New Woodworking School in Arizona

New Woodworking School in Arizona

A new woodworking school has started here in the valley. Recognizing that lack of a woodworking school in Arizona, this school was born out of the creative minds and the dedication to the woodworking craft, of members of the Arizona Association of Fine Woodworkers.

In collaboration with the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery the school held its inaugural class beginning on Feb. 19th, 2013. The class, Introduction to Woodworking I, filled up quickly upon its announcement which indicated that there were many aspiring woodworkers looking for this type of training. This class focuses on woodworking fundamentals and was followed by, Introduction to Woodworking II, which will go into more depth and builds on the skills taught in the first class. (more…)

Meeting Summary – April 2013

Meeting Summary – April 2013

This month’s meeting took place at Rockler, 4626 East Thunderbird, in Phoenix on April 17, 2013. We had 39 members and 3 guests in attendance.

WOODWORKING EDUCATIONAL UPDATES

Raul Ramirez explained a mentor/educational program which Bob Simmons and other members are putting together focused on educating members on varying woodworking skills.   The first session will be Saturday, April 27th, 2013, focused on chair-making techniques.  To learn more about this , click on this link

Another woodworking school is through the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery. This is not affiliated with AAFW, but does teach basic woodworking skills.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Elections will be held in November and it is not too early to start thinking about getting more involved and serving on the board of directors or as an office holder. If you have not paid your dues yet, please see or contact Andy Trotti at andy@andytrotti.com.

TOY INFORMATION

Thank you David Bruce and Ron MacLaren for building and donating toys this month.

David Bruce submitted  10 toys – 2 trucks,  race car, 6 vehicles , 1 helicopter

Ron MacLaren provided 10 pocket cars

MARICOPA COUNTY FAIR

Joe Hersey reported that the AAFW club booth at the Maricopa County Fair was well represented with interesting demonstrations. The wood carvers and turners also had booths next to the AAFW booth and were well represented with interesting demonstrations. (more…)

East Valley shop tour was a success

East Valley shop tour was a success

We had over 15 members join us for the yearly shop tour this year.  The tour covered workshops in the East Valley and we stopped at three different locations.

The shop tour was setup by Joe Tripodi and as you can see, we all had a great time. (more…)

Meeting Summary – March 2013

Meeting Summary – March 2013

March’s meeting, held at Woodcraft, 3002 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, Arizona had 54 members and 3 guests in attendance. Members are reminded it is time for dues renewal.Raul Ramirez, AAFW President, told of his visit to the wood class at Sunnyslope High School, where he gave a presentation on sharpening tools.Raul also talked about the school attached to the Roberto-Venn that Raul is teaching at. The first phase of classes have finished and the second phase is about to start and there are openings for the second phase. Feel free to contact info@azwoodworkers.org if you’re interested in attending. (more…)

AAFW Excellence in Woodworking – Fine Woodworking Article

AAFW Excellence in Woodworking – Fine Woodworking Article

Here’s an article that Fine Woodworking Magazine published after attending our yearly Excellence in Woodworking show in February.

Stephen Scott
Arizona woodworkers put craft on display
By Stephen Scott, Associate Editor of Fine Woodworking Magazine

Call for Instructors

Call for Instructors

In a recent poll, the majority of AAFW members expressed the desire that AAFW offer woodworking classes presented by member instructors. As an initial initiative in this area, the Board of Directors is soliciting members to become instructors in the Introductory Fine Woodworking program. This program will be a series of presentations, in instructor home shops, in which the instructor demonstrates a specific topic to a small group (5-6) of participants. Once we gain experience in this sequence, then we intend to offer actual hands on programs where participants either master specific skills or produce specific products.

If you are interested in helping AAFW achieve its goals, by becoming an instructor in this initial program, please contact Bob Simmons (rlmlsimmons@cox.net or 602-920-1626) and let him know your name, contact information and area of instructional interests. At the present time this Introductory Fine Woodworking sequence is intended to include demonstrations of hand tool use, joinery, power tool use, project layout and finishing. In most of the anticipated topics, draft lesson plan materials are available from a similar program presented by the Guild of Oregon Woodworkers in Portland.

Announcement by Bob Simmons

Meeting Summary – February 2013

Meeting Summary – February 2013

February’s meeting hosted by our sponsor, Timber Woodworking, at 935 E. Southern, Mesa, Arizona and we had 50 members and 2 guests in attendance. Members are reminded it is time for dues renewal. (more…)
Popular Woodworking Article by AAFW member Marco Cecala

Popular Woodworking Article by AAFW member Marco Cecala

In the February 2013 issue of Popular Woodworking, Marco Cecala, our Vice President and longtime member of AAFW provides an detailed look into applying shell, stone and metal inlays to accent your projects. (more…)