Making a Wooden Spatula - Hand Tools Only

In this build I want to prove that you don't need expensive tools to build amazing and useful things.

Supplies

1/2x3x12 in. hardwood (cherry, ash, oak, etc.)

A hacksaw or a double edge saw

A hammer

A 3/4 in. chisel

A sanding file

50 grit sandpaper

100 grit sandpaper

150 grit sandpaper

220 grit sandpaper

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies (and PPE)

Make sure that you gather your tools and supplies. The supply list is above, but the list is here again:

1/2x3x12 in. hardwood (cherry, ash, oak, etc.)

A hacksaw or a double edge saw

A hammer

A 3/4 in. chisel

A sanding file

50 grit sandpaper

100 grit sandpaper

150 grit sandpaper

220 grit sandpaper

That is the tools/supply list. If you have PPE, I would recommend wearing it.

Step 2: Getting the Main Shape Cut Out

I first used the hacksaw (you can also use a double edge saw), to cut grooves. Then, I connected the grooves with a hammer and chisel. Shown on the photo, are the pieces that need to be chiseled out. The other photo is an almost finished handle for the spatula.

Step 3: Sanding the Spatula Handle

The photo is me sanding the handle of the spatula. I used many items to get the handle smooth. For example, I used sandpaper, a file, and many more.

When I used sandpaper, I used different grits. Those would be 50 and 100 grits.

Step 4: Making the Spatula Head

Using the coping saw, I made the curved cut at one of the corners of the spatula head. I sanded the rough bits of the head out with 100 and 220 grit sandpaper. I then sanded out the red stuff on the outside of the wood. I did that because I wanted the spatula to have a silky, caramel white color and the red coating could be toxic for use.

Step 5: Sanding the Whole Spatula Down

I sanded the whole spatula down with sandpaper. The photo is almost the same type of sandpaper I used. I sanded the spatula until the spatula was the shape, texture, etc. I wanted it to be. I used 100 grit and up to 220 grit sandpaper.

Step 6: Finishing the Spatula

I need to use a food-grade safe finish, to make my spatula not only usable, but safe. I also don't want it to be cracked or warped, which happens when the wood meets hot water. In this case, I am going to use butcher block conditioner, but you could use tung oil, beeswax, or any other food-safe finish.