Looking for a woodworking project that combines simplicity with elegance? This wooden utensil holder was design by TopherWood, and it’s perfect for any kitchen space. This guide will walk you through the steps to create a stylish and functional utensil holder.
Materials and Tools Needed:
- 1 piece of 4/4″ walnut
- 1/4″ plywood for the bottom
- Wood glue
- Clear packing tape
- Disposable brushes
- Sanding block
- Hand plane or block plane
- Router table
- Strap clamp
Step 1: Preparing the Wood
Start by planing down the walnut wood. The goal here is to achieve a uniform thickness throughout the piece. Rather than eliminating imperfections, embrace them as part of the wood’s character. If the wood is bowed, don’t worry too much; you’ll be cutting it down to length later.
Step 2: Cutting to Length
Cut one side of the board to create a flat edge, then proceed to cut the other side to a rough length. Next, mark a 45-degree angle on all four corners to ensure everything is aligned properly. The exact dimensions aren’t critical; just ensure that opposite sides are equal in length.
Step 3: Sanding the Edges
Using a sanding block, clean up any burrs on the cutting edges. While this step might not seem necessary at first, it helps create a smoother finish. You’ll also want to perform some rough sanding now, as the inside of the utensil holder will be harder to reach later.
Step 4: Creating the Rabbet
Using a router table, create a 1/4″ rabbet on the bottom of the box. This will allow you to hide the plywood bottom, giving the holder a clean and finished look.
Step 5: Preparing for Glue-Up
Cut the quarter-inch plywood to size for the bottom. Perform a dry run with a strap clamp to check your dimensions. When you’re ready, use calls to avoid any glue sticking to the bottom of the box during the glue-up.
Step 6: The Glue-Up
Apply glue to the edges and spread it using a disposable brush. Be careful not to tighten the strap clamp too much at first; just get everything lined up properly. After ensuring a good fit, snug down the clamps and let it sit overnight.
Step 7: Cleanup and Final Touches
Once the glue has dried, remove the clamps. Now it’s time to smooth out the edges and ensure everything is flat. You may use a chisel or a block plane to round over the edges as you prefer. Finish off with a final sanding using 220 grit sandpaper.
Step 8: Finishing the Holder
To protect the wood, apply a salad bowl finish. This type of finish is food-safe and ideal for kitchenware. Be thorough, especially in the hard-to-reach corners.
Conclusion
This simple yet elegant wooden utensil holder is not just functional but also adds a touch of warmth to any kitchen. With just a few materials and some basic woodworking skills, anyone can create this beautiful piece.