If you love sawdust and wood shavings, we’ve got something for you that will be a MUCH better use of your time than watching last week’s “Super” Bowl was. The American Association of Woodturners (AAW), a Minnesota-based nonprofit education organization, has partnered with Rockler Woodworking and Hardware to offer in-store “turning and learning” demonstrations in Rockler stores on Saturday, February 9th.
In case you’re not familiar with them, the AAW is a nonprofit organization, headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The AAW is dedicated to advancing the art and craft of woodturning worldwide by offering opportunities for education, information, inspiration, and community to those interested in turning wood. AAW currently has more than 16,000 members and a network of over 360 local chapters globally representing professionals, amateurs, artists, hobbyists, gallery owners, collectors, and others.
Experienced turners from local AAW chapters will be conducting the demonstrations to introduce woodturning to the community in Rockler stores. Attendees will observe how to turn handles for kitchen utensils using a lathe, as well as how to attach a handle to the appropriate hardware.
“AAW is thrilled to collaborate with Rockler to introduce new audiences to the enjoyment of woodturning,” said Phil McDonald, executive director of the AAW. “These demonstrations are an outstanding opportunity to learn more about woodturning and to meet others who are interested in the craft. As a nonprofit whose mission is education, the AAW welcomes new turners to learn and grow with us and become a part of the special community that is woodturning.”
The following Rockler stores will offer the AAW turning demonstrations twice on February 9th, with sessions from 11am – 1 p.m. and 1 – 3 p.m.:
• 4626 E Thunderbird Rd – Ste 110, Phoenix, AZ 85032
• 4420 Treat Blvd., Concord, CA 94521
• 4320 Mills Cir – Ste G, Ontario, CA 91764
• 1955 N Tustin St, Orange, CA 92865
• 83 S Rosemead Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107
• 6648 Lonetree Blvd, Rocklin, CA 95765
• 8199 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92111
• 20028 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503
• 2553 S Colorado Blvd – Unit 108, Denver, CO 80222
• 515 E Altamonte Drive – Suite 1018, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
• 425 Ernest W Barrett Parkway NW – Suite 1120, Kennesaw, GA 30144
• 6690 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, GA 30328
• 139 South Weber Road, Bolingbrook, IL 60490
• 15758 South Lagrange Road, Orland Park, IL 60462
• 253 W Golf Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60195
• 8452 Castleton Corner Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46250
• 2154 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
• 200 Gorham Rd – Ste 1100a, South Portland, ME 04106
• 26160 Ingersol Drive, Novi, MI 48375
• 2020 W Cty Rd 42, Burnsville, MN 55337
• 1872 Beam Ave, Maplewood, MN 55109
• 12995 Ridgedale Dr, Minnetonka, MN 55305
• 11977 Saint Charles Rock Rd – Ste 110a, Bridgeton, MO 63044
• 373 S Broadway # 28, Salem, NH 03079
• 5085 Transit Rd, Buffalo, NY 14221
• 333 E Kemper Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45246
• 11773 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Beaverton, OR 97005
• 7402 McKnight Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237
• 3810 S Cooper St – Suite 124, Arlington, TX 76015
• 2930 Preston Road – Suite 850, Frisco, TX 75034
• 584 W I-30 – Suite 403, Garland, TX 75043
• 3265 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77027
• 800 North Coit #2500, Richardson, TX 75080
• 21352 Kuykendahl Dr, Spring, TX 77389
• 832 Ne Northgate Way, Seattle, WA 98103
• 345 Tukwila Pkwy, Tukwila, WA 98188
• 1725 S 108th St, Milwaukee, WI 53214
Now Go Make Some Sawdust Of Your Own!
As part of the new partnership, Rockler will offer a special price on a starter woodturning package, which includes a mini lathe, turning tool set, and a new six-month digital/online AAW Woodturning Fundamentals membership. First-time annual AAW memberships will also be available for purchase at Rockler stores or at the American Association of Woodturners (AAW) website.
After you attend the “Turning and learning” session, you’ll undoubtedly be chafing at the (wood-cutting) bit for more info and opportunities. Here’s one that definitely makes the cut: The AAW hosts an annual symposium. Held in a different city every year, it’s a huge event that brings together suppliers, professionals and amateur woodturners, with demonstrations, exhibitions, auctions, educational opportunities, and a huge trade show.
I spent a day at the show when it was held in Pittsburgh three years ago, and all I can say is WOW – there are a lot of talented woodworkers out there. This year’s symposium is in Raleigh, NC, from July 11-14th. Go get inspired, and get turning!
