportunity to do my first review. I was sent a copy of Hendrik Varju’s Jointer and Planer Secrets. He states that this is “Private Woodworking Instruction in a Box”, to which I have to completely agree with. It’s like having a private woodworking teacher.
This video is very thorough in every aspect, especially if you are new or just in the beginning stages of your woodworking hobby. Hendrik covers in fine detail how you dimension your lumber. Also things like the theory behind how the jointer and planer work, understanding wood movement and which way the grain should be facing as you plane and joint.
As an added bonus to this set, there is an entire section on edge gluing. With excellent explanations and demonstrations on proper edge gluing techniques, there will be no excuses why your next glue up should be difficult. He also has extra footage covering topics like, “How long will it take” and “Getting advice when buying tools”.
If you are looking for some 1 on 1 training with a master craftsman, but don’t have the time or the money to go to a school or to a private shop, then this video is for you. It gives you the best of both worlds, private instruction for a minimal price. Now be forewarned that this DVD is a 2-disc set, with a total of 4 hours and 38 minutes of video. But believe me that you will learn a ton and be a better woodworker for it.
-- Kaleo Kala
Host of This Week in Wood Podcast
I heard about this DVD over at Matt's Basement Workshop. I hadn’t heard of Hendrik Varju before that, but I’m glad I know about him now. His DVD on the power Jointer and Planer is one of the best woodworking DVDs I’ve watched. It covers all of the techniques you need, to get the most out of your Jointer and Planer. If you are new to using these machines, I highly recommend this DVD. I wish I had had it when I first bought my Jointer and Planer. Many of the mistakes I made he talks about on the DVD. I’ve been using my Jointer and Planer for awhile now, but I still learned some new techniques that have saved me a lot of time with these machines.
This is a 2 DVD set and has about 4.5 hours of information on it. He spends a lot of time showing you how to deal with concave, convex and twisted boards. He also spends a bit of time showing how to read grain direction. Watching the DVD is like taking a class from him. There are very few cuts in the video, most everything is shown in real-time. There is also some bonus footage on edge-gluing techniques.
You can find out more about Hendrik Varju over at www.passionforwood.com.
-- Michael L. (Bothell, Washington, USA)
5-Star Rated Review on www.lumberjocks.com
First off let me say how much I am impressed with your double DVD set on Jointing and Planing. It is well thought out and very thorough. Kudos. I can see what a wonderful woodworker you are.
Again, congratulations on a superior course that one ups any of the other courses out there of which there are sadly precious few. You are filling an awfully big void in courses available on DVD with good, solid and insightful teaching on jointing and planing, two activities that lie at the very bedrock of ANY wood workers' daily and necessary tasks. Congrats! My hat is off to you sir. I look very forward to the next "several" courses.
I wish you all the best and much continued success in fine woodworking. Your work is of a very exacting and beautiful nature showing the fruits of years of labor and devotion. You are a wonderful teacher and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your course has really touched a lot of fine points that my many books have missed. Also I learn better seeing and hearing than just seeing or just hearing. Congratulations and God Bless!-- Steve S. (Dallas, Texas, USA)
Recently purchased Hendrik Varju's "Jointer and Planer Secrets" DVDs. Great instructional video. Thorough enough for a beginner to follow, yet contains information helpful to even an experienced woodworker. . . . one of the great things about these videos is the minimal editing. You get to see Mr. Varju performing the ENTIRE operation about which he is speaking. This makes the lessons much more effective.
Fantastic DVDs. I have never received any formal woodworking instruction, but have instead learned by trial and error...and error...and error. Some of this has been good, but you can certainly get too much of a good thing. I learned a great deal from these lessons and can hopefully now experience fewer errors and more results. I was very impressed with Mr. Varju's ability to clearly explain and demonstrate the various lessons.
I have a small suggestion, however. Perhaps you could include a brief highlight (or two) from the video on your website. While the DVDs are well worth the price, the price is not insignificant. I almost did not purchase them because I had absolutely no sense of what I was getting. There might be some folks that considered the DVDs, but declined because of uncertainty about the contents. A brief highlight or two could highlight Mr. Varju's ability and demonstrate the tremendous value of this product.
I highly recommend these DVDs to anybody that wants to learn how to more effectively utilize their jointer and planer.
-- Russell A. (Plainwell, Michigan, USA)
I received my DVDs a couple of days ago. I am extremely pleased with my purchase! Living in the middle of Texas far from any other wood workers makes it difficult to learn how to properly use my new tools. Your DVD has given me the confidence that I’m using my jointer and planer safely and that I will be able to get the highest quality from them possible. I’ve watched the DVDs a couple of times and have taken notes. I plan to watch them several more times until I feel that I have absorbed all of the tips and instructions.
I’d like to congratulate you for creating the DVDs in such a professional manner. The video and audio quality is excellent, making it easy to follow the lessons. The instructions are clear and concise leaving no apparent gaps or oversights. It is obvious that a lot of time and energy went into the production. I’m looking forward to your next set of lessons!
. . . thanks again for taking the time to create the DVD! It has been one of the best purchases I’ve made!
-- Steve C. (Brownwood, Texas, USA)
I just finished your DVD set and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am a detail oriented woodworker and am always in search of instruction on woodworking that not only tells how to do something, but also goes into detail about the how, and also discusses what can go wrong. Your video answered all my questions and then some. I also liked how you dispelled common myths such as the starved glue joint. . . .
I hope that this will be the first of many videos from your shop. . . . Good luck with your business!
-- Jim G. (Martinez, Georgia, USA)
The DVD by Hendrik Varju is very detailed, thorough and methodical. He explains how to use a jointer to flatten any kind of warpage, cupping or twist. . . . Every time I watch it I pick up a couple of tips I had missed previously. . . . I have watched both DVD's 4 times and will watch more thru the years as a refresher course. His marking method has been useful to me and has reduced tear out when edge jointing. I also have a much better arsenal of ideas to deal with twisted boards.
-- Kip E. (Shannon, Illinois, USA)
I really got my money's worth out of your DVD! It took the mystery out of the jointing and planing process, and gave me confidence that I would not have gotten out of a book or magazine. I look forward to the next one, and am hoping for the subject to be hand planing! I am finishing up my first commisioned piece, a mid-century modern style desk of my design, and your DVD got my milling off to a good start. Thanks!
-- Mike G. (Russellville, Arkansas, USA)
I just want to compliment you on your DVD, you've done a great job. It explains in simple and easy to follow instructions on how to prepare lumber for woodworking projects.... you have a lot of good tips ...do's and don'ts. I love your cat analogy. I never could tell which way the grain was running and which end to feed first... If got tear out I would just flip the board and try from the other end .
This is a must see for my daughter. She built her own house and now she has all kinds of projects to work on.
Thank you.
-- Al S. (Scarborough, Ontario, Canada)
I've really enjoyed Hendrik on the podcast. I just finished watching Jointer and Planer Secrets and it was WELL worth the time and money. I learned so much about milling that would have taken me years to discover on my own.
-- Christopher B. (Dexter, Missouri, USA)
I finished watching your DVDs and conclude that you are an excellent teacher and woodworker. The best part was discovering how to use jointers and planers, but I learned much about edge-glueing boards together also. (My kitchen table was made with factory-milled edges.) Your guidance on how to convince one's wife that time is not being wasted was very true!
Your DVDs are great learning aids - very clear and complete. I hope that you will continue to make them for other tools and woodworking techniques, and trust that you will advise me when they are available for purchase.
Now I must go watch them again.
-- Charles H. (Orangeville, Ontario, Canada)
Just finished the 2 DVD's on Jointer and Planer Secrets. That was wonderful........ am ready to purchase another DVD of your experience and expertise. Are you working on another? When might it be out? Keep up the wonderful work!
-- Chuck F. (Omaha, Nebraska, USA)