This serving tray was designed and built by The Tennessee Tinkerer, and it’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned woodworkers. Follow along in this step-by-step guide to create your very own!
Materials Needed:
- Cherry boards (2 pieces, 6 inches wide)
- Wood glue
- Spray gloss polyurethane
Tools Required:
- Miter saw
- Planer (if needed)
- Scroll saw or Jig saw
- Sander
- Router with round-over bit
- 23 gauge pin nailer
- Clamps
Step 1: Prepare the Tray Bottom
Start by gluing together a couple of 6-inch wide cherry boards to create the bottom of your tray, which will be approximately 12 by 20 inches. After the glue has dried, run the glued board through the planer to even out the surface and thin it out slightly.
Step 2: Cut the Bottom to Size
Use the miter saw to trim the board to its final length, ensuring the ends are even. This step is crucial for a neat finish.
Step 3: Cut the Sides and Ends
Next, cut the side pieces by butting them against the end pieces without measuring. Mark the length directly on the wood, then cut them to size with the miter saw. Repeat this for the ends.
Step 4: Create the Curved Ends
To create the curve on the ends, mark where the top of the sides intersects the ends. Use a mini blind wand or any round object to trace a curve. Cut out the curve on the ends using the scroll saw.
Step 5: Cut Out Handle Cutouts
For the handle cutouts, center them on each end and draw a 1.5-inch circle using a compass. Drill out the circles with an inch and a half Forstner bit and complete the cutouts with the scroll saw.
Step 6: Sand and Round Edges
Use the oscillating drum sander to clean up the cutouts and the curve on the top of the ends. Then, use a router with a quarter-inch round-over bit to ease the edges of the sides and ends.
Step 7: Assemble the Tray
Spread glue on all the joints and temporarily tack them in place with a 23 gauge pin nailer. After the glue dries, use the round-over bit to ease the bottom edge of the tray for a polished look.
Step 8: Finish the Tray
For the finish, apply several coats of spray gloss polyurethane to protect the wood. You can also add additional brush polyurethane on the tray bottom for extra durability, especially since this part will see the most use.
Final Thoughts
This simple cherry serving tray is a beautiful addition to any home and showcases the natural grain of the wood. With just butt joints and glue, you can achieve a stunning result using basic tools. I hope you feel inspired to give this project a try and create your own serving tray!
Leave a comment to share your thoughts on this project and let me know if you plan to make one for yourself. Don’t forget to subscribe to The Tennessee Tinkerer for more woodworking tutorials!