Woodworking I: Shop Safety Certification & Dimensioning Lumber Class

with Ian Saunders

IMPORTANT Notes:

  • You MUST take this class before attending Open Shop Hours. This class is NOT required in order to take other classes.

  • This class ONLY covers large industrial woodshop stationary machines. To learn how to use popular take-home renovation power tools including powers saws, nailers, drills, sanders, etc - take Power Tools 101.

  • This class does NOT cover wood lathes. To use the lathes during Open Shop Hours, you must take a woodturning class.

This class is a certification class for our Open Workshop Hours and provides an overview of a woodshop's most common industrial woodworking machines. Understand what each tool does, when to use it, and how to operate it safely and effectively through hands-on practice under the guidance of an experienced woodworker. You'll also get to practice dimensioning lumber, which is an essential skill for any aspiring woodworker. Join this supportive beginner-friendly workshop, expand your handy DIY skillset, and connect with a community of fellow makers!

Skills & Concepts You’ll Learn:

  • Essential woodshop safety rules and best practices

  • How to identify and prevent common woodworking hazards

  • Proper setup and operation for each machine

  • Understanding wood behavior and grain direction

  • The process of dimensioning rough lumber to be flat, square, and to a specific thickness

Equipment & Tools You’ll Learn:

  • SawStop Table Saw, Jointer, Planer, Miter Saw, Bandsaw, Router Table, Drill Press

Class Outline:

  1. Introduction & Safety Overview: Shop rules, personal protective equipment (PPE), and general safety principles.

  2. Machine Demonstrations: Instructor demonstrates the correct and safe operation of each primary woodworking machine.

  3. Hands-On Practice: Under direct supervision, each student will use each machine.

  4. Wrap-Up: Final review and Q&A.

Other Class Details:

  • Prerequisites: None. No Experience Required.

  • Continue Your Education: Woodworking II: Practical Joinery Class.

  • Class Capacity: 6 maximum, 3 minimum

  • Materials Provided?: Yes

  • Age Limit: 13+. Guardian required if under 18 (info). You MUST be 18+ to use Open Workshop Hours

  • 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 the Teacher

Note! This class is sometimes taught by your favorite woodturning instructor, Chris Hoehle.

Professional woodworker and all-around great guy Ian Saunders will be teaching this informative class. Ian is an independent woodworker crafting beautiful tables, desks, bars and art. He went to Red Rocks Community College for furniture making and developed his woodworking skills as an apprentice under a cabinet maker. Ian has been in education most of his life including teaching youth carpentry, natural building, and safety.