Introduction: Tea Light Cup Warmer

It does happen quite often that we forget time while working, while reading or while playing a game. You have a nice cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate to drink and suddenly you got a cold drink in your hands! The Cup Warmer provides a warm drink even when you are busy for hours. You simply put the cup or mug on the plate heated by a tea-light and your coffee, tea or hot chocolate stays nice and warm.

The Cup Warmer is easy to make and costs less than 10 $.

Step 1: Materials and Tools

Materials needed:

  • Wooden board (27 mm thick)
  • Aluminum rod (12 mm thick)
  • Aluminum plate (10 mm thick)
  • Four machine screws 4 mm

Tools needed:

  • Screw driver
  • Drill
  • Drill bit (3,5 mm, 12 mm, 39 mm)
  • Sanding paper
  • Bee wax
  • Jig saw

Step 2: Wood Work

Draw a 10 cm by 10 cm square on the wooden board.

Draw the diagonals within the square.

Measure 2 cm from each corner and drill a 1 cm hole with a 12 mm drill bit.

Drill a 1 cm hole in the center of the square with a 39 mm drill bit (slightly wider is even better).

Saw the square out whit a jig saw.

Step 3: Metal Work

Saw four pieces of 5 cm off the aluminum rod. Drill a 3,5 mm hole in the top of each piece.

Draw the diagonals on the 10 cm by 10 cm aluminum plate. Measure 2 cm from each corner and drill a hole using the 3,5 mm drill bit.

I had my aluminum plate precut by my local hardware store.

Step 4: Sand and Wax

Sand the wood and aluminum pieces.

Wax the wooden piece with bee wax.

Step 5: Putting It Together

Place the aluminum rods in the drilled holes of the wooden board.

Screw the aluminum plate on top of the rods.

The screws are 4 mm wide, therefore they are slightly bigger than the predrilled holes. You will need some force to get them in, but once in place it’s a strong fit.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Enjoy a nice cup of tea or coffee, which stays warm all evening.

A tea-light burns for approximately two and a half hour. The aluminum plate will remain hot for 15 minutes after the candle is out.