Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about SAWS, our meetings, programs, Exhibition or ways to get involved? You'll find answers to some of the most common questions below.
About SAWS
Who we are and who SAWS is for.
Who can participate in SAWS?
SAWS welcomes people at all levels of woodworking experience, from those just beginning to explore woodworking to experienced hobbyists and professional makers.
One of the strengths of SAWS is the opportunity to learn from other woodworkers, share experience and become more involved in the woodworking community.
Do I need to be an experienced woodworker to join SAWS?
No. SAWS members have a wide range of woodworking interests, skills and experience.
The SAWS Exhibition showcases work of a very high standard, but you do not need to be an Exhibition-level woodworker to benefit from being a member. Learning, sharing knowledge and continually improving are important parts of the SAWS community.
What are the benefits of joining SAWS?
Membership provides opportunities to meet other woodworkers, attend meetings and presentations, learn from members and guest speakers, participate in shop tours, access members-only resources and discounts, and become involved in other SAWS activities.
See the Membership Overview for more information about membership benefits.
How do I join SAWS?
Visit Join SAWS to see the current membership options and complete your registration online.
For questions about membership types, eligibility, renewals, billing or your account, see the Membership FAQ.
Meetings & Programs
Regular meetings, guests, presentations and other SAWS activities.
When and where does SAWS meet?
Regular SAWS member meetings are typically held on the third Wednesday evening of the month at the Scarboro Community Association, 1727 14 Ave. S.W., Calgary, unless otherwise noted.
Many regular meetings are also available by Zoom when indicated.
Meeting dates, times, locations and program details are published on the Events page. Some meetings, shop tours and special events use different dates or locations, so check the Events page for the latest information.
Can I attend a meeting before becoming a member?
Yes. If you are considering SAWS, you are welcome to attend your first regular meeting as a guest at no charge.
You do not need to register in advance.
Check the Events page before attending for the current meeting date, location and details.
What happens at a typical SAWS meeting?
Programs vary and may include woodworking presentations, demonstrations, guest speakers, member presentations, Show & Tell, Society announcements and opportunities to meet other woodworkers.
See Events for upcoming meeting topics and activities.
Can I suggest a topic or presenter for a future meeting?
Absolutely. SAWS welcomes ideas and suggestions for presentations, demonstrations and other meeting topics.
Send your suggestion through the Contact page or speak with a Board member at a SAWS meeting. Suggestions can then be considered by the Program Committee.
Does SAWS organize shop tours and other activities?
Yes. In addition to regular meetings, SAWS may organize member shop tours, demonstrations, workshops, training and other special programs.
Current scheduled activities are listed on the Events page.
Fine Works in Wood Exhibition
SAWS's biennial public showcase of fine woodworking.
What is the SAWS Fine Works in Wood Exhibition?
The SAWS Fine Works in Wood Exhibition is SAWS's biennial public showcase of fine woodworking.
The Exhibition celebrates craftsmanship, creativity and design and gives makers an opportunity to present their work to the public. Submitted works must satisfy the requirements established for that Exhibition.
You can explore the 2025 Fine Works in Wood Exhibition to see work from the most recent Exhibition.
When is the next SAWS Exhibition?
SAWS Exhibitions are held every two years. The next Fine Works in Wood Exhibition is planned for September 2027.
Information about the 2027 Exhibition, including dates, entry requirements and other details, will be added to the website as planning progresses.
In the meantime, you can explore the 2025 Exhibition.
Do I have to be a SAWS member to enter the Exhibition?
Not necessarily. SAWS Exhibitions may include both member and non-member entrants.
Membership may affect entry fees or other Exhibition benefits, so prospective entrants should review the requirements published for the applicable Exhibition.
How do I enter the SAWS Exhibition?
When entries open, the current Call for Entries, requirements, deadlines and entry process will be published on the SAWS website.
Calls for entries are announced well before the Exhibition because makers may need considerable time to complete their work.
Always use the information published for the current Exhibition rather than forms or requirements from a previous year.
Do I have to be an expert woodworker to enter the Exhibition?
You do not have to describe yourself as a professional or expert, but work submitted to the Exhibition must meet the standards and requirements established for that Exhibition.
The focus is on the quality of the submitted work, not the maker's professional status or number of years of experience.
Commissions
Connecting customers with SAWS members who undertake commissioned woodworking.
Can SAWS help me find someone to do custom woodworking?
Yes. SAWS maintains a Commissions page listing members who are available for certain kinds of commissioned woodworking.
You can contact a listed woodworker directly to discuss your project.
SAWS does not participate in or accept responsibility for the business arrangement between the customer and the woodworker.
I am a member. How can I be listed on the Commissions page?
The Commissions listing is a service available to SAWS members. SAWS has established quality standards that members must meet before being listed.
Use the Contact page for more information about being added to the Commissions listing.
Getting Involved
Volunteering, contributing and sharing your knowledge.
How can I volunteer with SAWS?
SAWS is a volunteer-run organization, and members can help in many different ways.
Opportunities may include committees, meetings and programs, communications, technology, the Exhibition, photography, administration and other Society activities.
You do not need to make a major ongoing commitment to help. Even occasional assistance can be useful.
Members can indicate areas where they may be able to help through Member Details in the Member Portal, use the Contact page, or speak with a Board member at a meeting.
Can I share my woodworking knowledge with other members?
Yes. Sharing knowledge is an important part of SAWS.
Members may contribute through presentations, demonstrations, Show & Tell, informal mentoring, discussions, articles, shop tours or simply by helping another member with a woodworking question.
If you have an idea for something you'd like to share, use the Contact page.
How do I get a SAWS name tag?
New-member name tags are normally printed and made available at the first meeting after you join.
If you have joined and your name tag is missing, or you need a replacement, use the Contact page.
Members & Community
Connecting with other woodworkers and participating in the SAWS community.
How can I connect with other SAWS members?
Meetings, shop tours and other SAWS activities are great opportunities to meet other members and find people with similar woodworking interests.
SAWS is also developing improved members-only tools to help members connect based on woodworking interests, areas of expertise and information members choose to share.
Current members-only resources are available through the Member Portal.
What does SAWS expect from members and guests?
SAWS is an inclusive woodworking community. Members and guests are expected to treat other members, guests, volunteers, presenters and partners with respect.
There are no expectations about how experienced a woodworker you need to be. We want members to participate in SAWS in ways that are useful and enjoyable for them.
Staying Informed
Finding upcoming activities, news and information.