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HomeOur Mission


"CIWW strives to cultivate an organization built on mentorship, encouragement, tolerance, and mutual respect, thereby engendering a welcoming environment for all." 
CIWW Bylaws, Article II


Working Wood,
Making a Difference!

Central Indiana Woodworkers' primary mission is to help its members become better woodworkers both in skill and by giving back to the community in the process.

Since 1948, members have been meeting each month to learn from the pros, hear about new technologies and supplies and watch demonstrations of tools and jigs to help make better projects.  

And each month, members are given parts and instructions to take home and build toys for underprivileged children...and one to keep for grandkids as well!

Woodworking, skill building, community service and fun are all a part of being a member of Central Indiana Woodworkers!  



 
History and background of
Central Indiana Woodworkers


- Founded in 1948 as 'Home Craftsmen Forum' for those with a common interest in 'fabricating from wood' and giving back to the community as well.

- Initial meeting venue was at the Vonnegut Hardware Store on E. Washington St. just after WWII to help veterans learn about home renovation.

- The Club received IRS 501(c)(3) status in 2004, established their current DBA name as Central Indiana Woodworkers in 2009.
 
- Membership enrollment in 2022 was 375 active members with an average attendance at monthly meetings of around 120.

- Members come primarily from the nine counties surrounding Indianapolis, the State's capital city.

- The Club supports two community workshops where members meet weekly to design, craft and produce thousands of toys for children and families in Central Indiana.

- In 2022, the Club delivered over 10,400 toys to 43 community agencies who delivered these special gifts over the holidays.   

- The Club hosts monthly workshops where members can learn new skills, connect with fellow woodworkers and mentor new members.

- Special interest groups meet each month to focus on furniture, wood turning, and scroll saw work, carving, digital woodworking in order to learn new methods and work on projects.


The Club's activities revolve around these three pillars:


Monthly Meetings

The monthly meeting allows for Club business and distribution of materials and plans for the Toy of the Month project. Guest presentations on woodworking topics (finishing, turning, jigs, tools, marquetry, veneering, etc.) help members advance their skills.  And a 'Show and Tell' time allows members to share recently completed projects.


 

Skill Building 

Club membership also includes access to a broad range of workshops given by pros who offer hands-on, practical lessons for beginner, intermediate and advanced level woodworkers.  In addition, Special Interest Chapters (SIC's) for furniture making, turning, carving, scroll saw, beginning woodworkers, and digital woodworking meet monthly to learn and work on new projects. 

Community Focus

The yearly focus for the Club is the commitment to crafting thousands of toys and projects that are given to children and families in the community near Christmastime in partnership with over 40 social service agencies.  Individual members, neighborhood shops, SIGs and partner organizations all join in to give back to the community!







Join us today!


Click this link to access the member signup page:

Member Signup










Upcoming Events
Event Calendar:



Spotlight on our Sponsors!

The following are some of the generous businesses that help keep our Club going.  Their gifts of cash, materials, shop supplies and tools greatly enhances our ability to work wood and make a difference in our community!


Rockler Woodworking
8452 Castleton Corner Dr. 
Indianapolis, IN 46250

Woodcraft of Indianapolis
7330 East 86th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46256

Northwest Lumber Company
5035 Lafayette Rd. 
Indianapolis, IN 46254

Merchants Bank
3737 E 96th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46240

Shepherd Community Center
4107 East Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46201

3500 N Arlington Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46218

Accurate Cutting Technologies
1111 Country Club Rd.
Indianapolis, IN 46234


Iso Tunes
12202 Hancock Street
Carmel, IN 46032


MacBeath Hardwood
320 North Kyle St
Edinburgh, IN 46124

MacAllister Machinery
6300 Southeastern Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46203