Seattle Woodturners (Seattle Chapter – AAW) was formed in 1987 with the goal to serve woodturners in the greater Seattle area. We are a local chapter of the American Association of Woodturners and operate in a manner consistent with the AAW: “Our mission is to provide education, information, and organization to those interested in turning wood”.
We are a diverse group that includes both novice and expert woodturners with interests in a broad range of woodturning activities. Our club is fortunate to include among its members, professional turners and published authors who often share their expertise with beginners just learning this craft. Various Board and Committee Members also volunteer their time and effort to the club and are charged with ensuring that its operation and business are consistent with the club’s published bylaws.
Membership is open to anyone with an interest in woodturning, and guests are always welcome. Membership dues are $35.00 per calendar year and are pro-rated for partial-year membership. Active membership in Seattle Woodturners includes participation in the following club benefits and activities:
Monthly Meetings
The club holds a monthly meeting on the second Thursday of each month from 6:30pm to 9:00pm, at the VFW Facility located in Redmond, WA. These meetings typically include a Show and Tell, Wood Raffle, and Demonstration by a club member or nationally-known woodturner.
- Show and Tell: Members are encouraged to share their newly-turned pieces with the club, which gives them a chance to showcase their work, as well as receive feedback from others. Prizes are awarded to the most original and/or creative pieces. All examples are photographed by our club photographer and then subsequently published in the newsletter and/or on the club’s website.
- Wood Raffle: Wood is donated by members, and a raffle is conducted with tickets that cost $1.00 each.
- Demonstration: A scheduled guest demonstrates a woodturning technique of general interest to the group using the club’s lathes and tools. Demonstrations are videotaped to projection screens for viewing purposes. Scheduled demonstrators for 2011 include Denise DeRose, Dick Watson, Jack McDaniel, Samuel Avelino, Martha Collins, and Mark Gardner.
Library
Our club maintains a collection of books and videos in an ever-expanding library collection, with members have privileges to check-out materials from the library on a monthly basis.
Newsletter
A monthly newsletter is published electronically to all members via email. Members can request a printed version of the newsletter and also pay an additional $12.00 per year to cover printing and postage costs.
Wood Rats
Woodturners are always interested in acquiring more wood, especially free wood! From time-to-time our club learns of newly fallen/damaged trees (maple, cherry, black locust, and others) that become available for harvesting to club members. You do not have to own a chainsaw to attend these events, but you are encouraged to bring gloves, eye protection, hand-trucks, and your muscles.
Demonstrators
Several times a year our club arranges for a woodturner to visit and present an all-day demonstration. Typically these events require a nominal fee to attend, which is designed to cover club expenses.
Several members from our club also demonstrate woodturning to our local community during art shows or special events. For example, in 2011 demonstrations at the Bellevue Art Museum to celebrate both Family Day and Kid’s Fair events are planned by Seattle Woodturners.
Sawdust Sessions
Everyone passionate about woodturning has an interest in improving their skills and learning new techniques from others. Sawdust Sessions offer members the opportunity to meet as a group and practice a new techniques using the club’s equipment. These activities are particularly ideal for new woodturners seeking to enhance their skill set.
Mentors
Several experienced members serve to mentor less-experienced woodturners in the club. Woodturners tend to be a very helpful, supportive group.
Tool and Supply Discounts
Club members can purchase certain tools and supplies through the club, or from a participating vendor at a competitive or discounted cost. Wood sealer and C/A glue are sold to members at monthly meetings. Various vendors offer a 10% discount on tools and supplies to club members, including Woodcraft, Rockler, Crosscut Hardwoods, and Klingspor’s Woodworking Shop.
Equipment
The club owns woodturning tools and equipment including three JET lathes and one Delta lathe. It also maintains audio-visual equipment used to photograph and videotape finished pieces, woodturning events, and demonstrations. A club trailer provides transport of the club’s equipment for use at monthly meetings, all-day demonstrations, and Sawdust Sessions.
Learn More
Thank you for visiting our site. For additional questions, contact us directly at information AT seattlewoodturners.org and we’ll do our best to help and/or also provide additional information to you regarding our club. Come join us turning wood.
