Since we founded our woodturners club, in february of 2016, I have had so far, 7 mainland visitors to my studio. The AAW has a list of all members and clubs on their resources page. It's always fun to meet new people, specially if they are fellow woodturners!!
Each visitor reminded me how lucky we are to live in Hawaii!! First, I dont have to have a heater in my shop. I can turn with shorts all year round. If it was safe, I could turn with my flip flops on too…
Second, we take for granted all the native hardwood species, specially the Koa and Koa'ia… We also have, Pheasant wood, True Kamani, Milo, Mango, Avocado, Lychee, and the list goes on…
Shipping charges to the mainland are very expensive, making very hard to share our beautful hawaiian woods. But a few of the visitors took back small pieces of Koa, showing the Aloha spirit to our AAW brothers…
A new chapter has started in my life, as President of the Maui Woodturners Association… A great group of people have joined, 23 members so far!!
We have montlhy meetings, we exchange ideas, learn new things, have a wood raffle, and the main thing, we have a lot of fun!!!
Each pice that comes off my lathe is a labour of love. I'm my worst critic, If I'm not completly satisfied, the piece will not be for sale, or given to the customer that order it. Till next time, Aloha, safe turning and make lots of chips.

Tags: Woodturning,Hawaii,Koa Wood