A Service Project

The Idea

AAW WIT is encouraging groups to join in a national project to turn wig stands, at no expense for the recipients. The goal is to give back to our communities in this worthwhile effort, especially since cancer has likely impacted each of us, our family, and/or our friends. We are partnering with local/regional groups who provide free wigs for distribution of the wig stands to get them to recipients in need while minimizing the expense to the club's members. Some entire AAW clubs have already been doing this project for some time and we are following in their knowledgeable footsteps.

During the March 2023 General Membership meeting, this information was presented about working with the American Cancer Society and cancer treatment centers by creating a Wig Stands Program.  We may not be able to help cancer patients physically, but we can help them emotionally through our support. The idea was well received within the Sequoia WoodTurners and many have started production.

The Process of Making a Wig Stand

Making a wig stand is a great warm-up exercise, as it helps the turner hone their bowl and spindle making skills. A wig stand is a free form project with very few design rules. Please feel free to make as many as you wish.

If you choose to participate in the Wig Stand Program, please bring your completed stands to the next club meeting for collection. Collection of these stands will take place throughout the year and transported to treatment centers for distribution by their staff.

This service project is becoming very popular with woodturning clubs across the country, and many have created YouTube videos on how to create a wig stand. There are many ways to create a wig stand. We have listed a couple videos to help you get started. Based on the tools you have available is how your workflow will go.

Woodturning Wig Stand For Cancer Patients - YouTube with Alan

How to Wood Turn a Wig Stand, and Turning Challenge - YouTube
with Dean’s Woodworking

Until we can find a source for free or cheap wood, we will have to settle for whatever you are willing to part with from your shop.

Below is a parts list of what you will need to start:
(All sizes are approximate and can vary slightly)

The Top (Mushroom) – Start with a 5-1/2” round x 2” thick turning blank.

The Base – Start with a 6-1/2” round x 2” thick turning blank.

The Spindle (Stem) – Start with a 10” to 12” in length by 1-1/2” blank. I personally mill small pieces on my bandsaw that are leftovers from chainsaw parties. Most of my milled lumber is 2”  thick by however long I can work with, so I’m starting with a little larger blank. I cut it to length and turn it down. The length of a spindle can vary based on wig length but around 12” is a great start.

A few things to consider

1. What Wood to Use - Avoid timbers that are stinky or sticky. A sticky wood will not allow the finish to properly cure and a stinky wood can permeate the wig making the wig unusable.

2. What Finish to Use - The Wig Stand must be finished in polyurethane. This finish insures the stand will hold up to moisture.

3. The Shape of the Cap (Mushroom)- This is the portion of the stand that the wig will rest on. The cap should have a smooth arc from top center to the side edges. The top should not be flat, nor have vertical sides. A good test is to feel the shape of the top 2" of your head.

4. The Shape of the Base - Create stands that are stable by keeping the bottom flat with no bottom rounded edges. A nice feature on the top of the base is a recessed area for the owner to place small jewelry items like earrings or rings.

5. Have Fun !

Here is a link to an  informational with images sent out by the AAW that is filled with ideas on creating a wig stand.

Questions

Feel free to contact the Webmaster should you have any questions.