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Mastering Essential Jobsite ToolsĀ 

with Gary Striegler

  • Over 5 Hours of Video Instruction
  • Reference Articles Included

FULL COURSE CONTENT AVAILABLE 12/16/25

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Course Introduction

From measuring to marking material to cutting and joining it, today there are specialty tools for nearly every step of a modern trim carpenter's work. And still, there are a handful of essential tools that get used more than anything else. The miter saw, tablesaw, router, and benchtop thickness planer are the essential jobsite tools that every carpenter needs and will turn to again and again throughout their day and their career. Once you know how to use these tools safely, for their most basic tasks, and to maintain them well, you can move on to more advanced uses, including using jigs that almost infinitely expand their potential. You'll learn all of that, and more in this course with veteran trim carpenter and tool junkie, Gary Striegler.

What You'll Learn In This Course:

  • Why the miter saw, tablesaw, router, and benchtop planner are essential for today's trim carpenters
  • Understand proper tool setup and why it's essential for getting accurate results
  • Get professional advice for working safely with your power tools
  • Basic uses and master advanced techniques of these essential jobsite tools
  • Using jigs that extend the potential of these fundamental jobsite tools

Who Should Enroll in Mastering Jobsite Tools?

Novice carpenters and homeowners who want to learn to use tools safely and efficiently and intermediate carpenters who want to learn to get more from their jobsite power tools.

Why Should you Purchase this Class for Your Employees?

In a few hours, Gary takes us from learning what each tool is and does, to using it safely for basic purposes, to using it with the confidence and experience of a carpenter with 50 years under his tool belt.

Is it Important to have the Tools before I take the Course?

No, in fact, Gary will cover some features that you may want to consider in your tool purchase. However, you may find yourself revisiting the course once you own and start using your new tools.

Is a Thickness Planer Really an Essential Jobsite Tool?

Gary thinks so. It's not just about getting rough lumber to dimension. It's an excellent tool for surfacing a board, can cut multiple boards to precise width, doesn't leave kerf marks or burns, and with a simple jig, can be used to flatten twisted or cupped boards.

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Gary Striegler

Second-generation builder Gary Striegler owns Striegler and Associates, a Fayetteville, Ark., company specializing in millwork and interior details. A frequent Fine Homebuilding contributor, Gary also teaches at the Marc Adams School of Woodworking (marcadams.com) where he focuses on the execution of custom architectural woodworking, presents at some of the industry's most prominent trade-show seminars, and volunteers for Mercy International in Honduras.