Introduction: Wood Ring - Quick & Easy (With Limited Tools! NO Drill Press, Lathe, Bandsaw, or Router Needed)

By Nelson Treehouse and Supply
About: At Nelson Treehouse and Supply we strive to create the most interesting and beautiful treehouses in the world and to provide high quality services, information and supplies that allow others do the same. Our …

Looking for a quick and easy handmade gift for the holidays?! Impress friends and family with simple yet stunning wooden rings. There are hundreds of different tutorials on wooden rings, but we're going to show you how to make them with limited tools that you likely already have around your home. This way you don't have to run out to buy an expensive lathe, drill press or bandsaw!

Step 1: Gather Materials & Tools

Tools:

  • Pull Saw
  • Wood Clamp
  • Drill
  • Ring Mandrel
  • Sandpaper
  • 3/4" or 5/8" Forstner Bit
  • Sanding Drum
  • Miter/Table Saw

Materials:

  • Scrap Wood
  • Wood Glue

Step 2: Cut Thin Slices of Scrap Material Using Miter or Table Saw

Use the saw of your choice to cut thin slices of scrap wood.

Step 3: Glue Laminate Layers Together in Desired Order

Coat each side of the thin slices with wood glue and stack different color layers on top of each other. Make a handful of different stacks in case you break the ring or dislike the final outcome! Secure using wood clamps and let dry overnight.

Step 4: Drill Inner Hole With Forstner Bit

Use a 3/4" forstner bit for large fingers, and a 5/8" forstner bit for small fingers. Drill the inner hole.

Step 5: Bore Out Inside Hole to Desired Ring Size

Wrap a piece of sandpaper around a bit, and lock it into the drill. Use this to bore out the inside of the ring to the desired ring size. This can take some time, so be patient!

Step 6: Trim Excess Material With Pull Saw

Use a pull saw and wood clamp to remove excess material around the exterior of the ring, shaping it into a rough octagon.

Step 7: Remove Corners With Palm Sander

Knock off the corners using a palm sander; the closer you get to a circle, the easier the next step will be!

Step 8: Attach Ring to Sanding Drum

This is a sanding drum; it comes with specialty sandpaper that fits the circumference of the drum. We're going to ditch the sandpaper and slip the ring over the rubber drum. Tightening the nut will cause the rubber to expand, locking the ring onto the drum.

Step 9: Dual Wield Power Tools

Now for the fun part! I highly recommend using safety glasses (DUH!). Take the palm sander in one hand, and the drill with the ring attached to the drum in the other. Smooth out the exterior surface of the ring, removing any excess material. Don't press too hard on the ring with the palm sander; just take your time!

Step 10: Finish Sanding With Fine Sandpaper

I finished sanding the ring with 500-grit sandpaper. You can finish with whatever grit you prefer!

Step 11: Oil!

Rub it down with the oil of your choice and admire the final product!

Step 12: Show It Off! (Or Wrap It Up As a Gift!)