This project was built and designed by Billy from Newton Makes. It’s a clever way to make a smooth, round candle holder for your patio—without needing a lathe or any specialized turning tools.
Using a router and circle-cutting jig, Billy shows how to stack routed rings into a cylindrical form with a removable lid and a hidden compartment for matches. The end result is both functional and stylish, making it a great addition to any outdoor space.
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A Smarter Way to Shape Round Projects
Many woodworkers assume that turning is the only way to make something round. But this project proves that you can achieve a polished, curved look using basic shop tools.
Billy starts with square blocks of white oak and cuts them into round rings using a router and jig setup. These rings are stacked and glued to form the candle holder’s body, eliminating the need for a lathe entirely.
Choosing the Right Wood for Outdoors
For outdoor use, wood choice matters. Billy selects white oak for this project, which offers excellent weather resistance, natural durability, and a tight grain structure.
While cedar is often a go-to for outdoor projects, white oak offers greater density and a more refined look when finished. The project uses only a small amount of material, so it’s perfect for using up offcuts from other builds.
Breaking Down and Preparing the Wood
Rather than pulling out a full slab, Billy looks through his stock for manageable pieces that match the project’s size. Working with smaller blocks saves time and effort while keeping the process efficient.
Each block is marked at the center and prepped for routing. A shallow dimple is added to serve as a pivot point when attaching the jig, ensuring accurate and repeatable cuts.
Using a Router and Circle-Cutting Jig
The router circle-cutting jig is the real hero of this build. With the pivot centered, Billy is able to cut precise outer and inner circles for each ring.
Since most router bits can’t plunge deep enough to cut all the way through the block, he completes the profile and then uses a disc sander to smooth the bottoms. This ensures all rings are flat and uniform before assembly.
Double-sided tape helps hold each block securely during routing. This keeps the material in place and reduces risk of shifting mid-cut—a simple safety trick that works well for repeatable jig work.
Stacking and Gluing the Rings
Once all rings are shaped, Billy glues them together in sequence to form the body of the candle holder. Careful alignment during glue-up ensures the sides remain flush, and clamps help keep pressure even across the stack.
A small notch is added to one of the rings to hold a matchbox—an unexpected but highly practical feature. This turns the candle holder into a handy, all-in-one accessory for outdoor evenings.
Making a Removable Lid
The project includes a fitted lid made from a solid disc of wood. Billy uses a rabbeting bit on the router table to create a small lip that lets the lid seat cleanly into the top ring.
After shaping, the lid is sanded flush with the outside walls so it blends seamlessly with the cylinder. This extra detail gives the project a finished, professional look and protects the candle when not in use.
Finishing for the Outdoors
Teak oil is applied to protect the wood from sun and rain. It penetrates the grain and helps repel moisture while preserving the natural appearance of the white oak.
This type of finish is easy to maintain—if the surface starts to dull over time, a quick sanding and fresh coat brings it back to life. It’s a practical option for outdoor pieces that are meant to be used, not just displayed.
A Creative and Practical Build
Billy’s candle holder is a great example of solving a common problem in a creative way. It shows that you don’t need a lathe or fancy equipment to make something round and beautiful.
From the stacked ring technique to the hidden matchbox compartment, every part of this build is thoughtful and accessible. It’s the kind of project that’s fun to build, easy to modify, and useful around the house or patio.
Tips for Adapting the Technique
The stacked-ring method can be used for more than just candle holders. You could adapt the design into a pencil cup, small planter, or even a lamp base—any small cylindrical form that doesn’t require turning.
Just remember: accurate center marking, a reliable jig, and a bit of patience in sanding go a long way. And when working outdoors, choose woods and finishes that hold up well over time.
Please support Billy by visiting his website here: https://www.newtonmakes.com/shop.
Matt’s Take
These are my personal thoughts and tips based on my own experience in the shop. This section is not written, reviewed, or endorsed by the original creator of this project.
This stacked-ring approach is brilliant for anyone wanting to make cylindrical projects without investing in a lathe. The router circle jig gives you that precision you need, and honestly, it’s often more forgiving than turning – especially for beginners who might struggle with tool control on a lathe. The key is getting that pivot point dead center and taking light passes to avoid tear-out.
White oak is a solid choice for outdoor work, though it does benefit from that teak oil finish Billy applies. The natural tannins in oak actually help with rot resistance, but any penetrating oil will keep moisture from wreaking havoc on the grain. If you’re in a particularly harsh climate, you might want to reapply annually to keep things looking fresh.
That hidden matchbox compartment is such a thoughtful touch – it’s those little details that separate a basic project from something truly useful. When you’re planning similar builds, think about what small features could make the piece more functional. Maybe a groove for a candle snuffer or a recessed area for a lighter.
The beauty of this technique is its scalability. You could easily make these in different sizes using the same method, or even stack rings of varying diameters to create more complex profiles. Just remember to sand between each glue-up step – it’s much easier to get everything smooth while the rings are still accessible.