SWAT Background

Did you know this about SWAT?

Each year, the Southwest Association of Turners (SWAT) holds one of the largest woodturning symposiums in the world.

SWAT is an all-volunteer non-profit organization which allows the price to remain affordably low. The Symposium features demonstrations from nationally and internationally recognized turners, as well as outstanding regional turners selected from participating clubs and throughout, the country.

23penturners.jpg

The SWAT Executive Committee and Board of Directors is constantly striving to improve the symposium.  This year you will see:

*  The Opening Ceremonies will be dropped and an additional set of Rotations will be offered, to bring the total number to `10 rotations.  Also, we will have one room totally dedicated to pen turning and pen blank casting.

*  New and returning vendors will have a myriad of turning supplies and accessories  available for attendees to purchase and/or order at very competitive prices.

The 2026 Symposium, our 34th, will be held August 28-30th at the Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Avenue, Waco, Texas. The SWAT Symposium will offer something for every level of wood turner and their spouse.

The Symposium features:

  • 70 woodturning demonstrations from both Lead and Regional Demonstrators
  •  The Art Gallery and Vendor area are open to attendees and visitors.
  •  The Art gallery is where attendees may display and sell their work.  
  •  A banquet on Saturday night where attendees can greet and meet old/new friends and artists.
  •  Raffle tickets are sold online during registration and on-site from Thursday through Sunday morning.  You must be present to win. 
  •  Friday during lunch - Opening remarks and introductions will be made - First Raffle 3 for 1 Drawing will be held.  This drawing is for a midi lathe, Arrowmont Scholarship, and various items donated by vendors.
  •  The Saturday Night Banquet where attendees gather with new and old friends.  The second Raffle 3 for 1 Drawings is for beautiful art turnings donated by artists.
  •  Sunday during lunch - Closing remarks and the Third Raffle 3 for 1 Drawing, for tools, accessories, wood, 2 midi lathes and 1 full size lathe.
  •  All tickets drawn at earlier drawings on Friday and Saturday are returned to the bin prior to the next drawing, earning the 3-for-1 name.
  •  Lunches are provided for all attendees during the three-day event
  •  Special Interest Groups -  Women in Turning (WIT), World of Woodturners (WOW) will meet during SWAT.
  •  There will be areas offering hands-on opportunities to try for yourself in pen turning and bowl turning. It is a chance for some one-on-one coaching from experienced turners.

Bring your spouse! SWAT will have a full schedule of activities and special classes designed for the non-turning spouse.

I look forward to seeing you in Waco!

Buddy Compton, SWAT President 2026

23meal.jpg
logo

SWAT 2026