This project was built and designed by Mark from Gunflint Designs. It’s a creative combination of cherry hardwood and vibrant resin, shaped into a sleek, French-style rolling pin that’s as functional as it is eye-catching.
From scrap offcut to polished kitchen tool, this project showcases how thoughtful design and experimentation can lead to something both beautiful and practical. Mark walks through the entire process, from material prep to finishing techniques that ensure food-safe use.
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Turning Scrap into a Functional Tool
The idea began with a leftover piece of cherry—too small for larger furniture, but too interesting to toss aside. Instead of discarding it, Mark saw an opportunity to turn the scrap into something both useful and artistic.
The French rolling pin design, known for its tapered ends and axle-free form, offers a challenge when combining resin with wood. Would the resin bond be strong enough to hold up under kitchen use? This project was a chance to find out.
Preparing and Joining the Wood
The build started by joining two halves of cherry to create the rolling pin blank. For added strength, a dowel was inserted at the core before glue-up. This ensured alignment and minimized movement during turning and resin filling.
Mark took the time to find the center points on each piece using a drill press, an important step for future lathe work. A smooth joint and accurate centerline are key to getting a balanced result when the piece begins spinning on the lathe.
Building a DIY Pressure Chamber
Working with resin adds a layer of complexity, especially when voids and air bubbles are involved. To eliminate bubbles, Mark built a custom pressure chamber using PVC pipe—a low-cost, high-impact tool for small-scale casting.
The pressure chamber was pressurized after the resin pour to compress any bubbles that might have formed. This technique results in a clearer, more professional look once the resin cures.
Pouring and Curing the Resin
After mixing the resin and choosing vibrant colors, Mark carefully filled the voids in the cherry blank. With the chamber sealed, the resin was allowed to cure under pressure to minimize imperfections.
Once cured, the blank showed a beautiful swirl of color running through the warm tones of the cherry. The visual contrast between natural wood and bold resin made for an eye-catching piece, even before turning.
Shaping on the Lathe
With the resin fully cured, the blank was mounted on the lathe and shaped into a cylinder. Mark carefully turned the piece, refining the shape and checking for any signs of weakness or separation between materials.
The French-style taper was added to both ends, giving the rolling pin its signature look. By gradually tapering the handles, Mark ensured it would feel balanced and comfortable in use.
Finishing for Food-Safe Use
While the first resin used in the casting was not rated for food contact, Mark applied several coats of FDA-compliant Amazing Clear Cast resin as a topcoat. This finish not only protects the surface but makes the rolling pin safe for everyday kitchen use.
Using the lathe at a slow rotation speed, Mark applied each coat evenly and allowed it to cure before moving to the next. The final result was a glossy, glass-like surface that brought out the color in both the resin and the cherry.
Final Touches and Presentation
The ends were trimmed clean after the finish cured, and a final resin seal was added to close off the exposed grain. Every detail was addressed, resulting in a finished piece that looks and feels like a high-end kitchen accessory.
Though made from leftover materials, the final product is both durable and elegant. The project pushed Mark to try new techniques and combine different materials in a way that felt fresh and rewarding.
A Creative Twist on Traditional Turning
This rolling pin isn’t just a kitchen tool—it’s a small piece of functional art. It represents the kind of creativity that comes from seeing potential in discarded scraps and having the skills to bring an idea to life.
Mark’s process blends woodworking with resin work in a seamless way. It’s a great introduction for anyone interested in trying hybrid projects or upgrading simple turning ideas with new materials.
You can see all of Mark’s plans here: https://www.gunflintdesigns.com/project-plans.