Education and Classes

Please note:

  • You must be a Guild member in good standing to attend classes.
  • Members of other recognized Woodworking Groups or Guilds will be considered Members for purpose of class registration.
  • Non-members may join now.   Join Now
  • Liability Waivers plus Equipment Operation and Safety Training should be completed before the start of class.
  • You may apply for tuition assistance from the Master Class Scholarship Program.   Application Form

2024 Class Schedule

 

Thursday Fundamentals Workshop

Every Thursday Evening
5:00pm-8:00pm
Cost Free

Join us every Thursday evening from 5:00pm to 8:00pm for a Woodworking Fundamentals Workshop. On the first and third Thursday each month we will cover a different topic related to woodworking, from sharpening blades, table saw techniques, panel glue-ups, resawing on the bandsaw, etc. You can also get your questions answered related to your current project.

The Hand Tool Workshop overlaps part of this time slot. If you have an interest in working with traditional tools and techniques we encourage you to come early and get involved with that group as well.

On Thursdays other than the first and third Thursdays this will be conducted as a workshop where you can bring your personal projects and we can use those as examples while learning as a group.

We encourage members of the Hand Tool Workshop to use this time to continue working on hand tool projects as well. Hopefully Guild members who work will be able to continue their project work later into the evening than the official Hand Tool Group hours

Topics for the week can be found on the website's calendar under each Thursday.

The cost is free unless noted on the calendar for a special project that requires an additional material fee.

Though not required, if you plan on attending a Thursday night class it would be helpful for planning if you could send an email to education@alabamawoodworkersguild.org and just let us know you plan to show up.


 

Introduction to Scrolling with Linda Simcik

Class Date: August 3rd, 2024
Class Time: 9:00am-4:00pm with break for lunch
Cost $65.00
Class size is limited to 3 participants.
Class Full
Class 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 woodworking 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.

This class is for those who have not taken a beginning scroll class.
Since this is an all day class, bring your lunch.
Participants need to be signed off on the scroll saw and drill press.
Class Full
The fee for the class is $65.00. You must be a member in good standing to attend.


 

Habitat for Humanity Cabinet Build Class

August 24th, 2024
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.

Class 1 - August 24, 2024 - Orientation and Face Frame Build
Class 2 - September 14, 2024 - Drawer Boxes
Class 3 - September 28, 2024 and September 24, 2024 - Doors and Drawer Fronts
Class 4 - October 12, 2024 - Carcass Construction
Class 5 - October 26, 2024 - Spray Finish
Class 6 - November 9, 2024 - 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.





 

Beginning Intarsia Class with David Robinson

Class: Beginning Intarsia(11 piece fish) with David Robinson
Date: August 31, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Cost: $35
Class is limited to 3 participants.
Class Full
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 be certified and have a working knowledge of the scroll saw, drill press, and sanding machines in the WEC. 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 Full


 

Picture Frame Class with Henry Raymond

Class Date: September 21st, 2024
Class Time: 1:00pm-5:00pm
Cost $35.00
Class size is limited to 6 participants.
Class Full
We will learn to use the table saw picture frame jig to cut material to size.
We will use either the router table or dado table saw to cut the rabbit for the picture.
Participants are welcome to bring their own material for a frame but it must be pre-approved by instructor to ensure it is compatible with the jigs.
If you have a picture you would like to frame feel free to bring it but let the instructor know the size so ample material will be available.
We will be using common cherry or something similar 1”x3” for frame material or whatever you provide but must be approved by instructor.
We will learn to use the new “V” nailer for assembling the frames.
Participants need to be signed off on the table/dado saw and router table.
Class Full


 

Advanced Intarsia Class with Chris Hutto

Class: Advanced Intarsia Class with Chris Hutto
Date: November 2, 2024
Time: 9:00-5:00
Cost: $75
Class size: 3
Class Full
Chris Hutto will conduct an advanced Intarsia class for those interested in advancing this unique woodworking skill. Each participant will lay-out, cut, and sculpt their own project. The class will cover pattern selection, material selection, grain orientation, scroll saw techniques, sculpting or shaping, backboards and finishing. Due to the time required for drying, the participants will actually finish their project at home. We expect the class to last all day so bring your lunch.
The class is open to all AWWG members who are signed off on the scroll saw and have completed Linda Simcik’s beginning scrollsaw class and/or David Robinson’s beginning Intarsia class or those individuals who have similar scrollsaw experience. Expert scroll saw use is not required but one should be completely comfortable with its use. All materials will be furnished. Due to the limited number of scroll saws available, the class will be limited to 3 participants.
Class Full


 

Ring Turning Class with Dravyn Godwin

Class: Ring Turning Class with Dravyn Godwin
Date: November 23, 2024
Time: 9:00-5:00
Cost: $75
Class size: 8

In this class we will learn how to make wood rings with a steel core. You will have your choice of several types of wood. For this class you will need at least an intermediate knowledge of the lathe, this is not a great class to take for people unfamiliar with the lathe. Participants must provide their ring size prior to the start of the class. Everyone will go home with their own ring mandrel so they can make their own rings at home after taking the class. All materials will be supplied by instructor.