Making My Grandfathers Wooden Urn

My grandpa recently passed away and my dad tasked me with the responsibility of making his urn, this project is dedicated to him.

Supplies

I got all the wood and supplies needed at my local Woodcraft store

3/4" thick 7" wide piece of walnut

miter saw

sander

clamps

wood glue

super glue (optional)

Mineral oil

Step 1: Cutting the Front and Side Pieces

I started by cutting two pieces to 9" wide and two at 5 3/4" with a 45 degree angle.

I used a continuous grain cut pattern on all the sides by flipping the boards over for every cut.

Step 2: Glue Up

I taped the inside of the boxes to prevent glue from getting on it.

I then clamped it up.

I filled in gaps between the pieces with some walnut saw dust and glue, sanding after.

Step 3: Cutting the Top and Base Pieces

I cut two pieces at 10" x 6 3/4. So that there can be one inch over-hang on the box.

Step 4: Box Engraving

I got it engraved with my grandpas name, dates, and colleges he attended on the front and on the back we put all of my family's names.

You can also order a custom plaque online if you would rather that look.

Step 5: Add Chamfer to Top and Base

I used a 30 degree chamfer bit and went completely around both pieces and then sanded out some of the imperfections.

Step 6: Glue on Top

I glued on the top and clamped it down.

Step 7: Screw on Bottom

I carefully measured so that the screw holes would not break through the box.

I drilled the pilot holes, counter sinking them so it is flush. Then I put the bottom on and then drilled in the screws.

I screwed this on instead of glueing so that we can put his ashes in and the screws are not visible on the bottom.

Step 8: Adding the Military Emblems

My grandpa was in the air force (the top emblem) and was also a liaison with SOG (the bottom emblem).

I found the center, lined them up and glued them on, putting weights on them to hold them down good.

Step 9: Add Finish

I used Mineral spirits to finish it because it makes walnut look fantastic.

This is actually mineral oil used for cutting boards but it still works great.

Step 10: Finished Product

This project was extremely intimidating to do but meant a lot to me and I think it turned out amazing and know he would be proud of it.