Introduction: How to Make a Wooden Spoon
Tools
Pencil
Scissors
Bandsaw
Rasp
Vice or clamps
File
1/2”- 3/4” carving gouge
Materials
Paper
10”x3”x1 ¾” or bigger piece of wood
Masking tape
Sandpaper 100,120,150 grits
Mineral oil
Safety
• Do not wear loose clothing, necklaces, gloves, or bracelets when operating saw
• Wear safety glasses and ear protection when using bandsaw
• Keep hands at least three inches from bandsaw blade and away from cutting path
• Rasps can be very rough, taping the end without a handle can make it easier to hold
• Hold gouge properly keeping a hand in contact with wood to prevent slipping
•Wood allergy
It will take about 1.5 hours to complete.
The spoon in the image above is Yellow Poplar
Pencil
Scissors
Bandsaw
Rasp
Vice or clamps
File
1/2”- 3/4” carving gouge
Materials
Paper
10”x3”x1 ¾” or bigger piece of wood
Masking tape
Sandpaper 100,120,150 grits
Mineral oil
Safety
• Do not wear loose clothing, necklaces, gloves, or bracelets when operating saw
• Wear safety glasses and ear protection when using bandsaw
• Keep hands at least three inches from bandsaw blade and away from cutting path
• Rasps can be very rough, taping the end without a handle can make it easier to hold
• Hold gouge properly keeping a hand in contact with wood to prevent slipping
•Wood allergy
It will take about 1.5 hours to complete.
The spoon in the image above is Yellow Poplar
Step 1: Choosing the Wood
The first step in constructing your wooden spoon is choosing the size and species of the wood. The size of the initial block of wood will be dependent on how big of spoon you plan to construct. Choosing the species of the wood is dependent on a number of factors. A low density hardwood such as yellow poplar or bass wood will make for easy carving. For a longer lasting spoon, a less porous species such as soft maple or white oak. Any species harder is too difficult to carve. Overall, yellow poplar is easy to carve and will provide a long lasting spoon.
See picture above
Basswood (Top Spoon)
White Oak (Middle Spoon)
Red Oak (Bottom Spoon)
Step 2: Sketching the Top View
Sketch the top view of the spoon onto paper.
Step 3: Sketching the Profile View
Sketch the side view of the spoon onto paper.
Step 4: Cutting Out the Template
Cut out the top and profile templates that were sketched in steps 2 & 3 with scissors.
Step 5: Tracing the Top View
Trace the top view template onto the top face of wood.
Step 6: Tracing the Profile View
Trace the profile view template on the edge of the wood.
Step 7: Cutting the Profile View
Cut the profile view first using the bandsaw. (Note the following safety issues)
Safety
• Do not wear loose clothing, necklaces, or bracelets when operating saw
• Wear safety glasses and ear protection when using bandsaw
• Keep hands at least three inches from bandsaw blade and away from cutting path
Safety
• Do not wear loose clothing, necklaces, or bracelets when operating saw
• Wear safety glasses and ear protection when using bandsaw
• Keep hands at least three inches from bandsaw blade and away from cutting path
Step 8: Taping Wood Back Togehter
Tape cut pieces back together with masking tape.
Step 9: Cutting TheTop View
Cut one side of top view using the bandsaw. (Note the following safety issues)
Safety
• Do not wear loose clothing, necklaces, or bracelets when operating saw
• Wear safety glasses and ear protection when using bandsaw
• Keep hands at least three inches from bandsaw blade and away from cutting path
Safety
• Do not wear loose clothing, necklaces, or bracelets when operating saw
• Wear safety glasses and ear protection when using bandsaw
• Keep hands at least three inches from bandsaw blade and away from cutting path
Step 10: Retape Cut Pieces
Re-tape the cut side with masking tape.
Step 11: Cutting the Top View
Cut the other side of top view using the bandsaw. (Note the following safety issues)
Safety
• Do not wear loose clothing, necklaces, or bracelets when operating saw
• Wear safety glasses and ear protection when using bandsaw
• Keep hands at least three inches from bandsaw blade and away from cutting path
Safety
• Do not wear loose clothing, necklaces, or bracelets when operating saw
• Wear safety glasses and ear protection when using bandsaw
• Keep hands at least three inches from bandsaw blade and away from cutting path
Step 12: Using the Rasp on the Handle
Use rasp to round all the edges of the handle to a shape that is comfortable to hold in your hand. (Note the following safety issues)
Safety
• Rasps can be very rough, taping the end without a handle can make it easier to hold
Safety
• Rasps can be very rough, taping the end without a handle can make it easier to hold
Step 13: Using the Rasp on Scoop
Use rasp to shape the outside of the scoop to a rounded profile. (Note the following safety issues)
Safety
• Rasps can be very rough, taping the end without a handle can make it easier to hold
Safety
• Rasps can be very rough, taping the end without a handle can make it easier to hold
Step 14: Using the File
Use the file to remove any marks left from the rasp.
Step 15: Draw Scoop Shape
Sketch the scoop shape that you plan to carve out on the top of spoon with a pencil at least 3/16” from edges.
Step 16: Using the Gauge
Use gouge to make concave scoop by carefully shaving and removing the wood until desired scoop depth. Hold gouge in a controlled manner to prevent injury and irreversible damage to spoon. (Note following safety issues)
Safety
• Hold gouge properly keeping a hand in contact with wood to prevent slipping
•The second picture shows the improper way to hold the gouge
Safety
• Hold gouge properly keeping a hand in contact with wood to prevent slipping
•The second picture shows the improper way to hold the gouge
Step 17: Sanding
Use 100 grit sandpaper to remove all visible marks on spoon.
Step 18: Continue Sanding
Continue sanding the spoon and increase the sandpaper grit until the desired smoothness is achieved.
Step 19: Sealing the Spoon
Saturate with mineral oil and allow time to dry.
Once the spoon has dried it can be used to stir/serve sauces, soups, or anything else that can be served with a spoon.
Every few months reapply the mineral oil to expand the life span of the spoon.
Caution
Avoid contact with cooking oils because it will reduces the life span of the spoon.
Once the spoon has dried it can be used to stir/serve sauces, soups, or anything else that can be served with a spoon.
Every few months reapply the mineral oil to expand the life span of the spoon.
Caution
Avoid contact with cooking oils because it will reduces the life span of the spoon.
