One of the best things about woodturning is the community around it. Sydney has a healthy number of clubs and groups where turners of all skill levels meet regularly, share techniques, and generally have a good time making shavings. If you’re just starting out or recently moved to the area, joining a club is one of the smartest moves you can make.

Why Join a Club?

You could learn woodturning entirely on your own from books and YouTube videos. Plenty of people do. But a club gives you things that self-teaching can’t:

• Hands-on guidance from experienced turners who can spot what you’re doing wrong and show you a better way.
• Access to equipment you might not own yet - many clubs have lathes, grinders, and tools available for members.
• Timber sharing - members regularly bring in offcuts, blanks, and freshly felled logs to share around.
• Monthly demonstrations by skilled turners, covering everything from basic bowl turning to advanced techniques like hollow forms and segmented work.
• Show and tell sessions where members bring in recent work, discuss challenges, and celebrate successes.

The social aspect is genuinely underrated. Woodturning can be a solitary craft, and having a group of people who share your obsession makes a real difference.

Clubs Across Sydney

Here’s a rundown of the main woodturning clubs and groups operating around Greater Sydney.

Sydney Woodturners Guild

The Sydney Woodturners Guild is one of the larger groups in the city and has several chapters meeting in different regions. They run regular meeting nights, demonstrations, and workshops. The Guild is affiliated with Woodturners Society of NSW and has strong connections to the wider Australian turning community.

Chapters meet across western Sydney, the northern suburbs, and the southern regions. Check their website for specific meeting locations and times.

Macarthur Woodturners

Based in the Macarthur region in south-western Sydney, this club meets regularly and caters to all skill levels. They run hands-on workshops and have a well-equipped workshop space. A friendly group that’s particularly welcoming to beginners.

Northern Beaches Woodturners

Meeting in the northern beaches area, this group has a strong focus on skill development and member participation. They often host visiting demonstrators and participate in regional woodworking exhibitions.

Menai Woodturners

Operating out of the Sutherland Shire area, Menai Woodturners have been active for years. They meet regularly and have a good mix of experienced turners and newer members. The club has its own workshop facilities and runs beginner courses periodically.

Western Sydney Woodturners

Covering the greater western suburbs, this group meets regularly and focuses on practical skill development. They’re a good option for anyone living in the Parramatta, Blacktown, or Penrith areas.

Mens Sheds

Beyond dedicated woodturning clubs, many of Sydney’s Mens Sheds have lathes and turning-friendly members. Mens Sheds operate across virtually every suburb and are an excellent entry point for anyone curious about woodworking in general.

The Australian Mens Shed Association website has a directory of sheds across Sydney. Pop in for a visit, have a cuppa, and see if they have turning facilities. Most sheds are welcoming and keen to attract new members.

Shows and Online Communities

Sydney hosts woodworking events throughout the year. The Sydney Working with Wood Show is the big one, with live turning demonstrations and exhibitors from across the state. Keep an eye on club newsletters for smaller regional shows and markets too.

If you can’t make it to a physical meeting, online communities are a solid alternative. Facebook groups, forums, and Instagram accounts dedicated to Australian woodturning are active and helpful. As a tech consultancy recently noted, maker communities are increasingly building online presences - and woodturning clubs are no exception. Several Sydney clubs now run virtual demonstrations alongside their in-person meetings.

What to Expect at Your First Meeting

Most clubs are relaxed and informal. Show up, introduce yourself, and mention that you’re interested in turning. You’ll likely be shown around, introduced to a few members, and possibly offered a go on a lathe.

Bring along a piece of your work if you have any - turners love talking about timber and technique. If you’re a complete beginner, say so. Every experienced turner was a beginner once, and most are keen to pass on what they know.

Annual membership fees for most clubs range from $30 to $80, which is excellent value considering what you get in return.

Getting the Most Out of Membership

• Attend regularly - the more you show up, the more you learn and the stronger your connections.
• Volunteer - clubs run on volunteer effort. Help set up, pack down, or organise an event and you’ll become part of the community quickly.
• Ask questions - there’s no silly question in a turning club. Everyone has been where you are.
• Share your timber - if you come across a felled tree or a source of good blanks, let the club know. Timber sharing is a core part of turning culture.

Joining a club was one of the best decisions I made when I started turning. The knowledge, the friendships, and the access to timber and equipment have been invaluable. If you’re in Sydney and even remotely interested in woodturning, find a club near you and give it a visit.