Howard County Woodworkers Guild (HCWG)
The Guild is a collegial organization of like-minded and creative individuals, dedicated to sharing in the art of fine woodworking craft, nurturing newcomers, and giving back to our community.
Whether your interest is in turning, fine woodworking, carving, finishing, lumber, trees, or camaraderie, all of the above, or you’re not sure; our Guild is for you. Come to a meeting or two and get acquainted.
Our Guild does not buy or make anything for retail sale. We do not buy used woodworking related items to resell. We do sell our own used items. We do provide a marketplace where buyers and sellers, or those seeking help, may post an ad for that purpose.
We offer with limited capacity educational opportunities provided by dedicated and skilled senior craftsmen and women (SME program & Classes). Our monthly meeting is highlighted by impressive show-n-tell reviews of finished projects, and a 60-90 minute skill presentation (Monthly Presentations Schedule).
HCWG President and Vice President Election Results – September 2020
Thank you for your interest in the Guild’s election process and if you attended the Zoom meeting, your vote for our next President and Vice President.
We are happy to announce the results. By virtual vote, 45 meeting attendees confirmed the election of Mike Haigwood as president, and Mike Heavner as Vice President.
Please take a moment to read a brief statement from our newest officers
President
Mike Haigwood
Vision for the Guild:Revisit the Purpose and establish some Goals for the Guild.
Revisit How and where we will meet going forward in the Covid Era.
Evaluate the Demographics of the guild to establish health and vigor for the future.
Evaluate how to outreach more into the community and become a vital part of building connections.
Investigate how to use Technology to help in achieving Education, Outreach, and entertainment for the local and greater community of woodworking. Some of these are: Live and Taped meetings, Using Social Media to influence and inspire, YouTube Demos and events, and Podcast.
Over all to Inspire Members to be Engaged.
Biography:My training and education is in Agriculture.
I graduated from Penn State in 1991.
Presently I am employed with the State of Maryland in the Dept. of Health as a Maintenance Supervisor at RICA of ROCKVILLE.My Guild Goal:
My goal as President is to serve the Guild and it’s members and to continue working and building a strong and vibrant club, as was done by my predecessors. Because of the strong foundation, I feel this club can reach very exciting levels.
Personal Goal:
I was inspired to pursue woodworking when I saw Sam Maloof build a rocking chair. This is on my bucket list.
I have also done research into my family and found that woodworking and farming are in my genes. My Great grandfather started woodworking when he was in his seventies after retiring from farming.Present Project:
We have recently moved to Mt. Airy. The big project we are working on is finishing the 2 story shop and studio. We have insulated and hung sheeting and now work on electrical.
Vice President
Mike Heavner
Vision for the Guild:Continue to support the HCWG in order to inspire others to become more involved in woodworking of all kinds.Support the Guild members and guests with training events and help with needs at their shops or with identifying mentors with in depth skills that can be shared with members and guests.Biography:Born and raised in North Carolina, moved to Maryland in 1985. Joined the U.S. Air Force right after high school and worked for 3 years on nuclear missiles and bombs for B-52 bombers. Then attended cryptographic training and worked for 7 years on encryption/decryption devices. Received Honorable discharge after 10 years of military service. Employed as a defense contractor supporting Linux Systems Administration.I live in Woodbine, MD and am married. I’m a proud Father of one Daugther.I’m actively serving in my church as a Deacon.Woodworking Background:Began woodworking as a hobby doing home projects building shelves and some cabinetry.My woodworking passion is wood turning. I focus on making wood and acrylic pens, handles, and bowls.My woodshop is in my basement and overflowing to my shed for wood storage and drying.I also enjoy finding and restoring old wood working power tools.Current restoration project:
Restoring a 1950’s PowerKraft 6-Inch Jointer, sold by Sears & Montgomery Wards in the 1950’s.
Current woodworking projects are focused on wood turning small bowls and pens as gifts.