Founded in 1983, SAWS is celebrating its 31st year of existence. SAWS is a non-profit Society located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Its mandate is to promote fine woodworking to the public and to raise interest in SAWS by encouraging membership.

June 2014 - AGM

Saturday June 14, 2014
The Furniture Maker Shop 9:00 am

This is the season wind-up meeting including lunch and the SAWS Annual General Meeting. More details to follow.

May 2014 - Shop Tours

This is an opportunity for members to visit the workshops of others and to exchange ideas.

Details of the open workshops including locations and times will be sent to all members via e-mail closer to the date.


April 2014 - 2x4 Challenge

Wednesday April 16, 2014, 7:00 pm
Scarboro Community Centre Hall

The 2X4 Challenge is designed to test your creativity, woodworking prowess and have some fun.

The rules are simple; design and make a project from the amount of wood that is in a 2” x 4” x 8’ (768 cubic inches). A 2X4 can be used, or the wood equal to that of a 2X4. That being said, if there are components that are larger than what can come out of a 2X4 they should be constructed as such (i.e., an 8” wide panel should be glued up from at least a pair of 4” boards).

The objective is to use a single species of wood for your project, however a second species can be added for highlighting, but should not make up more than 10% of the finished project. The use of metal fasteners where appropriate, fabric for upholstery and such is permitted.

Finished projects will be presented at the April 2014 SAWS meeting and will be judged by the members present. Prizes available to be won include: a SAWS membership for next year, a catalogue from the previous exhibition, and a SAWS golf shirt. First place will receive first choice; second place will have second choice, etc.

This is meant to be a fun challenge and is open to all SAWS members of all skill levels.

March 2014 - Bending

Wednesday, March 19, 2014 - 7:00 pm
Scarboro Community Centre Hall


Methods of making curved wood pieces, specifically by bending, will be addressed.

Dean Sinnott will demonstrate steam bending of his firewood carrier handle, as displayed at the January 2014 Show and Tell meeting.










John Lavoie will explain parts of a Bombe Chest that he completed for a previous SAWS exhibition. The side and back panels were shaped using hot pipe bending techniques.



Brian Graham will show the forming of tight curves and reverse curves in veneer used in his Kobo reader holder from the 2011 Exhibition.



Come learn from these demonstrations.

February 2014 - ATB Board Room Table


Wednesday February 19, 2014 7:00 pm
Scarboro Community Centre Hall

John Lavoie will present a slideshow and lead a discussion on design and construction of the ATB Boardroom table.



January 2014 - Show and Tell

Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Scarboro Community Center Hall - 7:00 pm

Always a favorite, members can bring items to share with the group including new tools, jigs, tales of woe or celebration, antiques (real or reproductions), heirlooms, bloopers, unusual tools, materials, books or other.