Real-Life Wooden Minecraft Torch!!! (Perfect for Night & Day!)

Minecraft is a video game in which the player can build anything they want, go wherever they want, and do whatever they want! So why not go beyond the video game, and build whatever you want? In this build, I'll be showing how to build a real-life wooden Minecraft torch!

So without further ado, let's get started!

Tools/ Materials needed.

• Table Saw

• Palm Sander

• Sandpaper (120-1000 grit)

• Epoxy Resin (2 part)

• Cardboard

• Masking Tape

• Walnut wood

• Wenge wood

• Ash wood

• Wood Glue

• Clamps

• Hot Glue

• Glue Glue Sticks

• Flashlight

• Drill/ drill press

• 3/4" spade/ forstner bit.

• (optional) Buffing wheel

Step 1: Choosing Wood, Cutting Strips

The first thing you're going to do is choose the wood for this project, and then cut it into 3/4" square strips. For this project, I decided to use Walnut, Wenge, and Ash. I decided to go with these woods because in the video game, the wood is rather dark colored. And that's the advantage of using Walnut, and Wenge for their dark color. And Ash for it's lighter color.

The first thing you're going to do is cut the wood into strips. To do this, I will set my Table Saw at just over 3/4". Then, I'll start by cutting two strips of Wenge (darker wood), one strip of Walnut (dark wood), and one strip of Ash (lighter wood). Once the strips are cut, take it to the Table Saw once more and cut them so each piece is 6 inches long.

Once done, you're ready for the next step!

Step 2: Glue the Handle

Now that the strips are cut, it's time to glue all the strips together. To do this, I used Gorilla Wood Glue. You can use any wood glue you desire, but I went with this glue for it's strength and durability. To start, apply glue to one piece of Walnut, and one piece of Wenge. Then press them together. Once done, apply glue to the surface of the two pieces, and apply glue to one side of the Ash strip. Lay the Wenge on top of the Walnut, and the Ash on top of the Wenge; while still leaving the side of the Ash (with the glue on it) pointed towards the middle. You should have a square with alternating colors, almost Checkered. (see images above) Then, clamp and let dry for 24 hours.

Once done, you're ready for the next step!

Step 3: Cut, Cut, Cut.

Now that the handle is glued and dry, it's time to square it in the Table Saw. To start, set your table saw at just under 1.5 inches, and start cutting two sides of the handle. Then repeat by moving the saw over just a bit, and cut away the other two sides of the handle. Once done, use a pencil and mark 3/4 of an inch away from the Table Saw blade, and start cutting the handle into small tiles according to the line you drew. (see images above) Once done, you should have about 7 squares. One of them may be a bit longer/ shorter if you didn't cut the last tile to size, set this piece aside for later.

Once done, you're ready for the next step!

Step 4: Glueing the Pixels

Now that the tiles are cut, it's time to glue them together. Before glueing, arrange the pieces around into a pattern you like most. I am doing this to give the effect of Pixels in the wood (according to the game). Once your tiles are arranged, lay them out flat and then start glueing them together. Make sure to apply plenty of glue, for you want a good/ strong glue-joint. Once the pieces are glued together, clamp them, and let dry for 24 hours.

Once done, you're ready for the next step!

Step 5: Squaring the Handle

Now that the pixels are cut and glued, it's time to square the handle again. Repeat the same process from step 3. To start, set your table saw at about 1/8 under 1.5 inches, and start cutting two sides of the handle. Then repeat by moving the saw over just a bit, and cut away the other two sides of the handle.

Make sure all sides are cut, and even. Then you're ready for the next step!

Step 6: Making a Mold

Now that the handle is practically done, it's time to make a Mold for the Epoxy Resin. To start, take a piece of cardboard, and trace the handle unto it using a pencil. Then, take a knife and cut about half-way into the cardboard, following the line you traced. One done, cover the opposite side of the cardboard with tape, and fold over the extra tape. It is better to use clear Packing Tape, for it is easier for the resin to be removed. Then, cut a square a little larger than the handle, and set this aside for the next step.

Step 7: Putting the Mold Together.

Now that the mold is made, it's time to put it together. To do this, I Taped and hot-glued the cardboard square to the tip of the mold. Then, I hot-glued the handle into the Mold, making sure to leave about 2 inch gap (see images above).

Once done, you're ready for the next step!

Step 8: Mixing the Resin

Now it's time to mix the Epoxy Resin for the mold. For this I used Loctite resin, but any other resin works as well. This also sets in 5 minutes, so you have to work with it quickly. To start, I'll mix about 1 ounce of Resin, and 1 ounce of hardener into a cup. Then, I'll mix the same amount into another cup. Mix thoroughly, and then add Gold Powder to one cup, and Gold Powder with a little Red to another cup.

Once done, you're ready for the next step!

Step 9: Pouring the Resin.

Now that the resin is mixed, it's time to pour the resin into the mold. To start, you can either pour both colors in at the same time; or you can pour one color in, and the next afterwards. It's up to you, but I chose to pour one color in, wait until that epoxy set (while mixing the other cup), and then pour the other color in over it. This step uses Toxic fumes, so it's IMPORTANT that this is done in a well-ventilated area, while wearing Respiratory protection. Once the epoxy has set, let dry overnight to allow for full hardness. Then peel away the mold, and remove as much of it as possible.

Once done, you're ready for the next step!

Step 10: Squaring the Torch

Now that the Resin has been poured, it's time to square the torch once more. Repeat the same concept from step 3. To start, set your table saw at just under 1 4/8 inches, and start cutting two sides of the torch. Then repeat by moving the saw over just a bit, and cut away the other two sides of the torch. The piece should be about 1.25 inches square now (width-wise). Once done, trim the edges of the torch using the Miter Gauge at 90°. The torch should be about 6.5 inches long.

Then, you're ready for the next step!

Step 11: Drilling the Hole

Now that the torch is mostly finished, it's time to drill a hole for a Flashlight to fit into. To do this, I used a 3/4" Spade bit, and a drill press. This can be done with a Hand-dril/ electric drill, but I used a drill-press for more convenience. Drill all the way through the bottom of the torch, and about 1/2" into the resin. This will need a long bit, about 8 inches long. Drill slowly, and make sure not to get the bit too hot, because it can result in ruining your bits.

Once the hole is drilled, you're ready for the next step!

Step 12: Make the Tail-cap

Now that the whole on the torch is drilled, it's time to make the tail-cap for it. To do this, I used the shorter/ longer piece from step 3 of cutting the tiles. I used a scrap piece of Wenge, and rounded the corners of it. That way it was about 3/4" in diameter. Then, I glue it to the middle of the tile using Wood Glue. (see images above)

Once done, you're ready for the next step!

Step 13: Sanding, and Polishing.

Now that the torch is almost done, it's time to start sanding the piece. This step requires a lot of time and elbow-grease if you're looking for a nice finished product. To start, I'll be using a Palm Sander. I started sanding at 120 grit to removed scratches from the Table Saw, and then moved on up to 200 grit. Then, I want to hand-sanding and sanded at 200 grit for a little while. Then, using a little bit of water, I wet-sanded the Resin. Wet-sanding the piece ensures that the sandpaper does not get clogged up with resin, and also makes a nicer finish. Work your way from 200-400-600-1000 grit. Take your time in-between grits (if you're looking for a nice finish), because any scratch left behind from the previous grit can result in the finished product. Once done, I took it over to my buffing wheel and buffed the piece smooth. This step is optional, but it adds a nice 3D effect to the resin.

Once done, you're ready for the next step!

Step 14: Oiling/ Finishing

To oil/ finish the piece, I decided to use Rejuvenating Oil. You can use other finishes as well such as: Danish Oil, Tongue Oil, Walnut Oil, Mineral Oil, etc... I went with Rejuvenating oil for it's ability to expose the true color of the wood.

I applied a reasonable about to a folded Paper Towel, and then wiped the entire piece. I applied about 4 coats of oil, and then buffed it once more on the buffing wheel.

NOTE: Depending on the oil/ finish you use, these steps taken to finish the piece may be different. Read the directions on your finish/ oil before applying.

Once done, insert a Maglite/ flashlight into the hole, and pop the tail-cap on. Then, you're ready to go!

Step 15: Finished, Now Show It Off!

Now your Minecraft Wooden Torch is complete! This is a fun, and relatively easy project that practically anybody can do! It's a great little piece to show off to your friends and family, give to someone, or even just play around with it yourself! This torch also has a special ability to even be used during the day, for the Sun shines through the resin and lights it up! It's a great project either-way, and I had a lot of fun making it. So, get outside and start making cool things beyond the virtual world!

Want to see more? Visit my Website and Youtube Channel for more!