Making a wooden pencil holder with compartments is a fun and practical woodworking project. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft your own:
Materials Needed:
- Wood pieces: You can use hardwood like oak or softwood like pine.
- Wood glue: For joining the pieces together.
- Clamps: To hold the pieces while the glue sets.
- Saw: A hand saw or miter saw to cut the wood.
- Sandpaper: For smoothing rough edges.
- Measuring tape: For accurate dimensions.
- Pencil: To mark the cutting lines.
- Wood finish or paint: To protect the wood and add a polished look (optional).
- Ruler: To measure dimensions for compartments.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Plan the Design and Dimensions
- Decide how many compartments you want in your pencil holder. Typically, three or four compartments work well, but this depends on your needs.
- Consider the size of your desk and how much space you want the holder to take up.
- Common dimensions for a pencil holder might be about 5 inches tall, 6 inches wide, and 4 inches deep, but you can adjust these based on your preferences.
2. Cut the Wood Pieces
- For the base: Cut a piece of wood to your desired width and length. For example, a 6×4 inch piece for the bottom.
- For the sides: Cut four pieces to form the sides of the holder. Two long pieces for the front and back (e.g., 6 inches long) and two shorter pieces for the sides (e.g., 4 inches long).
- For the compartments: Cut additional pieces to separate the compartments. These should match the height of the sides and the width of the individual compartments you want to create (e.g., 2-3 inches wide for each compartment).
3. Assemble the Base and Sides
- Apply wood glue along the edges of the base where the sides will be attached.
- Attach the long pieces to the front and back of the base and the shorter pieces to the sides.
- Use clamps to hold everything in place while the glue dries. Allow the glue to set for at least 30 minutes, or follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Install the Compartment Dividers
- Once the outer frame is dry, arrange the dividers inside the box where you want to create compartments.
- Apply wood glue to the edges of the dividers and place them evenly inside the frame. You can space them evenly or customize the size of each compartment based on what you plan to store inside.
- Ensure the dividers are square by using a carpenter’s square or measuring tape to check the alignment.
- Clamp the dividers in place and let the glue dry.
5. Sand the Edges
- After the glue has fully dried, sand all surfaces of the pencil holder to remove any rough edges or glue residue. Start with a coarse-grit sandpaper (e.g., 80-grit) and finish with a finer-grit sandpaper (e.g., 220-grit) for a smooth surface.
- Be sure to sand the inside edges of the compartments to ensure that the wood is even and splinter-free.
6. Finishing Touches
- If you want to paint or stain your pencil holder, now is the time to apply your chosen finish. Use a paintbrush or cloth to apply the stain or paint evenly. Allow it to dry completely before handling.
- If you prefer a natural wood look, you can apply a clear wood finish or a wood sealant to protect the surface from wear and moisture.
7. Final Assembly
- After everything has dried and the finish is applied, your pencil holder is ready to use. You can add felt pads to the bottom to prevent scratches on your desk surface.
- Arrange your pens, pencils, or other desk supplies in the compartments.
Additional Tips:
- Customization: You can add extra features, such as a lid or decorative carvings, to make your pencil holder more personalized.
- Wood type: Hardwoods like maple or walnut provide a more durable and aesthetically pleasing finish, but softwoods like pine are easier to work with for beginners.
- Alternative Compartments: For more versatility, try making compartments of varying sizes to hold different types of office supplies, such as erasers, paper clips, or small scissors.
For a more detailed guide and advanced techniques on woodworking, consider checking out Ted’s Woodworking Course here.