Member Center

Becoming a member of the Southern Piedmont Woodturners offers many benefits. Our monthly meetings, held on the fourth Saturday of each month from 9:00 a.m. to approximately 11:30 a.m., provide an opportunity to connect with others who share a passion for woodturning. The club opens 30 minutes before each meeting for informal social time, giving members and visitors a chance to get acquainted and discuss topics of mutual interest, typically involving some aspect of woodturning. Everyone age 12 and older (for safety reasons) is welcome to attend, and we regularly host several visitors at meetings. With the exception of the July meeting, during which elections are conducted, and the December Christmas gathering, meetings are open to the public for live attendance at the studio. Members may also participate in meetings through a web-based meeting format.

At 9:00 a.m., the President welcomes visitors and conducts a brief business meeting, typically 15 minutes or so, to cover new and ongoing club matters. Each meeting features a demonstration by an experienced turner, highlighting a specific skill or project or the use of a specific tool. At around the mid-point of the demonstration there is a short break during which members enjoy snacks and participate in raffles, which typically involve wood, tools, and other turning-related items. After the meeting, members work together to clean up and put away equipment, which provides yet another opportunity to interact with other members and guests.

SPW is an active club that participates in a variety of events throughout the year. As of winter 2025, we have approximately 65 members and, in addition to the regular monthly meetings, offer workshops and classes to further develop turning skills. One of the great strengths of our club is the willingness of members to share their knowledge, skills, and experience. SPW offers plenty of support for those just getting started as well as the experienced turnerlooking to learn new techniques or improve existing skills. The club frequently holds themed workshops, skill building sessions, and training classes for members and supports a mentoring a program through which the more experienced members can pass along their knowledge and skills to new and less experienced members. SPW also participates in community events including the Cabarrus County Fair, Art Walks, Holiday Markets, school visits, and other similar activities.

Southern Piedmont Woodturners is a chapter of the American Association of Woodturners (AAW). While AAW membership is required only for officers and directors, it is encouraged for all members. To learn more or join the AAW, visit https://www.woodturner.org/.