Classes are open to all Des Moines Woodworkers Association members. For insurance purposes (unless stated otherwise), you must be a current member of the Des Moines Woodworkers Association to sign up for classes. If you are not a member, then use the button to the right, submit your membership registration and pay membership dues.
Details regarding class location, fees, dates, and instructors, along with a list of required tools and materials are listed in the descriptions. Click the class below the . 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 may be limited, so sign up soon if you're interested!
If you have any questions, use Contact Us form.
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.
CLASS CANCELLATIONS
We understand that cancellations are often the result of difficult circumstances, but registration fees are used to purchase lumber, cover the cost of instructors, etc. We completely empathize, but the cancellation policy protects the Des Moines Woodworkers Association, Incorporated (DMWA) from additional expenditures. If DMWA cancels a class, full refund to enrollees. If enrollee cancels 7 days before the class is to start, full refund (minus processing fee of $5.00) is issued; six or fewer days before the class is scheduled, no refund.
Classes for Fall 2026
Getting Started in Woodworking (Woodworking 101)
This class offers an introduction to woodworking: what do you need to know before or as you begin your journey in the hobby. Topics include types of woodworking, equipment, space, and safety precautions. This class is open to anyone, DMWA membership not required.
September 29, 6:30-8:00 p.m. West Des Moines Public Library (NOTE DATE CORRECTION)
October 10, 2:00-3:30 p.m. Ankeny Public Library
October 17, 2:00-3:30 p.m. Urbandale Public Library
Basic Woodworking: Build a Tool Tote
Instructor: Ron Knapper
Class 1: Saturday October 3, 8:00-12:00
Class 2: Thursday and Friday October 8 and 9, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Location: Chuck’s Shop (Valley Junction area)
Registration Fee: $20.00
Materials Fee: $35.00
Bring your own hearing, eye, and breathing protection
This hands-on class is designed for beginners who want to learn the fundamentals of woodworking using a minimal set of tools.
Participants will build a simple tool tote using butt joints assembled with glue and screws. Building the tote will develop practical skills and confidence that will be applied to many future woodworking projects.
Working with a circular saw, power drill, square, and a couple of clamps; students will learn how to:
-Apply safe tool usage throughout your woodworking journey.
-Read a tape measure and accurately mark parts.
-Make square cuts using a circular saw and cutting guide.
-Check parts and assemblies for accuracy and square.
-Pre-drill, countersink, and properly drive screws.
-Apply glue, clamp assemblies, check for square and build a basic tool tote.
The class emphasizes safe tool handling, accuracy, and a repeatable woodworking workflow: measure → cut → dry fit → assemble → check for square.
Tools and materials are provided.
Basic Router Table Usage
Instructor: Craig Ruegsegger
Class 1: Friday November 6th - 6:00pm - 8:00pm Chuck's shop in Valley Junction
Class 2: Saturday November 7th - 9:00am - 11:00am Chuck's shop in Valley Junction
Bring eye, hearing, and breathing protection.
No router table experience required! This hands-on class is designed for those who have never used a router table as well as those who would like to become more comfortable and confident using a router table in their workshop.
There is no project build, just a focus on learning to use the router table safely and
gaining practical skills through instructor demonstrations and guided hands-on practice.
You will learn:
-Why a router table is important and the types of jobs it can do.
-Identify the major parts of a router table and their function.
-Set up and adjust the router table for safe, accurate routing.
-Select router bits for different types of cuts and understand their uses.
-Adjust bit height and use the fence for controlled, consistent cuts.
-Feed workpieces safely and understand the importance of feed direction.
-Make basic edge profiles and grooves.
-Recognize common routing problems and learn how to avoid them.
The class emphasizes safe machine operation and building confidence through demonstration and hands-on practice.
Tools and materials are provided.
Basic Bandsaw Usage
Instructor: Craig Ruegsegger
Thursday November 12th 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Saturday November 14th 9:00am - 11:00am
at Chuck's Shop in Valley Junction
No bandsaw experience required! This hands-on class is designed for both those who have never used a bandsaw, as well as those who would like to become more comfortable and confident using the bandsaw.
There is no project to build. The focus is on learning to use the machine safely and gaining practical experience through instructor demonstrations and guided hands-on practice.
You will learn how to:
- Identify the major parts of a bandsaw and understand what they do.
- Set up and adjust the bandsaw for safe, accurate cutting.
- Select the right blade for different types of cuts.
-Position and guide workpieces safely.
-Make straight and curved cuts.
-Recognize common cutting problems and learn how to correct or avoid them.
Tools and materials are provided.
Additional classes are in development to be offered at a later time.
Check here for future updates.
Future Classes
What kinds of classes would you like to take? What skills and techniques would you like to develop? What projects would you like to build? Please email your request to us: education@dmwoodworkers.org