Capital Area Woodturners

A Local Chapter of the American Association of Woodturners

About the Capital Area Woodturners!

Purpose: To provide education on turning techniques, finishing wood, safe practices, tools and related equipment. To increase awareness and appreciation of design for wood having functional or aesthetic objectives. To provide information on educational and exhibit opportunities for turning wood in the United States. To facilitate networking, friendship, and cooperation among woodturners in the area.

Who We Are: The Capital Area Woodturners has approximately 200 members, most are hobbyists. Some make all or part of their living from the craft. Members' skill levels vary from novice to skilled professional. Their interests cover the entire spectrum of woodturning including faceplate turning, spindle turning, hollow ware, treen, miniature turning, and an interest in both personal and environmental safety.

Meetings: The Capital Area Woodturners meet on the second Saturday of each month. Other meetings may be scheduled throughout the year to take advantage of special opportunities. Our meetings concentrate on the how-to's of the craft, with hands-on demonstrations of faceplate, spindle, miniature, hollow vessel turning, and more. The technical aspects of the craft such as lathes, chucks and jigs, tool types and use, sharpening, and safety are covered. We also devote time to the design and artistic aspects of turning.

Meeting Time and Place: Our regular meeting place is Bryant High School, 2709 Popkins Lane, Alexandria VA 22306.  Meetings are scheduled the second Saturday of the month starting at 9:00am for skills enhancement, and 10:00 for business meeting and demo..  Click here for map to Bryant High School.

Educational: The Capital Area Woodturners provides interested members with a mentor program in which new or less advanced turners may obtain individual assistance or instructions from experienced club members.

Special Programs: On occasion, the Capital Area Woodturners organize and partially sponsor special programs featuring nationally and internationally known experts. These have included Bonnie Klein, Ray Allen, John Jordan, Todd Hoyer, Giles Gilsen, Mel Firmager and other well known turners. The programs generally last all day and may involve some additional cost.

Group Purchase Program: The members of the Capital Area Woodturners have joined together to make purchases of tools, jigs and other materials at significant savings to members.

Membership & Benefits

Membership: Membership is open to all who have a shared interest in woodturning, regardless of their level of skill or knowledge.
Dues are $25.00 per year. The dues year is January to December. Dues are prorated depending on which month membership is effective.  If a member wishes to receive the monthly CAW Newsletter via US Postal Mail, the dues are $40 per year.  The majority of members receive the newsletter through email.  You will be encouraged to become a member of the American Association of Woodturners, our parent organization. Membership entitles you to receive their journal and directory and be eligible to attend their annual conference.

Click HERE for CAW Membership Application Form.

Newsletter: The Capital Area Woodturners publishes a newsletter at least eight times a year. It informs members about future regular and special meetings. It provides information about special meetings and events of other nearby woodturning groups, local shows and exhibits, and local or national woodturning events. There is a classified ad section for use by members at no charge.

Wood and Tool Auction: Each monthly meeting we hold a silent auction of wood, tools, and more that members donate.  This is a great source of material for both the beginner and advanced woodturner.

Video Rental Library                                                                    Coffee Stand

Show-N-Tell

CAW Officers

Send any comments to:mikemc1421@aol.com