David Picciuto presents a fun and straightforward woodworking project: creating two different wooden pencil holders. One is designed for artists to hold up to 12 graphic pencils, while the other serves as a general-purpose holder for office supplies.
Materials Needed
- Walnut wood (1.25 inches thick)
- Quarter-inch plywood
- Wood glue (like Titebond)
- Shellac (for finishing)
Tools Required
- Table saw
- Drill press with Forstner bits
- Router with a roundover bit
- Disc sander
- Clamps
- Random orbit sander
Step 1: Cut the Wood
Begin by cutting the walnut wood roughly in half. Glue the pieces together to create a thick board. After the glue has dried, remove the clamps and mill the stock down to 2.5 inches by 2.5 inches square.
Step 2: Shape the Holder
Cut as many 4.5-inch pieces as you can from the milled stock to create multiple holders. For a decorative touch, cut the top at a 70-degree angle where a quarter-inch piece of plywood will be inserted.
Step 3: Prepare the Plywood Base
Next, cut a decorative square out of the quarter-inch plywood, making it slightly oversized for sanding flush after gluing. Glue this piece onto the top of the pencil holder and let it dry.
Step 4: Sand the Base
Once the glue has dried, use a disc sander to sand the oversized plywood piece down to create a flush surface.
Step 5: Drill Holes for the General Purpose Holder
For the general-purpose holder, find the center and use a half-inch Forstner bit to drill a hole. Ensure your bit is sharp and clean to avoid burning and stalling.
Step 6: Create the Artist Pencil Holder
For the artist pencil holder, create a pattern to hold 12 graphic pencils. Use Elmer’s spray adhesive to temporarily attach the pattern to the top. Use it as a guide to draw 5/16 inch holes for pens and other artist tools. Additionally, draw a one-inch hole in the center for storing brushes and miscellaneous items.
Step 7: Round Over the Edges
Use a router with a 1/8 inch roundover bit to round over all the edges of the holders. This will give them a smooth, finished look.
Step 8: Final Touches
Finally, sand the entire piece and apply a couple of coats of shellac for a finished look. And just like that, the pencil holders are done!
This project not only makes for a practical gift but also allows for a bit of creativity in design. Whether for artists or for general use, these wooden pencil holders are sure to be appreciated!