Information

Dear Fellow Woodturners:

Alaska Woodturners Association is a state wide organization established exclusively for charitable, educational and scientific purposes; providing assistance and encouragement to Woodturners; sharing ideas, techniques, tools and tool design and wood as well as equipment; and providing a place for Woodturners to meet. 

An Alaskan chapter of the American Association of Woodturners has been established (AWA—Alaska Woodturners Association).  Our charter was issued in Nov 03 and since October of 03 we have had monthly meetings as well as demonstrations of various woodturning techniques.  Our membership has grown from the eight founding fathers to an impressive 130 members.  We have all skill levels from the true novice to master turners.  Members are from Juneau, Nikiski, Homer, Cooper Landing, Palmer, Wasilla, Barrow, Healy, North Pole, Kodiak, Fairbanks, and Anchorage.  The meetings, demos, and gatherings have something of interest for everyone.  Members always have a spare room to accommodate the “out of town” guest who wishes to attend a particular event.

Since establishment of AWA is predicated on teaching, sharing, and camaraderie, we have instituted classes to teach basic spindle and bowl turning as well as off-centered spindle turning and finish bowl turning.  There have been over 150 participants to date with more classes planned for the ’09-’10 seasons.  In January 2010 we will host our 6^th annual Woodturning Symposium with Mike Mahoney and Stuart Batty as the master turners.  There will be hands-on classes the week before and the week after the symposium.  The 7^th annual Woodturning Symposium will be held in February of 2011 with master turners to be announced later.

AWA sponsors woodturning classes to all members interested in learning how to turn. All classes are open to members of AWA . There is a minimal charge of $20/class. Turning 101 is basic spindle turning; 102 is green bowl turning; 201 is turning a candlestick and base;  202 is finish bowl turning with power sanding; 301 is turning a useful off-centered (oval) tool handle; 302 is turning a small cylinder box.

Monthly meetings begin in September through May on designated Saturdays with various demonstrations on turning from beginning to advanced topics.  June, July, and August are free of meetings so that members may enjoy the great Alaskan outdoors.

Annual dues are only $25/individual and $30/family.  Several wives have joined with their husbands.  The dues don’t cover AAW (national) membership ($45 including a fine colored quarterly journal).

If you are interested in joining AWA or just coming to one of our meeting demos please contact one of the listed board members.  All meetings are held at Hardware Specialties, 424 W. 54^th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99518.  To find Hardware Specialties turn east off Artic on 54^th Ave and drive to the end of the street.  Hardware Specialties is well marked on the right.

If you would like to apply to be a member please download the application and submit it here.