Creating a wooden shaving stand with a razor holder is a fun and practical woodworking project that can add a touch of elegance to your bathroom. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to build a shaving stand, featuring a space for a razor and an area to store your shaving brush, all crafted from wood.
Materials Needed
- 1 piece of hardwood (oak, walnut, or maple) for the base and vertical supports
- 1 small piece of wood for the razor holder
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Wood glue
- Wood screws or nails
- Wood finish or wax (optional)
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Pencil
- Saw (table saw or hand saw)
- Drill with bit sizes for screws and razor holder
- Clamp (optional)
- Wood stain (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Plan and Measure Your Design
Before cutting any wood, it’s essential to plan out the design of the shaving stand. Typically, the stand will feature:
- A flat base to support the structure.
- Two vertical supports that hold the shaving brush and razor.
- A horizontal bar or loop that will hold the razor.
Start by measuring the space you want your shaving stand to occupy, particularly the height and width. A typical shaving stand should be about 6 to 8 inches wide and 10 to 12 inches tall, but you can adjust the measurements based on personal preference or space constraints.
2. Cut the Base Piece
Using your saw, cut a piece of wood for the base of the stand. A 6- to 8-inch wide, 1-inch thick piece works well for most designs. The length of the base can vary, but a 6-inch long piece is a standard choice. This will give stability to the stand.
3. Cut the Vertical Support Pieces
Next, cut two vertical pieces for the stand. These will be about 10 to 12 inches tall, depending on your design preferences. Make sure both pieces are the same length. These supports will be attached to the base and will hold the shaving brush and razor.
4. Create the Razor Holder
To make a holder for the razor, you can either create a loop from a thin piece of wood or drill a hole into one of the vertical supports. For the loop design, cut a small piece of wood (about 2 to 3 inches long) and drill a hole through the center to fit the razor’s handle. Sand down the edges of the hole to make it smooth, ensuring the razor sits comfortably inside.
If you prefer a vertical holder, drill a small hole in one of the vertical supports that is slightly larger than the diameter of the razor handle. This hole will serve as the slot where the razor is placed.
5. Attach the Vertical Supports to the Base
Using wood glue, apply adhesive to the bottom of the vertical supports and position them at each end of the base. For extra stability, you can add screws through the bottom of the base into the vertical supports. Make sure to drill pilot holes first to prevent splitting the wood.
Once positioned, use clamps to hold the supports in place while the glue dries (about 30 minutes to 1 hour). After the glue has set, you can reinforce the joints with screws if necessary for added strength.
6. Attach the Razor Holder
If you’ve made a separate holder for the razor, it’s time to attach it to the vertical support. Position it where you want the razor to hang—typically just above the base of the stand—and apply wood glue. For added security, use a couple of small screws to attach the razor holder to the vertical support.
For a simple hole in the vertical support, make sure the hole is positioned at a height that allows the razor to rest comfortably without touching the surface. Secure any loose parts with glue or screws.
7. Create a Shaving Brush Holder (Optional)
If you want to include a shaving brush holder, you can create a loop using a small piece of wood that fits over the top of one of the vertical supports. This will hold the shaving brush upside down, allowing it to dry properly. Drill a hole large enough to accommodate the brush handle, and attach it to the vertical support in a similar manner as the razor holder.
8. Sand and Finish the Stand
Once the glue has dried and all parts are securely attached, it’s time to sand the stand. Start with medium-grit sandpaper to remove any rough edges or splinters, and finish with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth, polished surface.
If desired, you can apply a wood finish or stain to give the stand a professional appearance. Choose a wood finish that complements the natural color of the wood, or opt for a stain to achieve a darker, richer hue.
9. Final Assembly
After the finish has dried, check all the joints to make sure they are secure. If needed, tighten any screws or reapply glue to any loose parts.
Your wooden shaving stand with a razor holder is now complete and ready for use. The final piece should be sturdy and visually appealing, with a functional holder for your razor and shaving brush.
This simple woodworking project is a great way to add both practicality and style to your bathroom. The combination of solid wood and functional design will make this shaving stand a timeless addition to your grooming essentials.
For more woodworking projects and expert guidance, consider exploring Ted’s Woodworking Course here.