With so many woodworking forums out there on the web, why should you join a local woodworking club?

First, let me say that I am not in any way against forums. On the contrary, I belong to several which I visit almost every day and try to make a contribution whenever I can. As I said in the “About” page ” We all learn through sharing”.

Well, to start with, there is no better way to spend a couple of hours than to be around people who share the same interest.  Woodworkers come from all walks of life and it is always fun to meet someone who’s profession is quite different from woodworking.

As you look deeper, you will find that many in the group are more than willing to share their woodworking experiences. Their willingness to share gives you a chance to learn from their successes and failures. Compared to online forums,  local clubs have a huge advantage.  When you have a question and you post it online, there is the challenge of getting your question presented clearly, which could mean a lot of typing  back and forth until all involved are on the same page.  When you are in a woodworking club and presented with a question face to face, then a dialog can be started and you can make sure that your question is stated correctly.  Also in a club, you can search out an individual that has experience in the particular area in  which you have a question. You wouldn’t want to ask a question about turning to someone that does not own a lathe.

A friend and fellow club member, John Wilson of the Home Shop, said it best,

” woodworking clubs are like magazine subscriptions,  each month you get plenty of information although not all of it will  be of interest to you….but you can always count on getting something out each meeting or magazine.”

Okay,  say you are someone that has been woodworking for years and years and years. What’s in it for you?  Look back to when you started and think about the person that taught you the finer points.  We all  learned from or were inspired by someone.  You can be that person that many look to for guidance and support. You can help them to be successful woodworkers by sharing your years of experience.

Do you belong to a woodworking Club? I would love to hear about your experiences. How long have you been a member? How many members in your club or what’s your favorite meeting subject?

Friends…. yes,  it won’t be long and you’ll have new friends. People who share your interest and enthusiasm toward woodworking. More on that in part 2.

Keith