Make a wooden handheld mirror. In this tutorial I show you how I made a small wooden mirror. There are several steps to this, but in the end it's cool to see what you can make from a block of wood.

Read about this project on our blog at bit.ly/stone-blog

Watch the video at bit.ly/stone-buildvideos

Before we get started, take a look below at the tools I used in this project.

Pre-cut craft mirror (oval shaped) - http://amzn.to/2lYxMJd

Spray adhesive - http://amzn.to/2lBKLxI

Bandsaw - http://amzn.to/2lQDaOb or http://amzn.to/2mj39Lz

Router - http://amzn.to/2lQtiEc

Disc sander (different version) - http://amzn.to/2mj5JBB

Files - http://amzn.to/2lev7aE

Dremel - http://amzn.to/2mcNQHJ

Sanding block - http://amzn.to/2lKOP0M

Epoxy - http://amzn.to/2lAOiMJ

Foam brushes - http://amzn.to/2kRKzxi

Polyurethane - http://amzn.to/2mcORj3

See more tools: bit.ly/stone-tools

To learn more about who we are and also get our FREE e-book click here: bit.ly/stone-starthere

Step 1: Create the Template

The first step is making the template. I had an existing piece of mirror, so I traced it out on a piece of paper and used that as my mirror template. Next, I lay that down on another piece of paper and draw out what I wanted the overall mirror to look like. Once I have a shape I like I can use the spray adhesive to affix the template to the piece of walnut I'll be using. Cut away the excess template and take it to the bandsaw (either a scroll saw or jig saw would work).

Step 2: Cut Out the Shape

I used a bandsaw to cut the shape out, but you could use a jig saw or even a scroll saw. Cut close to the line you drew, but not all the way to it. You can sand it down to the line later. One thing I did here was tilt my bandsaw table to forty five degrees and cut the edges off the handle. Sometimes it's easier to work the piece backwards into the bandsaw blade. Watch the video on how I did this (bit.ly/stone-buildvideos). After trimming everything down to the line, it's the router's turn.

Step 3: Round Over the Edges and Shape the Handle

Use a router to round over the edges of the upper portion. Be sure to round over both sides of the mirror. This will leave a nice edge along the upper part. Next, use a disc sander to shape the end of the handle. All you need to do here is make everything look symmetrical. I rounded the end of the handle to my liking and called it good. I had originally planned for a hole towards the bottom of the handle to hang it from, but decided against it as I was making it.

Step 4: Finalize the Shape of the Handle

Using a round file, finish shaping the handle to it's final look. I did this by twisting the file as I pushed and pulled the file across the handle. This step didn't take long to complete. If you used the bandsaw and disc sander, a few minutes should be enough to finalize the shape.

Step 5: Mark Out the Mirror Location and Sand Away

Use the mirror template to outline where the mirror will be placed on the wood. Once you have a location marked, you can proceed to hog out the waste with either chisels or a Dremel. I chose to use a Dremel due to the fact my carving chisels were dull and I wanted to get on with the project. The Dremel actually worked extremely well. I did need to hold a dust collection hose near where I was sanding because it was making such a mess, but it was much faster. When I got to the point I didn't need to go any deeper with the Dremel I used a sanding block to smooth out the edges. This was probably the most time consuming part of the project, but it wasn't unbearable.

Step 6: Mount the Mirror

Use epoxy to mount the mirror. The epoxy I used comes in a two part container, but dispenses together and all you have to do is mix it up really good. Once you have it mixed up, apply some to the area where the mirror will go and set the mirror in place. Give it a light push into place, but not too much that the epoxy oozes out from underneath. Let the epoxy dry a good 30 mins.

Step 7: Apply the Finish

After you give the epoxy time to cure, it's time to apply a finish. I used a polyurethane in my case. If you use polyurethane, be sure to apply thin coats and let it cure between coats. Some folks will advise to use steel wool after it dries between coats. I didn't do this, although I probably would have ended up with a better finish. The mirror is now complete. Thanks for reading.

LINKS:

Website - http://www.stoneandsons.net

YouTube - bit.ly/stone-main-youtube

Amazon - bit.ly/stone-amazon

Patreon - bit.ly/stone-patreon

Blog - bit.ly/stone-blog

Video - bit.ly/stone-buildvideos

To learn more about who we are and also get our FREE e-book click here: bit.ly/stone-starthere