Who we are
The Northern Hills Chapter of the South Dakota Woodworkers' Guild is located in Spearfish, SD, and has members from Rapid City, Sturgis, belle Fourche and the surrounding area. Skill levels range from brand new woodworkers who have never run a table saw to some very accomplished professionals who have owned or managed large shops. Our members pursue a number of different paths - they make canes and barnwood picture frames, build custom furniture, create turnings and carvings, and do fretwork and cabinetry.
The Chapter meets on the last Thursday of every month at 7:00 PM at the Black Hills School of Woodworking. We spend about an hour on business, and then generally move on to show and tell, special guests/presentations, or perhaps a visit to somebody's shop. Meetings are very informal, more social than businesslike, and we usually have some refreshments. Members help each other with questions, challenges and problems, share tips and jigs, discuss techniques, tools, finishes and species.

Toys
At the January meeting, we had a presentation by Bob Buchanon, a member of the Orange County Woodworkers' Association in Tustin, California. Bob, who recently moved to Rapid City, brought along a selection of wooden toys that his club has built over the years and donates to needy children during the holiday season. Our Chapter will be starting a similar program this year.

Flag Cases
The Guild is currently building forty triangular memorial cases for flags. These will be donated to the local Honor Guard, and given to the families of local Veterans after their funerals.

Drum Sander
Some members of the Guild are just beginning to build a 24" wide drum sander which will be available to members to use on wide panels.

Member News
Ken Marso's work was on display in the Tree of Life exhibit at the Adams Museum in Deadwood from January 12th through February 29. Ken makes diamond willow walking sticks and canes.

Doug Mollman just completed a complete restoration of a circa 1900 white oak ice chest, complete with tin components. The chest is usable, although hopefully it won't have to save any perishables at its new home in his sister's house in North Dakota.

Christie Jensen is in the process of wrapping up a large stained glass window she restored for a Spearfish area home. In addition to being an accomplished woodworker, Christie also runs Terrapin Studios.

Jerry Kahler will be bringing some of his carvings for show and tell at the February meeting.

Contact Info
Call John at 605-591-2947 with questions.
membership dues are $18 a year.