Classes are open to all Des Moines Woodworkers Association members. For insurance purposes, you must be a current member of the Des Moines Woodworkers Association to sign up for classes. Not a member, then use the button to the right, submit your membership registration and pay membership dues.
Whether you are new to woodworking or a seasoned woodworker, we have some amazing classes for you. The schedule is not completely set but we are excited to share what we have on tap so far. We like to start the session out with a couple of classes to help new woodworkers become comfortable with common woodworking tools. (Do not worry if you are new and cannot make these tool classes as most classes will introduce you to any tools you will need for the particular class.) All our classes are hands-on. Students leave with new skills and often with a piece of woodworking to show off those skills. This year we are also offering a new class with a slightly different format. Instead of working in the shop during class time, the instructor will provide students with the plans and sections to complete prior to each class. Students will work on the project in their own shops during the week and come together with the instructor each week to discuss skills learned and any struggles.
Our stellar instructors include:
Phil Huber, host of the TV show WoodSmith Shop
Logan Wittmer, Editor in Chief of Popular Woodworking
Craig Ruegsegger, former Deputy Editor of WOOD Magazine
Ron Stookey, former industrial arts (then known as, “shop”) teacher at Hoover High School.
Most classes are held at either Chuck’s Shop in West Des Moines, IA or Logan’s Shop in Runnells, IA.
Class tuition and locations vary by class this session, so be sure to check those details below. A list of required tools and materials will be determined by the instructor and may vary widely depending on students’ choice of wood.
Note: Project materials are not included in the tuition unless specified.
To sign up for a class, click the registration button for the class below. Spots are limited, so sign up soon if you're interested!
If you have any questions, use Contact Us form.
Classes will be held at either Chuck’s shop in West Des Moines or Logan’s shop in Runnells, IA. Class times and dates are listed in each class.
A list of required materials will be determined by the instructor and may vary widely depending on students’ choice of wood.
ADDITIONAL CLASSES
We hope to offer additional classes that will be larger projects with one over a few Saturdays and one on a weeknight over a few weeks, and one or two smaller projects or intermediate tool classes with similar schedules during March, April, and May.
CLASS CANCELLATIONS
We understand that cancellations are often the result of difficult circumstances, but the income from classes is used to purchase lumber, cover the cost of instructors, etc. We completely empathize, but the cancellation policy protects the Des Moines Woodworkers Association, Incorporated from additional expenditures.
PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
The safety of our members is our number one priority. The use of eye and ear protection is required in all the classes provided. Breathing protection is recommended when wood dust is being created. Be sure to bring you own protection to all classes.
Bandsaw Basics
Every woodworker should experience the unparalleled versatility of the bandsaw from rough rip cuts to boxes with delicate, artistic curves. And if you have seen our instructor’s band saw boxes, you will know you are learning from the best.
INSTRUCTOR: Craig Ruegsegger
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
COST: $40
DATE AND TIME: February 4, 2025, 6:00-8:00 pm
LOCATION: Chuck’s Shop
TOOLS PROVIDED: Bandsaw
TOOLS TO BRING: None
MATERIALS PROVIDED: None
MATERIALS TO BRING: None
Bring your own personal protection equipment!
Router Operation
Oh, the things a router can do! Master the basics of using a handheld and table-mounted router, even if you’ve never used one before. Learn about the types of routers, so you can buy the best one (or more!) for you, and then discover how to operate it safely to make edge profiles, joinery, and more.
INSTRUCTOR: Craig Ruegsegger
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
COST: $40
DATE AND TIME: February 8, 2025, 9:00-11:00 am
LOCATION: Chuck’s Shop
TOOLS PROVIDED: Handheld and table-mounted routers
TOOLS TO BRING: If you own a router, bring it to the class
MATERIALS PROVIDED: None
MATERIALS TO BRING: None
Bring your own personal protection equipment!
The Joys of Joinery
This proposed class will teach options for joinery using hand tools and power tools and creating a take-home project. More details to come.
INSTRUCTOR: TBD
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner and Intermediate
COST: TBD
DATE AND TIME: February 22, March 1, and March 8
LOCATION: TBD
TOOLS PROVIDED: TBD
TOOLS TO BRING: TBD
MATERIALS PROVIDED: None
MATERIALS TO BRING: TBD
Bring your own personal protection equipment!
Registration button will be available when details are available.
Queen Anne Plant Stand
Only a former shop teacher could teach so many skills in one piece. At the first class, students will be given plans and initial instruction. They will then work on the project in their own shop over the week and reconvene with the instructor each week. The project will be completed over our Spring session and is largely self-guided. More details to come.
INSTRUCTOR: Ron Stookey
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner to Advanced
COST: TBD
DATE AND TIME: Tentatively weekly for four weeks, Tuesdays in February beginning February 4th
LOCATION: TBD and own shop
TOOLS PROVIDED: None
TOOLS TO BRING: None
MATERIALS PROVIDED: None
MATERIALS TO BRING: None
Bring your own personal protection equipment!
Registration button will be available when details are available.
Windsor Chair
Have you always wanted to see how hand tools are used for working and carving wood? Have you wondered how chair legs can be so ornate? Do you dream of sitting on a stool in the woods surrounded by a pile of wood shavings? Then using a drawknife, spokeshave, and other carving tools to construct a classic Windson chair is the class for you. Step out of your shop and away from your power tools for a bit of rustic woodworking. You won’t regret it!
INSTRUCTOR: Logan Wittmer
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate to Advanced
COST: TBD
DATE AND TIME: Tentatively 2-3 Saturdays late April or early May
LOCATION: Logan’s Shop
TOOLS PROVIDED: TBD
TOOLS TO BRING: Drawknife, spoke shave
MATERIALS PROVIDED: None
MATERIALS TO BRING: TBD
Bring your own personal protection equipment!
Registration button will be available when details are available.