Turners Anonymous is a group of woodturning enthusiasts from the Tri-State area surrounding Pittsburgh. We love all things about woodturning… the satisfaction of a sharp clean cut; the smell of freshly sliced cherry shavings; an excuse to buy new, expensive tools; and most importantly, the chance to help others to explore and enjoy the hobby as much as we do.

Club Meetings
When -> Meetings are 9am every 3rd Saturday of the Month.
Where -> Contemporary Crafts (Timmons Studio) 5688 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, Pa 15201 [ Google Map Link ]

What to expect at a club meeting
- 9:00am fellowship with coffee and donuts
- 9:45am comments from the board
- 9:50am demonstration
- 11:45am raffle & instant gallery
- Clean up

Non-members, guests and visitors are always welcome

See other club member benefits here

If you know of a tree that has down, or of wood that is looking for a home, please send an email to the WebMaster (include pics if possible). We love to reclaim wood into beautiful woodturnings!

NEW for 2026-2027 Season. Behold the club question box!
Ask any wood turning or club related question, anonymously if you wish, and get it answered at the next club meeting.
Ask a Question

2026 Summer Challenge Winner!

This year's theme was "Something from Nature". Something as simple as an egg (think basket of), or a flower (think vase of), a stump box, or a gnome (yes... gnomes are legal), or a mushroom, birdhouse, or.....the options are endless.

Congrats to Nick Wolfgang for his Acorn within Acorn box entry and new acorn unit of measurement. Yes... one could say he went... nuts on this over Summer.

Tip of the month -August

Bowl Speed Recommendations

It doesn't matter how careful you've been or years of experience, there is always risk in turning and the best way to manage risk is to be aware and prepare for the worst. When turning bowls, remember the rough guide that when taking the diameter and rpm lathe speed you're aiming for somewhere between 6000 and 9000. For example if you're turning a well balanced 6" bowl, you should be between 1000 and 1500 RPM max.

If you're roughing something out, half the recommended speed.

The goal here is not to eliminate risk but minimize in case the bowl departs from the lathe unexpectedly.

Next Meeting - October 17th

Tom Shortall will demonstrate the making of a bowl from a board. Several different types will be shown including the traditional method and the dizzy method

Members, guests and visitors welcome

May 9th Meeting

Kim Romanko gave a great and wide-ranging demonstration of several things from nature in support of this year's Summer Challenge. Taking requests on the fly to create flowers, apples, and acorns with tips, tricks, and insights Kim picked up along the way.

What awaits the winner of the Summer Challenge? Fame, glory, and a 1-year club membership.

Turners Anonymous would like to thank all of our supporting vendors

Please support the businesses that support our club.

RMP Finishes (Formerly Real Milk Paint Co.)

Turners Anonymous is proud to be a member Chapter of the American Association of Woodturners (AAW)

Turners Anonymous is proud to be one of 350+ worldwide chapters of the American Association of Woodturners. We encourage you to join this fine organization. Benefits can be found here -> AAW Membership Benefits 2026

The American Association of Woodturners(AAW) is an international, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. AAW's mission is to provide education, information, and organization to those interested in turning wood.