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How to Make a Bent Ply Coffee Cup Holder

video How to Make a Bent Ply Coffee Cup Holder

This Video will show you how to create your own personal coffee cup coozie. A perfect design that will help save trees by using less cardboard coffee cup sleeves, as well as make all your cafe buddies super jealous. Check out the Streaming video at my blog

14 comments

Apr 2, 2009. 2:21 PM

starshipminivan says:

I wonder if a seal-a-meal or other food vacuum sealing set-up would work if you happen to have one.

Jun 20, 2009. 8:38 AMphreec says:

we use a similar system at home (for food), and i would venture to say that it -might- work for something like this...my concern would be that the s-a-m type vacuum doesn't have a LOT of suction, which might make a big difference, working with the wood. excellent idea, though!!

Jun 18, 2009. 10:08 PMMikey_Likes_It says:

Good instructable and nice workmanship. However, it seems like a lot of work for basically just a decoration. For added function, it might be an idea to attach a wooden handle to the sleeve so you can drink the coffee like a mug. BTW, Jared, your hoodie strings dangling close to the sanding disc made me shudder! Cheap home alternatives: Mould making material: Plaster of Paris. Vacuumless system: wrap a non-stick material around the wood sheets (saran wrap etc) then slide a second coffee cup tightly over the assembly. Possibly wrap the second cup with tape before assembly to give it more strength. yoshhash - Springback issues are simply dealt with by positioning the sleeve slightly lower on the mould than desired finished height, the cup is conical remember.

Apr 6, 2009. 12:45 AMBerserk87 says:

"remember kids, always wear a loose long sleeve hoddie when using wood glue and power machinery."

Apr 2, 2009. 4:56 AMyoshhash says:

nice 'structable. Couple pointers, though (I do a lot of work with laminate wood)- there is something called "springback" which you always have to account for- wood never takes the exact shape you are striving for, it will spring back to a slightly wider radius- (not that it matters so much here, it is only a coffee cup holder!). You can compensate by making the mold from a slightly thinner cup or adding one additional layer of wood on the inside after the main piece is done. Also, an easier alternative to making the mold- use plaster of paris or concrete. Oh, and one more- instead of a vacuum you can just wrap the entire thing with packing tape. You can speed up the wait by poking pinholes into the tape to let air in to accelerate drying- you can't do that with a vac bag!

Apr 1, 2009. 11:45 PMjaredelorenzo (author) says:

There are many options and cheaper alternatives for the casting medium. I chose the plastic because the smooth-on product i had has an expiration date, and the mold would be a good investment.

Mar 31, 2009. 1:38 PMmstark77 says:

That's pretty sweet. Thanks for sharing. The purpose of the vacuum is to push the sides of the holder around the cup, correct? Could I use a couple of the rubber-looped pipe wrenches to apply even pressure? Michael

Apr 1, 2009. 11:41 PMjaredelorenzo (author) says:

Yes, i had planned on creating a demo on alternative methods, i haven't been able to get the chance yet, however you could use, inner tubes from old bike tires, and wrap securely, you can also use ratchet straps, there may be delamination issues due to the evenness of pressure. so you need to do the wrapping methodically and evenly to ensure proper glue up. The vacuum bag creates a nice even pressure.

Apr 1, 2009. 3:27 PMA.Mac says:

Wow, great job, those look great. But regarding saving trees, I think you'd be better off taking the paper cup itself out of the equation by using a to-stay cup or bringing a travel mug with you instead of just a sleeve. At least the sleeves are just cardboard and are easily recyclable. The cups however, will probably just end up in the landfill.

Apr 1, 2009. 6:28 AMhiflyer says:

Cool Idea :)

$61 for small vacuum bag setup ;)

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=51167&cat=1,250,43298,43314

but what about surgical tubing? ($23)
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=31159&cat=1,43838,47843

Mar 31, 2009. 9:22 PMSanclous says:

If laziness is an issue, one can be bought here:
http://www.veer.com/products/merchdetail.aspx?image=VPR0005640#detail
Steep price, but hey, Canadian businesses need support : )
This was a great instructable, and it had a very nice product, and it seems like a perfect alternative to paying for the pre-made one if you have the materials

Mar 31, 2009. 4:27 PM8bit says:

where do you get the ply?

Mar 31, 2009. 4:23 PM8bit says:

Instead of a plastic mixture, one could use plaster, concrete. . . maybe other cheap stuff.

Mar 31, 2009. 3:33 PM

gmjhowe says:

Thats a great, fully explained process. A great use of the video function. For most people, this kind of thing can be made at home, obviously the main problem is the lack of a vacuum bag. Im guessing as mstark says, as long as you get it tight enough using an opposing mould, or say zip ties, you can manage with out.