Most woodturners can master the technical skill of making a clean cut, but there is a wide gap between a "nice" bowl and one that stops people in their tracks. But, WGNC Board Member, David Chapin suggests that the bridge across that gap isn't just better tools—it’s a better mindset.

To move from proficiency to mastery, turners must embrace the concept of Kaizen, or continuous improvement. This isn't about achieving a flawless finish on your first try; it’s about refining your ability to see and think before the chisel even touches the wood.

The Four Pillars of Design Improvement

To elevate your craft, David highlights four critical areas that often get overlooked in the shavings-filled workshop:

• Objective Self-Critique: Learning to look at your work with "fresh eyes." Instead of seeing what you hoped to make, you learn to evaluate the proportions and curves that are actually there.
  
• Aesthetic Awareness: Understanding why certain shapes feel balanced and others feel "off." It’s about studying the intersection of form, function, and visual weight.
  

AAW 2026 Symposium
June 4-7, 2026
Raleigh, NC at the Raleigh Convention and 
Performing Arts Center

The AAW has officially opened their website.  Use the following button to be taken to the website where you can register, become a Symposium Volunteer, check out the Demonstration Schedule, and much more.
  AAW Symposium Website 

Don't forget to signup!  Signup now for the AAW Symposium and use the WGNC Symposium Discount.  To get the discount code, click the DISCOUNT button.

Not an AAW member?  Interested in learning more about the AAW and becoming a member?  Click here.

Symposium Volunteer Opportunities

If you are interested in being a volunteer at the AAW Symposium then click on the following link to find out how to go about signing up. AAW Volunteer Sing Up Info

WGNC periodically surveys members to understand how we can provide the most value to our membership. Recently, a new survey notice and link was sent to all our members. In the survey we’ve asked members about demonstrations, workshops, breakouts and show & tell sessions so we know what you would like to see in the near future.  It is also an opportunity to tell us candidly what you like and what you don’t.  Surveys only work if people are honest, so we really appreciate your candid, thoughtful feedback-please tell us what you truly think.  If you haven't already taken the survey, please do so now.  This is your opportunity to help guide our learning direction for the coming months. To go to the survey, please click here.