Thinking about taking one of the woodworking classes but haven’t used power tools before? Have tools sitting at home that you’d like to learn how to use safely and confidently? This course is the recommended starting point. Designed for complete beginners, it focuses on getting you comfortable in the woodshop and confident with essential tools. It’s a great fit whether you’re preparing for a project-based class or simply want to make better use of the tools you already own.
Who Should Attend: Adults 18+ with little to no experience in woodworking or shop environments — especially those planning to take future shop classes as well as anyone who wants to learn safe, effective use of basic tools for home or hobby projects.
In this one-session course (2.5–3 hours), students will work with repurposed woods from pallets and old furniture, learning how to bring worn boards back to life and make them look new again. Students will also have the option to put those skills to use by making a small, simple project—such as a basic birdhouse—during the class. Along the way, you’ll be able to choose which tools you want to focus on, from basic hand tools to more advanced power tools, so the class aligns with your personal goals and comfort level. By the end, you’ll understand what different tools can do, how to use them safely, and how to select the right tool for the job.
●Measuring & marking tools (tape measure, square, pencil/marking knife)
●Power drill/driver
●Orbital sander
●Jig Saw
●Circular Saw
●Miter Saw (precision and angled cuts)
●Scroll saw (intricate shapes and detail work)
●Table saw (ripping and crosscutting boards)
●Band saw (curves, resawing)
●Drill press (precision holes)
●Planer & jointer (flattening and smoothing boards)
●Shop safety and protective equipment
●How to set up, hold, and operate tools correctly
●Understanding what different tools can (and can’t) do
●Hands-on practice using repurposed pallet and furniture wood to transform rough boards into smooth, usable stock
●Flexibility for students to choose which tools they want to learn and practice with
●Building confidence for future woodworking or DIY projects
While this class is not required for any other woodworking courses unless specifically stated, it does provides a solid foundation so you can step into future classes already comfortable with the tools and ready to focus on the project.
"This was a really great class for people with no experience with woodworking but also some experience! It was such a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with machinery and woodworking. I feel really confident signing up for woodworking classes now, even excited about them!"
Tony Hashem
