This is a frequent topic on the forum. There are multiple resources for learning how to turn.
- AAW Local Chapters
There are over 250 chapters.
You can get a lot of help from a local chapter and become part of the turning community. - Woodturning Schools
In the AAW website Resources tab there are multiple schools which offer woodturning instruction. These schools are good resources for guidance on a variety of woodturning and woodworking skill development. - Local instructors and demonstrators
The AAW Professional Outreach Program (POP) group is setup to allow you to search for demonstrators or instructors. The POP group is a subset of AAW members who are professionals in the field. One advantage of this option is that you may have an instructor nearby whom you didn't know about! - Woodturning symposiums and events
A symposium is a good place to see regional and national turners doing demonstrations. They are also a good place to meet other turners and look at new products.
The annual AAW symposium typically has over 1,100 attendees. In 2006, there were 1,800 registered attendees. The event is held each summer. The symposium index is located here