Big Island Woodturners is holding a hands-on demonstration and workshop this Saturday after a five-year hiatus.
The club is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating its members and the public about woodturning.
They complete their mission through membership meetings every other month, club challenges, an annual exhibit, and free public woodturning demonstrations.
The group decided to relaunch its education program with the first workshop since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The workshop will feature multiple stations and teachers.
There will be four lathes, one band saw, air equipment, numerous tools and more, according to Leland Anderson.
Safety procedures and policies will be taught to established woodturners and new students before the action begins.
Anderson recommends bringing a dust mask, hard shoes, a chair, lunch and a nonalcoholic beverage.
“We’ll have half a dozen stations going, and it will be a very hands-on experience,” Anderson said. “No two stations will be identical, and they will all demonstrate a different aspect to woodturning. Everyone will have a turn at each station, and after we’re done, they can go back to a specific instructor.”
Members of Big Island Woodturners are looking forward to hosting events again following the hiatus.
“It’s been about five years, so everyone is excited. Our club has shrunk a bit as people passed away or moved over this time, but we’re still doing good,” Anderson said. “We’re trying to gain more members, because so many of us want to teach and show how enjoyable woodturning is.”
Big Island Woodturners does not charge membership dues and is open to all ages and skill level, according to Anderson.
“It’s unbelievable what people can turn with wood. I think it’s a great hobby that allows people to use their creativity, work on their hand-eye coordination and use their motor skills,” Anderson said.
“There are also new tools that help people that can use their hands as much, so more people can learn this skill.”
Anderson and other members of the club are working to find a facility where they can host for free demonstrations in Hilo.
Saturday’s workshop will be at a private shop in Mountain View. Those interested in attending can learn more at bigislandwoodturners.com/contact, or they can reach out to Anderson at (808) 937-0565.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
