Our mission, history, objectives - Central Indiana Woodworkers

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.

- Current membership enrollment for 2020 is 183 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 four community workshops where members meet weekly to design, craft and produce thousands of toys for children and families in Central Indiana.

- In 2019, the Club delivered over 15,000 toys to 40 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 monthly to focus on furniture, wood turning and scroll saw work, sharing ideas, learning new methods and working 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

Beyond the monthly meeting presentations, Club membership 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 Groups (SIG's) for furniture making, turning and scroll saw work meet monthly to learn and work on 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

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

Northwest Lumber Company
5035 Lafayette Rd.
Indianapolis, IN 46254

Frank Miller Lumber Company

1690 Frank Miller Road

Union city, IN 47380

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

Affordable Family Storage
10901 E. Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46229

Corsi Cabinets
611 Churchmann Bypass
Indianapolis, IN 46203

Craters and Freighters
6870 Hawthorn Park Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46220

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