Build a Wooden Mug From Scraps!

Intro: Build a Wooden Mug From Scraps!

In this Instructable I will show you how you can build a cool functional wooden mug from the scrap hardwood you have laying around from other projects.

STEP 1: Collect Hardwood

Find as much scrap hardwood as you need. I like to go to local shops and schools and just ask for their leftovers. I usually get enough to make around ten mugs at a time. You can use all parts so don't pass on any free hardwood. This is what separates us from the animals... the ability to make awesome stuff out of scraps!

STEP 2: Wood Prep

I cut my hardwood down into one half inch to three quarter inch thick blanks. The width I like to keep at about one inch because I like a big grog. The thinner the width the smaller diameter mug you'll have. The length does not matter at this time but they will end up about 6 inches long.

After cutting the blanks put a 12 degree chamfer on both sides perpendicular to each other using a table saw or band saw. The drawing included is a profile view of the grog blanks. 15 blanks with matching 12 degree chamfers will make a complete 360 degree cup.... MATH!!!

STEP 3: Next Glue Up

Using Titebond 3 (waterproof just in case) Lay out your blanks on some masking or painter tape. Apply glue in all the joints. Roll the parts together till they make a circle and apply many. many, many rubber bands. Allow to dry overnight.

STEP 4: Sanding, Sanding, and Oh Did I Mention Sanding.

After all parts are dry its time to sand. You do not need to round your tankard but I tend to always on mine. Using a belt sander and hand sandpaper I smooth out the diameter to what I like.

STEP 5: Bottoms Up!

Glue up some smaller pieces to make a flat bottom. Trim them roughly to the size of your mug and glue and clamp. The oh yeah more sanding.

STEP 6: Get a Grip! I Mean Make a Handle

I cut my handle shapes out of a large piece of scrap wood. Then I shape and sand it the way I like. Once I get it how I want it I tape sand paper onto my grog and sand the curve of the cup on the the handle where it attaches. This ensures a tight fit. I glue the handle on with two part epoxy and some rubber bands.

STEP 7: Finish

I finish my mugs with equal parts food grade mineral oil and food grade beeswax. Apply a few coats and let it soak in. This need to be done from time to time. Hand wash only and enjoy! Be sure to vote if you enjoyed this scrap wood project!

Comments

[jeffwb2u1]

How are you smoothing the inside radius? Spindle sander?

[dustin_little]

Yep just a cheap drum sander attached to a power drill. Clamp the drill down and then go to town! Cheers

[goatmilksoda]

I know this is meant for beer but can it be used for coffee? Is there a way to use it with hot beverages?

[Cwodavids]

Just saying ;-) - https://vinepair.com/articles/the-definitive-history-of-grog/

[foxuk]

Are there any other permanent finishes that could be used?

I'm thinking more for a sink than for a mug...... maybe even a bath, insulated and sealed would be fun. O and deep enough to soak - British bath makers seem to think it is still war time and we're rationed to 4 inches (to be used by the whole family).

Great mug - herself brought one over that she bought in a fair in California so I've always wanted to know 'how to'.

[nava1uni]

Spar Varnish would work on a top. Get Marine grade, like the type used on boats. Should be no problem at all.

[gmtanner]

You should check out kingpost timberworks on YouTube. He has a video of making a cedar bath tub.

[mcgypsy9]

if it's for a sink or bath I would use whatever is used in sealing a boat.

[dustin_little]

While I domt recomend it if you are going to use it for food or drink but EnviroTech pour on epoxy is a great product I use on a lot of wood projects. Hope that helps

[foxuk]

Actually available in the UK from amazon at a price that isn't too bad - gawds the prices you get in the USA make me jealous - Thanks

[JohnG30]

Alumalite has a clear casting 2-part epoxy that's food safe, that's what I would recommend:

https://www.amazon.com/Alumilite-amazing-clear-cas...

BTW, the link is just for example of the product. You can find it cheaper with other searches on Amazon or in craft stores (you can get it CHEAP at Hobby Lobby with their %off coupon they have every other week).

Great Ible, this has me in the mood to create my own grog now! :)

[foxuk]

Thanks - I'm in the UK and it's literally three times the price here - so will need careful calculations.

[47miky]

This is beautiful and easy enough to make. It looks like it doesn't need any really expensive machines to make. I'm glad it looks so simple to make, so I'm going to try to find some scrap hardwoods and maybe make a couple of mugs so I can make a couple match sets for gifts and a set for us. They're just so beautiful!! Thank you!

[dustin_little]

They are very easy to make. I do a few in between bigger projects I am working on just so I always have something going. Upload some pics of what you make. Cheers

[salmansheikh]

sweet project

[slese]

Awesome instruct with a usefull purpose.

[TimK65]

I'm curious. In what language is, "grog", a drinking vessle?

[gtoal]

No, grog is watered down rum that was issued to sailors - watered down so that it would not keep; that way they had to drink it when it was issued by the purser, so they wouldn't stockpile it and get really drunk at some other time, eg during a battle when they needed to have a clear head. The author probably means "a grog mug".

[TimK65]

I agree that either the author made a typo repeatedly through the entire document, or they were confused about the meaning of the word. I was just curious if perhaps the author wasn't a native English speaker and this usage came from another language.

[freewheeler]

This is interesting. Here in Australia, grog is a generic term for alcoholic drinks. Now I know where that came from. I will remember that this evening when my mates and I "get on the grog".