Introduction: Make Wood Rings (No Tools Required)
In this tutorial video I show how to make wooden rings out of veneer. This is a great project that doesn't require many tools. In fact all you really need is some super glue, a knife, sandpaper and some tape. Having a lathe or a drill will most definitely help speed up the process. Even if you're not a woodworker you probably already have all the tools necessary for this quick and simple project. I did find that the first couple rings I made were a bit sloppy but by the time you make your third one you'll get the hang of it and make some beautiful bentwood rings. I used this technique to make my own wedding rings for myself and my wife. It's a very rewarding project and suggest you give it a try yourself! If you're using a drill bit as your template you'll need to find the equivalent bit size in MM. Ring sizes in MM can be found here.
Step 1: Step 1: Cutting Veneer
First thing we need to do is cut the strips of veneer. Make sure you're cutting wider than the finish size.
Step 2: Step 2: Soak in Hot Water
Now on your lowest setting on the stove soak the rings in hot water for 1 hour. This will make them more plyable.
Step 3: Step 3: Wrap and Dry
Next wipe off the excess water, coil them up and wrap some masking tape around them. Then let them dry for 24 hours.
Step 4: Step 4: Template
Use a template that's the size of your ring finger. You can turn one on the lathe or use a drill bit.
Step 5: Step 5: Sand Tip
Sand down the tip to a fine point to create a seamless transition.
Step 6: Step 6: Wrap and Glue
In 1/2" increments use CA glue and wrap the veneer onto itself.
Step 7: Step 7: Allow the Glue to Dry
Hold the veneer down for 30 seconds to let the glue dry before moving on to the next section.
Step 8: Step 8: Sand and Finish
Now all that's left is some sanding and finishing. A few coats of spray lacquer is a quick way to add multiple coats of finish.
If you like this project I have all kinds of fun tutorials on my website at drunkenwoodworker.com. As always, be safe and stay passionate.
20 Comments
8 years ago
what is CA glue?
Reply 7 years ago
I prefer Goliath glue, that stuff is the best.
Reply 8 years ago
Cyanoacrylate glue. Common brand names are Super Glue or Krazy Glue.
Question 9 months ago on Introduction
Where is the best place to find wood veneer?
6 years ago
Great project. I was wondering if you can put a resin finish on it?
7 years ago
Thanks for a great video, Do you put the light wood in the same water after the dark wood?
Thanks
Jerry
7 years ago
Thanks for a great video, Do you put the light wood in the same water after the dark wood?
Thanks
Jerry
8 years ago on Introduction
Why do you say NO TOOLS required?
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
how any tools did he use to make a the ring? on and thats a knife
and yes i saw that he use a drill but thats for faster sanding
8 years ago on Introduction
I made one of these as directed...it looked great but then the glue started to crack like it was brittle and the ring fell apart. Will try again.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Try gel CA.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
I'm no expert in making these but it sounds like the wood was trying to spring apart and put the glue under tension so it eventually cracked. In general when making bent wood, the longer you can soak it the better, and the longer you can leave it clamped after you soak it the better. You could try leaving the veneer coiled for several days after you take it out of the soak to make absolutely sure it takes the new shape.
CA works best with a flat surface but I've found soaking veneer tends to raise the grain and make the surface uneven. You could try sanding the veneer (carefully!) with some fine sandpaper after it's dried to get a flatter surface which would glue better.
Also not all CA is created equal- cheap CA is pretty poor and good quality CA is amazing. This is the sort of job where you'll really appreciate having a proper glue.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Thanks for the input! I will definitely try again when time permits.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Thank PKM! Great answer!
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
If the glue cracked, I'm thinking it might have been bad glue or something. If it was the wood cracking, like PKM said, you should probably soak it longer. I've been using maccasar ebony and I actually have to boil it for at least an hour before I can work with it without it cracking and splintering.
8 years ago on Introduction
Great job! But...no tools required...seriously?
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
It should say no power tools. I'll let my assistant know.
8 years ago on Introduction
Oh yay, it's the drunken woodworker! I saw your video on Youtube on these rings. Extremely helpful. :)
8 years ago on Introduction
This looks awesome!! I'm definitely going to try it out this weekend- my office just so happens to have a bunch of spare veneer samples!
8 years ago on Introduction
good question about the glue. Thanks for the 411!