About Us - Finger Lakes Woodturners

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Who We Are

The Finger Lakes Woodturners (FLWT) Association, Inc. is a non-profit organization with over 150 members of all skill levels, based in the Rochester, NY area. Our members come from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared passion for turning wood on a lathe.

FLWT is a chapter of the American Association of Woodturners (AAW). Our purpose is to provide a welcoming forum where members can:

Promote safe turning practices
Exchange ideas and techniques
Learn and teach through hands-on experiences
Share inspiration and creativity with others

Membership is open to anyone interested in the art and craft of woodturning. The club is run entirely by dedicated volunteers who serve on our Board of Directors and committees.

What We Do

At the heart of FLWT are our monthly meetings, featuring demonstrations by club members or nationally known turners—either in person or via Zoom. Meetings also include Show & Share of member projects and the President’s Challenge to spark creativity.

Beyond meetings, our club provides a wide range of benefits that support turners of all skill levels:

Mentoring: One-on-one guidance from experienced members on everything from sharpening to bowl turning to advanced forms.
Open Shop: Free sessions where members can turn, experiment, and get help in a supportive group setting.
Library: Borrow books, DVDs, and specialty tools to expand your skills without extra cost.
National Turners: Access demonstrations and workshops from leading turners across the country.
Group Buys & Member Discounts: Save money by pooling orders with other members or accessing exclusive deals from vendors.

We also host hands-on workshops throughout the year and send out newsletters packed with techniques, project ideas, and club news.

In addition, FLWT is deeply committed to giving back to the community. Our members volunteer weekly at St. Michael’s Woodshop, mentoring students, sharing skills, and supporting youth programs.

When We Meet

We meet monthly, usually on the 3rd Thursday of the month from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. On occasion, when hosting a national turner, we’ll shift to Friday. The latest details are always available on our website.

If you’re curious about woodturning, we invite you to attend your first meeting free of charge. Come see firsthand what FLWT is all about—you’ll find a welcoming community and plenty of inspiration to get started.