Making a wooden cigar ashtray with deep grooves involves several steps, including selecting the right wood, planning your design, cutting the grooves, and finishing the piece. Below is a detailed guide on how to create your own wooden cigar ashtray with deep grooves.
Materials Needed
- Wood (such as oak, walnut, or cherry, which are durable and provide a good finish)
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper (various grits, from coarse to fine)
- Chisels or carving tools
- Jig saw or band saw
- Router with a groove bit or a straight bit for cutting grooves
- Clamps
- Wood finish (oil, wax, or polyurethane)
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Pencil or chalk for marking
Step 1: Choose the Right Wood
Select a hardwood like oak, walnut, or cherry that will not only look good but also withstand the heat from the cigar. Hardwoods are dense, durable, and resistant to damage, making them perfect for this project.
Step 2: Plan Your Design
Design your cigar ashtray with deep grooves to accommodate the cigar comfortably. Here’s what you need to plan:
- Shape and Size: Decide on the dimensions of your ashtray. A circular or square shape works well for a cigar ashtray. A typical size could be 8 inches in diameter for a circular ashtray.
- Grooves: Plan where the grooves will go to rest the cigars. Typically, these grooves are placed around the circumference of the ashtray, each groove about 0.5 inches wide and 0.5 to 0.75 inches deep. You’ll also need to carve out a depression in the center of the ashtray to collect ash.
Step 3: Cut the Wood to Size
Once you have your design, use a saw to cut the wood to the desired dimensions:
- For a circular ashtray, use a compass or a circular saw to cut out a circle from your wood.
- For a square ashtray, use a jigsaw to cut straight lines along the edges to form the square shape.
Step 4: Carve the Grooves
To carve the grooves, you can use a router with a groove bit or a carving tool to create deep, smooth channels for the cigars to rest in. Here’s how you can proceed:
- Mark the Groove Positions: Use a pencil to mark where you want the grooves to go around the edges of the ashtray.
- Cut the Grooves: Use a router with a straight bit or a groove bit to carve out the grooves. Set the depth to about 0.5 inches (or deeper if you want more room for the cigar). Make sure the grooves are evenly spaced.
- Ensure Precision: Take your time and go slowly to ensure the grooves are straight and uniform in depth. You may want to use a jig or a guide to keep the router steady.
Step 5: Carve Out the Center for Ashes
In the center of the ashtray, carve out a small depression to hold the ashes. Use a chisel or a rotary tool to carefully hollow out the center. The depth of this depression will depend on your design preference, but around 1 inch should be sufficient to hold a decent amount of ash.
Step 6: Sand the Ashtray
Once the grooves and center depression are carved out, smooth out the rough edges and surfaces using sandpaper. Start with coarse grit (around 80-grit) and work your way up to fine grit (220-grit or higher) to achieve a smooth, polished surface. Pay special attention to the grooves to ensure they are smooth and comfortable for the cigars.
Step 7: Assemble and Glue (If Applicable)
If you are making a multi-piece ashtray, now is the time to glue the parts together. Apply wood glue to the joints and clamp them in place until the glue dries. Make sure the pieces align properly.
Step 8: Apply a Finish
To protect the wood and give it a professional look, apply a wood finish. There are several options for finishing wood:
- Oil finish: Provides a rich, natural look and is easy to apply.
- Polyurethane finish: Offers a durable, water-resistant finish that will protect the wood over time.
- Wax finish: Gives the wood a soft, satin sheen and is also protective.
Apply the finish according to the product instructions and allow it to dry completely before using the ashtray.
Step 9: Final Touches
Once the finish has dried, you can add any additional details or polishing. You can also use a fine-grit sandpaper to lightly buff the surface for a smoother feel. If you prefer a shiny appearance, you can apply a second coat of finish.
Conclusion
Creating a wooden cigar ashtray with deep grooves is a satisfying project that combines woodworking skills with creativity. By carefully selecting your materials, planning your design, and executing the project with attention to detail, you’ll have a beautiful and functional ashtray that will be the envy of fellow cigar enthusiasts.
Teds Woodworking Course can provide you with the detailed plans and guidance you need to make even more unique and professional woodworking projects. If you want to improve your woodworking skills, you can access the course here.