About Front Range Woodturners

We are the Denver area chapter of the AAW (American Association of Woodturners) serving woodturners throughout Colorado’s Front Range.

Our Meetings

We meet on the first Tuesday of every month from 6:15 PM to 9:00 PM in the basement of Rockler Woodworking and Hardware, 2553 S Colorado Blvd, Denver, 80222.

Visitors are welcome to join us at one of our meetings to see what we are all about.

Upcoming Demonstrations

Aug – Kirk DeHeer – Bowl Turning 101

With over 25 years of experience, Kirk has an extensive knowledge of woodturning tools, equipment and techniques. Kirk has been a resident instructor at Craft Supplies USA in the Dale L. Nish School of Woodturning for more than 15 years.

This demo will help woodturners / makers create bowls that maximize the available time by turning a bowl that is aesthetically pleasing, thus being more desirable to you. Kirk is also teaching a Bowl Turning 101 class the following day.

Kirk will demo the process of turning a bowl beginning with a dry bowl blank. He will break down the turning and finishing process so that it is easy to understand. Throughout the demo emphasis is placed on how to make efficient cuts that produce great results. In addition, proper tool use, chucking the bowl while turning, and recommended methods of sanding and finishing are thoroughly covered. As always, proper sharpening techniques are covered as well. Sharp, properly ground tools are one of the keys to success in all woodturning. By learning the fundamentals of bowl turning, you too can create beautiful, functional bowls that you can enjoy every day! 

Topics covered:

• • Safety.
  • Elements of good design.
  • Tool selection.
  • Proper tooling techniques.
  • Chucking methods.
  • Turn a bowl that is designed to feel good in the hand.
    

Sept – Raleigh Lockhart – Nested Lidded Box

Learn how to create beautiful nested Lidded Boxes in this demonstration with our fellow FRW member Raleigh Lockhart. Raleigh will walk us through his process, including a chucking technique to turn the nested lid. Plus get inspired by the many ways you can embellish your finished pieces. This demonstration is designed for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced.

It’s often in the most unexpected places that true passions are cultivated. For Raleigh his lifelong career with Coca-Cola helped fuel his passion for Woodturning. The nature of his work required transfers, moving him to different cities across the country, each contributing to his Woodturning Journey.

It was during his prolonged moves to Seattle and Salt Lake City that he gained significant momentum and direction. These two locations became critical hubs for his development, providing fertile ground for learning and inspiration. These transfers were instrumental in exposing Raleigh to a vast network of impressive Professional Woodturners. He gained insight into their techniques, artistic expressions, and dedication to the craft. More specifically, his time allowed him to regularly attend hands-on classes offered at Craft Supplies USA.  This educational experience, combined with the influence of seasoned Club Professionals, honed his skills, and enriched his artistic vision, laying the foundation as a Woodturner.

Raleigh now brings that wealth of experience to his Craft and his teaching. For over 25 years he’s been a monthly Woodturning Instructor at Woodcraft.  His dedication to sharing knowledge is evident in his demonstrations, including appearances at the Utah Symposium (twice), Super Wednesday at Craft Supplies, Woodturners Worldwide Symposium, and many Woodturning Clubs—even frequently demonstrating for a Club in the United Kingdom, of which he is a proud member.  Raleigh’s passion for Teaching the Art of Woodturning, combined with his love of working with wood, truly defines his Journey as a Maker.

Instagram: @RaleighsJourney

Demonstrators scheduled for 2025:

Oct – Cindy Drozda – Banksia Pod Ornament (IRD)
Nov – Laurent Niclot
Dec – Holiday Party

Member Benefits

• Library – The Front Range Woodturners has an extensive collection of books, magazines, and videos available for members to check out at no cost.
• Demonstrations – Monthly meetings feature an exciting demo given by one of our club members or a professional turner. When available we also offer a full day hands-on class with these renowned turners at a nominal cost.
• Brown Bag Demo – Bring your lunch and watch a free in-person mini demo on a variety of topics in a smaller, more relaxed setting.
• Wood Drawing – Members can bring some of their excess (good) wood to a meeting so it can find a new home with a different member.  You can never have too much wood!
• Group Buy – Do you want to save money?  We have vendor discounts with Internet suppliers, local suppliers, tool and steel suppliers and wood suppliers. Through our deals with these vendors our members can easily earn back the cost of membership!
• Ladies of the Lathe – All female members of the FRW, aged 18 or older, are invited to join the Ladies of the Lathe. LOTL is intended to provide a comfortable, easy-paced, and non-threatening environment for women to learn and advance their skills in turning.
• Mentoring – Members have access to several programs to help increase their woodturning skills. Group sessions are held monthly and one-on-one mentoring on various topics can be arranged with experienced FRW volunteers.
• PHEOG – The Pete Holtus Educational Opportunity Grant program provides grant money to members through an application process. Applicants may request money for woodturning related classes, workshops, or symposium fees.
• Workshop Tours – monthly tour of members workshop. Get ideas and get inspired!