Introduction: Candle Holder With Decorative Inlay
I made this for my wife's PartyLite candles. It is made of some Red Oak I had lying around with some walnut for a (this time intentional) decorative inlay. It is an easy, quick project, and the Danish Oil finish really lets the wood pop with its natural color.
Step 1: Cut the The Parts
- I chose Red Oak for the main pieces and Walnut for the inlay.
- Cut the base out 3/4 inch thick wood to a size of 5 1/2 inches by 4 inches.
- Cut the top also out of 3/4 inch thick wood to 2 1/4 inches to 2 3/4 inches.
- Cut a 1 1/2 inch length out of 1 1/2 inch by 1 1/2 inch wood for the pedestal.
Step 2: Drill Hole for Candle
- Connect the diagonals o the top to find the center.
- Use a 1 1/2 inch Forstner Bit.
- Set the depth to 1/2 inch.
- Drill the hole.
Step 3: Create Decorative Inlay in Base
- Put a 1/4 inch straight bit in the router table.
- Set the fence to the groove will be 1/4 inch from the edge on the base.
- Set the depth of the groove to 1/8 inch.
- Carefully run each edge through the router.
- Cut the inlay material into 1/4 inch wide strips.
- Cut the inlays for the long sides overlong.
- If they are slightly too wide for the grooves, sand them until they fit.
- Glue the long sides in.
- For the shorter ends, hold the piece in place, mark the length with a knife, and cut it using a miter box.
- Use some of the ends for the other short sections on inlay.
- When dry, cut off the excess.
- Sand the inlay flush with the surface.
Step 4: Chamfer the Edges
- Insert a 45 degree chamfer bit into the router table.
- Chamfer all edges on the pedastal.
- Chamfer the long edges of the base and top.
Step 5: Sanding
- Sand all the parts to at least 120 grit.
- Sanding the the most fun! (or not).
Step 6: Assembly
- Mark the location of the pedestal on the base.
- Glue and clamp the pedestal to the base.
- After it is dry, drill two 1 1/2 inch holes in the base into the pedestal.
- Glue 1/4 inch dowels into the holes to reinforce the joint.
- Glue and clamp the top to the pedestal.
- After it is dry, drill a a 1 inch hole through the center.
- Glue a 1/4 dowel into the hole.
- When all is dry, trim any excess dowel.
Step 7: Finish
- Remove the dust with and vacuum and/or tack cloth.
- Rub in two coats of Danish Oil finish.
- Apply a coat of wax.
Step 8: Conclusion
Add a candle and enjoy!
Free plans are available in SketchUp and PDF formats.