Creating a wooden spice rack with a rotating base is a fun and practical woodworking project that can help organize your kitchen while showcasing your woodworking skills. This guide will walk you through the steps to build a rotating wooden spice rack, providing both utility and a stylish addition to your kitchen.
Materials and Tools Needed
Materials:
- Wood (Oak, Pine, or another hardwood)
- 1/2″ to 3/4″ thick boards for the rack shelves
- 1/4″ thick plywood for the rotating base
- Wood glue
- Wood screws
- Sandpaper (120 and 220 grit)
- Wood finish or paint (optional)
- Rotating hardware (Lazy Susan bearing)
- Small dowels or screws for the spice jar holders (optional)
Tools:
- Measuring tape and pencil
- Circular saw or table saw
- Drill with various drill bits
- Screwdriver
- Wood clamps
- Jigsaw (if needed for custom shapes)
- Orbital sander or hand sanding block
- Router (optional, for decorative edges)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Plan and Measure the Design
Before starting the project, decide on the number of spice jars you want to store and how many tiers your rack will have. The design typically consists of three to five circular tiers. Ensure your rotating base is large enough to support the spice jars securely.
- Height: A typical spice rack can range from 10″ to 16″ in height, depending on the number of tiers you plan to have.
- Diameter: Each shelf’s diameter can be around 8″ to 12″, depending on the space available for the spice jars.
- Spacing: Ensure enough space between each tier so that the jars don’t overlap or obstruct the rotation.
2. Cut the Wood Pieces
- Cut the wooden shelves into circular discs. You can do this using a jigsaw or a router with a circle cutting jig. The diameter should be consistent for all shelves.
- Cut the central support rod, which will hold the tiers in place. This can be a straight dowel or a square piece of wood, depending on your preference.
3. Create the Rotating Base
The rotating base is critical for this project. You’ll need a Lazy Susan bearing (or a similar rotating mechanism) to allow the spice rack to spin. Here’s how to create it:
- Cut a circular piece of plywood for the base (roughly 1″ larger in diameter than your shelves).
- Attach the Lazy Susan bearing to the center of the base. Most Lazy Susan mechanisms come with screws to attach the top and bottom parts.
- Secure the bearing’s bottom plate to the plywood base using screws, and the top plate will connect to the first shelf.
4. Drill Holes for the Central Support
- Drill a hole in the center of each shelf that’s large enough to fit the central support rod. The hole should be the same size for each shelf.
- Drill a hole in the base for the central support to go through.
5. Assemble the Structure
- Place the first shelf onto the rotating base, aligning it with the Lazy Susan mechanism. Insert the central support rod into the base and attach the shelf to it.
- Attach additional shelves by sliding them onto the central support, ensuring each shelf is spaced evenly apart.
- If using dowels or screws to hold the jars in place, drill small holes along the edges of each shelf, then insert the dowels or screws to create holders for the spice jars.
6. Sanding and Finishing
- Sand the entire structure with medium-grit sandpaper (120 grit) to smooth any rough edges. Then, use finer-grit sandpaper (220 grit) for a smoother finish.
- If desired, stain or paint the rack to match your kitchen decor. Apply wood finish or sealant to protect the wood and give it a polished look.
7. Assemble the Spice Jars
- If your design includes specific holders for the spice jars, ensure they are securely fastened. Otherwise, place the jars directly onto the rack.
- You can organize the spice jars by size, name, or even color to make it more visually appealing.
8. Test the Rotation
- After assembling the entire spice rack, test the rotation by gently spinning it. The Lazy Susan bearing should allow the rack to spin smoothly. If needed, adjust the tightness of the screws or central support to ensure a smooth spin.
Tips and Customization Ideas
- Adding dividers: You can install small wooden dividers on each shelf to prevent the jars from shifting and make it easier to organize them.
- Personalizing the design: Add decorative elements like routed edges, stenciled designs, or wood carvings to give the rack a unique look.
- Stabilizing the spice jars: If you want the jars to stay in place, consider adding a lip or lip-like edges on the shelves.
Conclusion
Building a rotating wooden spice rack is an enjoyable project that can add both function and beauty to your kitchen. With careful planning, accurate cutting, and attention to detail, you can create a spice rack that is both practical and stylish. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or a beginner, this project is manageable with the right tools and patience.
For further inspiration and woodworking guidance, check out Teds Woodworking Course here.