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2023 Fall Classes from DMWWA

Skill Building Classes: Fall is officially here and so are our woodworking classes!

We've got some new classes and some we’ve offered before for those of you who might have missed them. We’re also offering some classes during the week for those who cannot meet for our Saturday classes.

  • Phil Huber, who is also the host of the TV Show, WoodSmith Shop
  • Logan Wittmer, Editor in Chief of Popular Woodworking, and
  • Craig Ruegsegger, former Deputy Editor of WOOD Magazine.

This is a great opportunity to get some first class woodworking training from expert professionals right here in Des Moines.

Classes are designed for beginners as well as intermediate woodworkers and cover a range of topics.

Class tuition and locations vary by class this session, so be sure to check those details below.

You must be a current member of the Des Moines Woodworkers Association to sign up for classes. Not a member? You can sign up for membership and for classes at the same time! You can find instructions for joining the DMWA under Join Club in the Club menu.

To sign up, simply visit our Online Payment page (opens in a new window) to register and pay. Be sure to fill in the Reason with the name of the class or classes you are signing up for. Classes are starting soon and spots are limited, so sign up soon if you're interested!

If you have any questions, contact Tom Brumback ( ​This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or 515-664-8732).

For specific class questions, contact the instructor directly at the email address provided with each class below.

Classes will be held at either Chuck Haas' Shop located at 175 S 9th, West Des Moines, unit #430 or Logan Wittmer’s shop at 4010 SE 76th Street, Runnells, IA 50237. 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

Fall 2023 Class Listing

Building a Simple Doweled Cabinet : October 11 & 18

DESCRIPTION : Basic construction makes this easy to assemble. Learn how to create accurate dowel joints, set mortised hinges and routing dadoes.

  • Instructor: Logan Wittmer
  • Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Skill level: Beginner
  • Number of class sessions: 2
  • Class size: 8
  • Registration: $75
  • Tools to bring :Please bring eye & ear protection
  • Location: Logan’s Shop : 4010 SE 76th Street, Runnells, IA 50237
  • Time:
    • October 11th • 6:00p to 9:00p
    • October 18th • 6:00p to 9:00p
2023 fall class hand plane restoration

Bandsaw Boxes : October 14

DESCRIPTION: Start repurposing scrap material into beautiful, fascinating bandsaw boxes. Learn the basic steps to make a bandsaw box, including blade selection, saw tune-up, blank prep, and cutting sequence. .

  • Instructor: Craig Ruegsegger
  • Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Skill level: Beginner
  • Number of class sessions: 1
  • Class size: 8
  • Registration: $25
  • Tools to bring :Please bring eye & ear protection
  • Location: Chuck’s Shop: 175 S 9th, West Des Moines, unit #430
  • Time:
    • October 14th • 9:00a to 11:00a
2023 fall class bandsaw box

Building a Simple Wall Cabinet : October 21 & 28

DESCRIPTION: This organizer is the perfect companion to an entryway. A row of coat hooks offers easy storage. Up above, a drop-down door reveals enclosed storage for smaller items. This two-session class allows you to learn about simple, solid wood construction & joinery. This is a great project if you're new to woodworking or interested in refining your skills. Students will need to provide their own materials. Plans along with suggested materials and supplies will be sent after registering for the class.

  • Instructor: Phil Huber
  • Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Skill level: Beginner
  • Number of class sessions: 2
  • Class size: 8
  • Registration: $50
  • Estimated Material Cost: Approximately 10 board feet of selected material
  • Tools to bring :Please bring eye & ear protection
  • Location: Chuck’s Shop: 175 S 9th, West Des Moines, unit #430
  • Time:
    • October 21st • 9:00a to 11:00a
    • October 28th • 9:00a to 11:00a
2023 fall class Building a Simple Wall Cabinet

Sharpening Tools : November 4

DESCRIPTION: We'll look at what it takes to put a sharp edge on all kinds of woodworking hand tools: chisels, hand plane blades, spokeshaves, knives, carving tools ... You'll get a chance to try out a variety of sharpening options and techniques. Bring in a tool you'd like to learn to sharpen and we'll tackle it. Class size is limited so sign up quickly. 

  • Instructor: Phil Huber
  • Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Skill level: No experience necessary
  • Number of class sessions: 1
  • Class size: 8
  • Registration: $25
  • Tools to bring : Please bring eye & ear protection
  • Location: Chuck’s Shop: 175 S 9th, West Des Moines, unit #430
  • Time:
    •  November 4th • 9:00a to 11:00a
2023 fall class Sharpening Tools

Turning Basics : November 4

DESCRIPTION: Turning is a great way to supplement your woodworking. The addition of a lathe opens up a variety of possibilities for projects as well as the ability to turn your own tool handles. You will learn the differences between spindle and faceplate turning, key points about standard “Traditional Tools” and their use and sharpening, as well as carbide tools, sanding and finishing. Participants will make a final project such as a candle holder, shaker pegs, or a chisel handle.

  • Instructor: Logan Wittmer
  • Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Skill level: Beginner
  • Number of class sessions: 1
  • Class size: 8
  • Registration: $37
  • Tools to bring : Please bring eye & ear protection
  • Location: Logan’s Shop : 4010 SE 76th Street, Runnells, IA 50237
  • Time:
    • November 4th • 9:00a to Noon
2023 fall class Turning Basics

Router Operation (handheld and router table) : November 11

DESCRIPTION: 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
  • Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Skill level: Beginner
  • Number of class sessions: 1
  • Class size: 8
  • Registration: $25
  • Tools to bring : Please bring eye & ear protection
  • Location: Chuck’s Shop: 175 S 9th, West Des Moines, unit #430
  • Time:
    • November 11th • 9:00a to 11:00a
2023 fall class Router Operation2023 fall class Router Operation

Kumiko Panels : November 14 & 21

DESCRIPTION: The art of Kumiko is a great way to make a panel the focal point of a project. In this class you will learn the types of wood to use for Kumiko, the jigs necessary for trimming the parts to size, how to mill accurate Kumiko strips. You will also learn how to cut and size parts to make an Asa-no-ha panel.

  • Instructor: Logan Wittmer
  • Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Skill level: Beginner
  • Number of class sessions: 2
  • Class size: 8
  • Registration: $75
  • Tools to bring : Please bring eye & ear protection
  • Location: Logan’s Shop : 4010 SE 76th Street, Runnells, IA 50237
  • Time:
    • November 14th • 6:00p to 9:00p
    • November 21st • 6:00p to 9:00p
2023 fall class Kumiko Panels

Building an Adjustable Stool : November 18 & December 2 & 9

DESCRIPTION: This eye-catching stool design uses a wood thread to adjust the height of the seat. In this three part class, we'll build the stool and you can cut threads to create a seat for sitting at the desk, your workbench, or even a counter in the house. Students will need to provide their own materials. Plans along with suggested materials and supplies will be sent after registering for the class.

  • Instructor: Phil Huber
  • Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Skill level: Beginner
  • Number of class sessions: 3
  • Registration: $75
  • Class size: 8
  • Tools to bring : Please bring eye & ear protection
  • Time:
    • November 18th • 9:00a to 11:00a
    • December 2nd • 9:00a to 11:00a
    • December 9th • 9:00a to 11:00a
2023 fall class Building an Adjustable Stool