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
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.
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.
Class: Sanding Block and Sanding Stick Class
Instructor: Henry Raymond
Date: 3/5/26 and 3/12/26. Must attend both dates.
Time: 8:30-noon
Cost: $35.00
Class limited to ten participants
Starting March 5th the Thursday morning group will make sanding blocks similar to below pic. We will also make 1/2 round sanding sticks and some flat sheet sanding pieces.
All materials will be provided as a part of the class. For the sanding block wood pieces we will be using scrap wood. these pieces need to be at least 4.5" X 2.5" X .75"
If you have any you are welcome to use it.
This class will involve using a jig on the band saw and drill press. We will also be using the table saw, band saw, edge sander, drill press, planner, joiner as well as the lathe.
You must be signed off on all the equipment except the lathe and laser. Those not signed off on lathe will go through some elementary training on lathe. Training on laser will not be a part of this class. We will only use the laser to engrave the blocks and 1/2 rounds under the supervision of a qualified laser operator.
Completion of parts may require some separate time at the guild to finish. This class will be 2 consecutive Thursday mornings from 8:30-noon. Henry Raymond is the supervisor Friday March 13th and will be available to help you finish during that time if needed.
When completed you will have (5) sanding blocks, (4) 1/2 round sanding sticks and (4) flat blocks and sandpaper for each.
Class is limited to 10 people
The fee for the class is $35. You must be a member in good standing to attend.
Class: Scalable Stool Build using the Festool Domino
Instructor: David Cockrell
Date: 3/7/26
Time: 9:00-4:00
Cost: $110.00
Class limited to eight participants
Our first class is going to be building a scalable stool using the Festool Domino which the Guild does possess.
The class will be led by David Cockrell, whom many will know from City Hardwoods, here in Birmingham.
If you have ever visited City Hardwoods you have seen the beautiful kitchen and dining room tables and end tables they have built and have on display. They build these tables with the Festool Domino. Each student will take home their own stool.
Festool Domino
This is a class for anyone who would like to learn how to utilize the Festool Domino system in various ways. During the process of making a small stool, you will learn make use of the versatility of the Domino to align the boards for a panel glue up as well as set up bread board ends for the panel, make floating tenons for construction of the base, and use the mortises as a point to connect the top and base using z-clip style attachments. The construction of the stool is easily scaled up to become an end table, dining table, or countless other projects using the same concepts.
The instructor will provide milled lumber for each part of the process including a panel for the top.
Class is limited to 8 people
The fee for the class is $110. You must be a member in good standing to attend.
Class: Turning a Basic Bowl
Instructor: Dravyn Godwin
Date: 3/7/26 and possibly 2/29/26 afternoon
Time: 9:00-4:00
Cost: $75.00
Class limited to five participants
You must be certified on the Lathe
Our second class offered in March is a continuation in the progression of Turning. February 14 Dravyn will be leading a class on The Basics of Turning. After some practice following this class, the March class is putting in to practice the skills learned, with a basic bowl as the finished product.
If you have already learned the skills of basic turning (outside of the February class) and have had some practice, this class is for you.
Have you ever wanted to turn a raw piece of wood into a beautiful, functional bowl? Join us for this hands-on workshop designed specifically for beginners—no prior woodworking experience is necessary! Under the guidance of an experienced instructor, you will learn the fundamentals of wood lathe safety, tool selection, and basic bowl-turning techniques.
Class is limited to 5 people
The fee for the class is $75. You must be a member in good standing to attend.
Class: The Art of Inlay led by Jack Smoot
Instructor: Jack Smoot
Date: 3/14/26 9:00-4:00 and
3/15/26 1:00-4:00
Cost: $200.00
Class limited to fifteen participants
Our third class to be offered is a first in a Master Series of offerings. This will be a class on the Art of Inlay and will be led by Jack Smoot. Jack's bio is listed on the WEC website, please take a look. Jack visited us back in 2021 and conducted a very successful class that was well attended.
During the day and a half workshop Jack will teach the process of inlaying Mother of Pearl, Abalone, and metal. These materials can be inlaid on musical instruments, boxes, and furniture. Jack will have some simple designs everyone can inlay in wood. After the first project you will inlay designs on something you have made – a box, musical instrument, drawer, etc. Bring a project, some designs and plenty of enthusiasm.
Sunday, March 15, from 1-4, Jack will also do a demonstration of inlaying a rosette in a soundboard. While this is geared more towards the Luthier Group, it still has practical application from the previous days lessons. Jack can be contacted via email (jcksmt@yahoo.com) with questions regarding their own designs.
Students are asked to provide their own Dremel tools, router bases and jeweler saw frames. Also helpful would be wearable magnifiers like the Optivisor or other lighted magnification. If their router bases have an attachment for an air hose they might want to invest in a small air pump similar to those used for aquariums. A dust mask rated for fine dust particles would be recommended. Hearing protection would be a good idea too. When folks are routing it begins to sound like the dentist office of your worst nightmare. 😊
Jack Smoot bio
Woodworking was a natural progression of Jack’s interest from childhood in learning how things are put together.
He built his first mountain dulcimers in the mid 1980’s: the first for his daughter and the second for himself, as a
means of giving her a way to pursue traditional music, as well as for them do this together. Those dulcimers were
built according to a 2-page instruction in a 1985 edition of The Woodworker’s Journal. Jack continued to build as well
as play the instruments whose name means ‘sweet sound’.
It was also at a dulcimer gathering that Jack met his now-wife, Sally. Sally introduced Jack to the John C Campbell
Folk School, where his first class was in dulcimer building under the instruction of dulcimer builder, Horger Knight;
they became friends. When the school was looking for additional dulcimer instructors, Horger recommended Jack,
and Jack began teaching there in the mid 1990’s; he continues to teach week-long dulcimer building classes. He also
serves on the folk school’s board of directors.
After retirement from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources as an historic site administrator at a grist mill
and covered bridge, Jack and Sally moved to Brasstown, NC, to enjoy the folk school and surrounding community. He
works in his home shop building dulcimers, ukuleles and an occasional washtub bass; he also made the Windsor
chairs around the dining room table. His work in instrument building led to the interest in developing inlay skills.
Jack graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1975 with a major in art and minor in philosophy; in his
own words, “virtually useless in the job market”. Subsequent jobs included work as a chimney sweep, a public school
art teacher, an upholsterer, and an exhibit designer/builder at the Missouri state museum; the latter led him to his
long term career in historic preservation.
He has been a long-time member of the Society for the Preservation of Old Mills, and has served on its board.
Jack has been known to tell a story or two, and to enjoy a good martini....but only after closing down the woodshop.
He is also especially proud of the extensive rubber chicken collection, including his rubber chicken inlays, one of a
kind.
He is grateful for his ability to enjoy woodworking, as well as for the opportunities to pass on what he has learned.
Class is limited to 15 people
The fee for the class is $200. You must be a member in good standing to attend.
Class: Charcuterie Board with Epoxy River Build
Instructor: Bob Baumgartner and Rick Ford
Date: 3/28/26 & 4/4/26
Time: 9:00-4:00
Cost: $125.00
Class limited to eight participants
Our fourth class to be offered in March is the build of a unique Charcuterie Board with an Epoxy River flowing through.
Charcuterie boards can be the focal point of formal or informal gatherings, especially when you have made the board! This board will definitely stand out as a specialty to be admired.
Once you have learned the process for making this board, the possibilities for transferring this skill are endless.
Have you ever wanted to incorporate some epoxy resin into some of your woodworking projects? We will be making a charcuterie board with an epoxy river for each student to take home with them.
Each student will need to bring their own wood to fit into a 12”x18” mold. Some cherry wood will be available if a student wants to build their board out of cherry. All other materials will be provided.
It will also be good if we can meet Friday, March 27th for about an hour, although not required. The reason for this is to assemble the molds and caulk all the mold edges. We will go over the process for those who can not attend the Friday meeting.
Requirement: If you want to build your board smaller than the 12” x 18” mold size, please contact Bob Baumgartner or Rick Ford before the first-class date. This will allow for placing a divider and caulking it before class, so epoxy resin is not wasted (it’s expensive).
Class is limited to 8 people
The fee for the class is $125. You must be a member in good standing to attend.
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 22, 2026. 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.