Education and Classes

Please Read Before Signing Up For A Class:

  • You must be a Guild member in good standing to attend classes.

  • Liability Waivers plus Equipment Operation and Safety Training must be completed before the start of class.

  • New Members that join the Guild on or after July 1st, and also sign up for the Habitat for Humanity Cabinet Build Class, will have their membership extended through December of the following year.

  • Members of other recognized Woodworking Groups or Guilds will be considered Members for purpose of class registration.
  • Non-members may join now.   Join Now
  • You may apply for tuition assistance from the Master Class Scholarship Program.   Application Form

2026 Class Schedule

 

    Mandatory Refresher Training

    WEC Refresher Training will be offered on General Safety and the shop's primary tools: table saw, band saw, planer, jointer, router table, drill press, drum sander and miter saw for those members requiring the new AWG Waiver/Training Record (dated November 2023).

    If you have already completed the Nov. 2023 Refresher Training on the machines you intend to use, logged by a Shop Supervisor, there is nothing further you need to do.

    If you lack Refresher Training on one or several machines and you intend to use these machines at the WEC, you can attend one of the sessions below and once the deficit machines have been covered, you are free to go. You do not have to stay the entire two hour session.

    The Refresher Training session will be offered weekly beginning 21 January 2026 continuing through 25 February 2026, on selected Sunday afternoons 1:00pm - 3:00pm, and selected Wednesday mornings 10:00 am - 12:pm. (A list of available dates are below. You can also see the schedule published on the Education Classes page of the AWG Website). Members will sign up on the AWG website. The Refresher Training sessions will be 6 persons maximum and 2 hours in duration.

    Review of the WEC Training Guide V9 (downloadable from the website, top menu, "Training Guide") for General Safety and each of the seven tools is required prior to the training session.

    Refresher training must be completed by 28 February 2026, for those members requiring an updated AWG Waiver/Training Record (October 2023 version), in order to use the shop tools.

    To sign up for the Mandatory Refresher Training, please complete the following information.

    Your Name*

    Your Email*

    Telephone contact number*

    Preferred Training Date*


    * indicates required items

    Cutting Board Group Build
    Instructors: Henry Raymond
    January 8th, 2026
    8:30am
    Cost Free
    Class will be limited to 10 participants.

    This Class is Full.

      New for 2025 the AWG will be offering several group builds and simple classes. Some will be a class fee and some not.


      The first of this type will be a cutting board group build.
      This is an opportunity to build a cutting board similar to the one in the picture. While this will be similar to a class there will be no fee charged, you will need to supply your own wood and it will require you to work on others days either at home or during normal shop times.
      We will meet on Thursday mornings until we are done. I am estimating it will take 4-5 Thursday meetings to get the cutting board completed. If you miss a Thursday you will be able to make it up by working during normal shop times or at home. This is a “glue up in steps project” and glue must be completely dry before using guild saw or a saw stop at your home.
      We will be using the table saw, router, and drum sanders. If you are not signed off on the new guild forms at the time of the class we will go through the training of that machine January 8th.

      This Class is Full.

      Class will be limited to 10 members.
      Meetings will be every Thursday morning @ 8:30am starting on January 8th and continuing on every Thursday until the for 4-5 weeks.

      To sign up for the Cutting Board Group Build, please complete the following information.

      Your Name*

      Your Email*

      Telephone contact number*

      * indicates required items

      Bandsaw Box Class
      Instructors: Bill Newman
      January 10th, 2026
      9:00am-4:00pm
      Cost $50.00
      Class will be limited to six participants.

      This Class is Full.

      Description:
      Bill Newman will present a class on the basics of making bandsaw boxes. The course will consist of demonstrations by the instructor followed by an opportunity for the participants to make a bandsaw box.

      Making bandsaw boxes provides an opportunity to make attractive items that encourage creativity on the part of the maker. The possibilities for design are limited only by the imagination of the creator. They can be puzzle boxes, boxes made from raw logs, boxes with drawers, a full-size mantel (an example will be shown) or any number of other designs. Reference material and step-by-step diagrams will be provided for some boxes to get the participants started on their own designs if they decide to pursue the topic further after the class.

      Come prepared to have a fun day of making bandsaw boxes. The participants will need to be trained and signed off on the use of bandsaws and have practiced cutting curves on the bandsaw.

      Class participants must be signed off on the Bandsaw prior to class.

      The fee for the class is $50. You must be a member in good standing to attend.
      You may pay using the PayPal button below to reserve your place in the class.
      Please respond via email at education@alabamawoodworkersguild.org with your name if you plan to take the class.

      Introduction To Scrolling
      Instructors: Linda Simsik
      January 24th, 2026
      9:00am-4:00pm
      Cost $65.00
      Class will be limited to 3 participants.

      This Class is Full.

      Description:
      A scroll saw project is one of the most pleasurable to create. The scroll saw allows you to cut different shapes and patterns out of wood. You can make toys, decorative items, quick and unique gifts or embellishments for other wood working projects. This class will cover wood selection and preparation,
      pattern selection, blades, cutting, and finishing.

      All materials will be provided, each student will leave with two completed projects, a dozen blades and any leftover wood.

      You must be signed off on the scroll saw and drill press.

      Class is limited to 3 people

      The fee for the class is $65. You must be a member in good standing to attend.
      You may pay using the PayPal button below to reserve your place in the class.
      Please respond via email at education@alabamawoodworkersguild.org with your name if you plan to take the class.

      Comfort Bird Class
      Instructors: Terri Hjetland
      January 31st, 2026
      9:00am-2:00pm
      Cost $25.00
      Class will be limited to 6 participants.

      This Class is Full.

      Description:
      Comfort birds are a joy to make and give away to people. These birds help calm anxiety and can be used in meditation or prayer. A variety of woods can
      be used to make pretty and interesting birds.

      This class is for anyone who wants to learn the fundamentals of power carving. By the end of the class, you will create a comfort bird using only 2 tools: a bandsaw and power carver. Throughout the class, the instructor will discuss power carving basics such as types of power carvers, safety and bit/burr selection. The instructor will also demo proper compound cut and carving techniques.

      You must provide your own wood blank (2” X 2” X 5”) and power carver. All burrs will be
      provided for your use in class. Bring a lunch – we’ll break for lunch around 11:30.

      Prerequisites:
      You must be certified on the bandsaw before class.

      Cost of Class: $25
      The class cost includes pattern, the use of carving, sanding, and polishing burrs, and an
      oil finish.

      Instructor Provides:
      1. Pattern
      2. Carving, sanding, and polishing burrs
      3. Oil finish

      Participants Provide:
      1. Power carver – Dremel, Fordham, or microcarver
      2. Wood blank – 2” X 2” X 5”. Hardwoods are best. Cherry, mahogany, walnut,
      and maple are good choices.
      3. Dust mask
      4. Dust collector if you have one (optional). We have several at the guild for your
      use.
      5. Light and magnification, if needed.
      6. Notebook and pen for notes (optional).

      Class is limited to 6 people

      The fee for the class is $25. You must be a member in good standing to attend.
      You may pay using the PayPal button below to reserve your place in the class.
      Please respond via email at education@alabamawoodworkersguild.org with your name if you plan to take the class.

      Beginning Intarsia Class
      Instructors: David Robinson
      February 7th, 2026
      9:00am-5:00pm
      Cost $40.00
      Class will be limited to 3 participants.

      This Class is Full.

      Description:
      In this class you will cut out 11 pieces on the scroll saw, shape the pieces with sanders and a Dremel tool(or equivalent piece of equipment), fit the pieces together, and glue the pieces together and to a backer board. 10 of the 11 pieces will be cut from the same piece of wood. The eye will be of a different piece of wood.
      All materials will be furnished.
      Participants must have a working knowledge of and be Guild certified on:
      Scroll saw
      Drill press
      Sanding machines.
      If possible, the participants should take the Introduction to Scrolling class or equivalent amount of practice using the scroll saw to cut out patterned pieces.

      Class is limited to 3 people

      The fee for the class is $40. You must be a member in good standing to attend.

      Laser Software Class
      Instructors: Henry Raymond
      February 12th, 2026
      8:30am-12:00pm
      Cost $50.00
      Class will be limited to 12 participants.

      This Class is Full.

      Description:
      This is the first of 2 classes that will assist members in being signed off to operate laser. This is not a mandatory class for those wishing to become a laser operator. This class is for those that learn easier in a classroom, hands on type environment. Lightburn can be self taught and there are a large number of YouTube videos that will assist.

      The class will focus on Lightburn software which is the design and laser operation software used to operate the guild laser.

      This class will discuss developing drawings in Lightburn, importing SVG type files into Lightburn, Lightburn hot keys and functions, and developing burns parameters for laser. You will learn how to create a drawing, add text, align and use tools in Lightburn to create specific shapes.

      Requirements

      * You must have the new liability waver signed, and you must also be signed off on general guild safety guidelines. we will not be doing this as a part of this class.

      * A laptop with the following requirements (or reserved one of the guild laptops)

      * Operating system: 64-bit Windows 7.0 or later, macOS 10.13 or later, or 64-bit Ubuntu Linux 20.04 or later A SSD is recommended but not require.

      * Lightburn offers a free 30 day trial or you can choose to purchase the software at a 75% discount using a discount code provided by the guild. Total cost to you for the software is $50. This is not an annual cost it is a one time cost.

      *The guild has 2 laptops with Lightburn available on a first come basis. Please advise Henry Raymond if you want to use the guild laptop.

      Class is limited to 12 people

      This Class is Full.

      The fee for the class is $50. You must be a member in good standing to attend.
      You may pay using the PayPal button below to reserve your place in the class.
      Please respond via email at education@alabamawoodworkersguild.org with your name if you plan to take the class.

      Class: Beginning Turning
      Instructor: Dravyn Godwin
      Class Date: Saturday February 14
      Class time: 9:00-4:00
      Cost: $50.00
      Class is limited to 5 participants

      This Class is Full.

      Like any woodworking machine, an understanding of how the machine operates and the parts that make up the machine is a must.
      Once you have that understanding, particularly with turning, you need to understand the various tools you will use on your project and what those tools are designed to do.
      Sharp tools are a must, so knowing how to sharpen lathe tools is an integral part of learning to turn.
      All of this and more will be covered in the Beginning Turning class led by Dravyn Godwin.
      In addition to being a Guild member, Dravyn is also an employee at our local WoodCraft and conducts classes at WoodCraft on Beginning Turning, Bowl Turning, Pen Turning, Ring Turning and more.
      This one-day class will provide you with an understanding of the basics of the lathe machine, turning tools and sharpening of those tools. In addition, you will gain hands on experience in turning a spindle that you will take with you.

      Practice your tuning and sign up for the follow up class that will be provided by Dravyn in March where you will turn a bowl.

      Class is limited to 5 people

      The fee for the class is $50. You must be a member in good standing to attend.

      Class: Crosscut Sled Class
      Instructor: Terry James
      Class Date: Saturday February 14
      Class time: 9:00-5:00
      Cost: $80.00
      Class is limited to 6 participants

      This Class is Full.

      Search YouTube for Crosscut Sled designs and you will quickly be overwhelmed. Not because there are so many designs, but because there are so many GOOD designs. So what makes a good design? There are many factors and no one “right” answer.

      Size
      If you do a lot of work with panels, as you would if you build cabinets, you might opt for a large sled like the large sled at the Guild. But most of the time it gets used the operation is to make repetitive cuts to relatively narrow stock. So a big sled’s weight is a disadvantage but it’s width is a plus.

      Material Security
      Generally, crosscutting can me done easily by holding the pieces by hand. But having the ability to clamp a piece when needed is a big safety advantage. Plus, if you can secure auxiliary fixtures to the sled, it’s utility is expanded.

      Material stops
      Repetitive cuts are very easy when you can set a stop block to cut multiple same-size pieces. If the stop mechanism can extend beyond the sled’s edge, even better.

      Blade safety
      Sleds can give you a false sense of safety. Especially when doing large numbers of repeats cuts. If you sled has built-in blade shrouds that’s a plus. If there are visually obvious places to put your hands (like handles), you tend to use them without even thinking. Otherwise, there is a tendency to occasionally push a sled with your hands in unsafe locations.

      Weight
      Large sleds have value, but if you only have one sled, I recommend staying on the small to medium side. They’re easy to lift, easier to use, and usually all you need. Consider, also, not making a rectangular sled. Removing parts of the sled bed reduces weight and makes them easier to push. If your table saw table is less than full size, you certainly ought to opt for a smaller size.

      This class will focus on making a medium sized crosscut sled with quite a few advanced features for material handling, blade safety, and abilty to add special use fixtures. It is designed primarily for 90 degree cuts with a single blade. But it has the ability to adapt to use with a dado stack or for beveled cuts without destroying the zero-clearance slot used for most cuts.

      Because every table saw has a slightly different spacing between the blade and each miter slot (even if you have the exact same model SawStop as the Guild does) you will likely need to do some final assembly on your own saw. But we will cover the assembly from start to completion on a Guild saw, so finishing up your sled at home should not be difficult. Naturally, if you have trouble or have questions, we’ll get them addressed even after the class.

      All materials for completing the sled will be provided. Most of the assembly will be done in class. Before coming to class, you need to note several things:
      1. Measure the distance from your blade to the closest side of each miter slot. This needs to be close, but the measurement is not super critical.
      2. Most miter slots are 3/4” wide. If your saw is different, we need to know.
      3. When you tilt your blade for beveled cuts, does it tilt to the left or right.
      4. When you change blades, does the blade nut tighten on the right side of the blade (like most cabinet saws) or the left (like many contractor saws).

      You must be signed off on:
      Table Saw
      Sliding Miter Saw (possibly)

      I will reach out to attendees shortly before class to remind you of the measurements we need.

      The fee for the class is $80. You must be a member in good standing to attend.
      You may pay using the PayPal button below to reserve your place in the class.
      Please respond via email at education@alabamawoodworkersguild.org with your name if you plan to take the class.

      Class: Mantle Clock build
      Instructor: Van Phillips
      Date: 2/28/26 and possibly 2/29/26 afternoon
      Time: 9:00-5:00
      Cost: $75.00
      Class limited to six participants

      Van Phillips will lead a class on building a Mantle Clock.
      Each student will take home a clock of their own.
      The clock will be made of Cherry wood with bright brass hardware, glass front and will include the clock works.
      All materials listed will be supplied.
      No experience is needed as Van will lead the class from detailed instructions.
      You will need to be signed off at the Guild on the following machines:
      Table saw
      Dado saw
      Joiner
      Planer
      Miter saw
      Router table

      Class is limited to 6 people

      The fee for the class is $75. You must be a member in good standing to attend.
      You may pay using the PayPal button below to reserve your place in the class.
      Please respond via email at education@alabamawoodworkersguild.org with your name if you plan to take the class.





      Habitat for Humanity Cabinet Build Class
      August 22nd, 2026
      9:00am-4:00pm
      Cost $100.00

      Each year the Guild builds kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities for a Habitat for Humanity Holiday House. This class will take you through the complete steps of building cabinets, from face frames, carcass construction, doors, dovetailed drawers, finishing, and installation in the home. You work in teams of 4-5 people and everyone gets to do every step of the project. Starting the end of August and finishing with installation mid December, the class will meet once or twice a month to complete the cabinets.

      Prerequisites:
      You must be trained and signed off on the following tools prior to first class on August 23, 2025. There will not be time during class for this training, so you need to get with a Guild supervisor for training and sign off prior to class. Items in bold are required for the first class.
      Table Saw
      Dado Saw
      Miter Saw
      Portable/Handheld Power Tools
      Drill Press
      Handheld Router
      Router Table
      Jointer and Thickness Planer are optional and only required if you opt to help with milling activities outside of the scheduled classes.

      Class 1 - August 22, 2026 - Orientation and Face Frame Build
      Class 2 - September 12, 2026 - Drawer Boxes
      Class 3 - September 26, 2026 - Doors and Drawer Fronts
      Class 4 - October 24, 2026 - Carcass Construction
      Class 5 - November 7, 2026 - Spray Finish
      Class 6 - November 21, 2026 - Attach Doors, Drawers, and Pulls
      Class 7 - Early December - Installation of Cabinets at Holiday House
      Class 8 - TBD - Holiday House Dedication

      The fee for the class is $100. You must be a member in good standing to attend.
      You may pay using the PayPal button below to reserve your place in the class. Please respond via email at education@alabamawoodworkersguild.org with your name if you plan to take the class.




      [metaslider id="3696"]