Skill, Safety, and Sawdust: Training Drives the Woodworkers Club

Lorraine Wilson

The Robson Ranch Woodworkers Club continues to prove that great woodworking does not happen by accident—it happens through training.

February may have been a short month, but the shop calendar was full and the momentum strong. On Feb. 4 the Woodworkers Club had an exhibition set up in Room 104 at the CATC building. The brainchild of member Mark Freeman, the event was a success and provided new members and potential members and guests with a glimpse at some of the beautiful items made by club woodworkers. A couple of days later, on Feb. 7, club members Michelle Crissey, Allen Crowley, Dave Popejoy, and Lorraine Wilson worked the Woodworkers table at the annual Club Open House where they spread the word about the joy of woodworking at that Robson Ranch woodshop.

With many classes on the schedule, members were sharpening more than just their tools. They were building skills, confidence, and safe habits under the guidance of dedicated volunteer trainers who are the backbone of the club. From machine basics to detailed finishing work, classes are led by experienced members who donate their time to ensure others succeed.

Some of the machine classes were Planer/Jointer taught by Fred Ahrens, Table Saw led by Mike Reiwe, Drill Press instructed by Larry Ditch, Router Table Basics taught by Michelle Crissey and Allen Crowley, and Laguna Resaw Bandsaw taught by Dave Popejoy and Bill Hardt. These sessions gave members hands-on instruction with essential equipment. Understanding how to operate machines safely and accurately is not optional in a busy woodshop—it is foundational.

Project-based learning continued with the always-popular Cutting Board class led by Michelle Crissey, Teresa McGill, and Lorraine Wilson. A Bandsaw Box class taught by Sue Wells is coming up in March, while in April Jack Ackerman and Cal Mullins will instruct a Woven Cutting Board class.

Each month, the club sponsors Safety Training, which is required to join. It is taught by Mike Riewe, Scott Lebsack, and our newest instructor Bill Hardt. It’s a two- to three-hour class where you learn woodshop procedures and are introduced to machine-specific safe practices. It is available most every month, and registration, like all the other training classes that have been described, is available on the website rrww.club.

Behind every successful class is a trainer who has invested years learning the craft. These instructors do more than demonstrate techniques. They mentor. They troubleshoot. They model safe habits. Most importantly, they create a culture where members feel comfortable asking questions and trying new skills.

In a club with a wide range of experience levels—from first-time woodworkers to seasoned craftsmen—structured training ensures that everyone shares the same safety standards and shop expectations.

The club’s ongoing machine and technique classes reinforce safe practices at every step. Repetition of correct methods builds habits that protect both the woodworker and the shop.

At the Robson Ranch Woodworkers Club, training is not just a program. It is the foundation of craftsmanship, safety, and community.