Ladies & Gentlethems: Power Tool Petting Zoo Class

With Dani Slabaugh

This class is part of our Ladies & Gentlethems series and is intended to create a supportive environment for women and LGBTQ+ individuals. If that isn't the right fit for you, consider taking Power Tools 101

Reclaim the woodshop! In this class we invite women, gender-expansive, and LGBTQ folks to get comfy with drills, saws, nail guns, and more in a supportive, hands-on environment. If you have ever wanted to take a demolition hammer to the cis-hetero patriarchy, but nobody told you how to turn the thing on, this class is for you! Join this supportive beginner-friendly workshop, expand your handy DIY skillset, and connect with a community of fellow makers.

Skills & Concepts You’ll Learn:

  • Understand the purpose and basic function of each tool.

  • Learn essential safety rules for operation and handling.

  • Gain hands-on experience in a low-pressure, experimental setting.

  • Build the confidence to use power tools for home repair and creative projects.

Equipment & Tools You’ll Learn:

  • Power drills, impact drivers, jig saws, band saws, miter saws, orbital sanders and nail guns.

Class Outline:

  1. Introduction & Safety: Welcome and fundamental safety principles.

  2. Hands-On Practice: Project to practice tool use

  3. Wrap-Up: Questions and review

Other Class Details:

  • Prerequisites: None. No Experience Required.

  • Class Capacity: 6 maximum, 3 minimum

  • Materials Provided?: Yes

  • Age Limit: 18+

  • Partner Ticket Available?: No

  • Private Class Available?: Yes (info)

  • Financial Assistance Available? Yes (info)

  • Clothing/Equipment Requirements?: Comfortable well fitted clothing, close-toed shoes, put your hair up, and be prepared to get a little dirty.

About Your Teacher

Dani (they/them or she/her) has been DIYing since their teenage years, when their mom taught them how to safely use her miter saw in the family living room.  Dani spent nearly a decade working as a landscape contractor, has built two small backyard homes (a yurt and a 12x8 tiny home on wheels), and since moving to Denver has enjoyed learning to build furniture at DTL. They are excited to share the liberated feeling that comes with the tool know-how to build the thing you want, how you want it.