How to Make a Wooden Spice Carousel with a Rotating Base
A spice carousel is a functional and aesthetically pleasing addition to any kitchen. This rotating wooden spice rack not only helps you keep your spices organized but also makes accessing them much easier. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to make a wooden spice carousel with a rotating base. This project is great for woodworkers with some experience, though beginners can tackle it with patience and attention to detail.
Materials and Tools
Materials:
- 1 sheet of plywood (around ½ inch thick)
- Wood dowels (for spice containers)
- Small screws or wood glue (for assembly)
- Wood finish or sealant
- Paint or stain (optional for finishing)
- Small plastic or glass spice containers with lids (around 12-16)
Tools:
- Circular saw or table saw
- Jigsaw or coping saw
- Drill with drill bits
- Sandpaper or sander
- Measuring tape
- Pencil or chalk
- Wood clamps
- Router (optional, for finishing edges)
- Woodworking glue or screws
- Turntable bearing (lazy Susan bearing)
Step 1: Plan Your Design
Before cutting anything, take time to plan your design. The size of your carousel will depend on the number of spice jars you want to store, but typically, a carousel can hold anywhere between 12-16 jars. For this example, we’ll assume 12 jars, but adjust the measurements as needed.
- Base: The base needs to be a circle large enough to accommodate the spice jars with some room around the edges for easy access. A diameter of around 12 inches is ideal.
- Carousel height: You will need two vertical sections: one for the spice containers and another for the rotating mechanism. The height of your carousel should be around 8-10 inches.
Step 2: Cut the Base and Top Circles
- Use a circular saw or a jigsaw to cut two identical circular pieces from the plywood. One will serve as the base and the other as the top piece of the carousel.
- The diameter should be about 12 inches. To make sure the circles are even, you can create a simple compass by attaching a pencil to a string and fixing the string at the center of the plywood.
Step 3: Cut the Vertical Dividers
- Depending on the number of spice jars, divide the circumference of the circle by the number of sections you need. For example, for 12 spice jars, each section should be about 3 inches wide.
- Measure and mark the spacing on both the top and bottom circles.
- Cut narrow strips of plywood for the dividers, which will be attached vertically around the edge of the carousel. These strips should be around 2 inches wide and 8 inches tall.
Step 4: Drill Holes for the Spice Jars
- In each of the dividers, you’ll need to drill holes to hold the spice jars. The size of the hole should match the diameter of the spice jars.
- Measure the placement of each hole so that the jars fit snugly into the divider. Drill all the holes on both the top and bottom divider pieces.
Step 5: Assemble the Dividers
- Once all the dividers are cut and holes are drilled, attach them vertically to the top circle using wood glue or screws.
- Make sure the dividers are evenly spaced and align properly with the holes drilled.
- Allow the glue to set if you’re using wood glue, and ensure the dividers are securely attached before proceeding.
Step 6: Attach the Lazy Susan Bearing
- To make your carousel rotate, you’ll need a lazy Susan bearing or a similar rotating mechanism. This bearing allows the top part of the carousel to rotate smoothly around the base.
- Place the bearing in the center of the bottom circle and attach it securely with screws or bolts.
- Then, attach the top circle to the bearing, ensuring that the top piece rotates freely on top of the base.
Step 7: Sand and Finish the Carousel
- Use sandpaper or a sander to smooth out all the edges and surfaces of the carousel. Pay attention to areas around the spice jar holders to avoid rough spots that could cause friction when rotating.
- Once the sanding is complete, you can stain or paint the carousel to your desired finish. Be sure to use a non-toxic wood finish, especially since the carousel will hold food-related items.
- Allow the finish to dry thoroughly.
Step 8: Insert the Spice Jars
- Once the carousel is assembled and finished, place the spice jars into their respective holders.
- Depending on your design, you can use plastic or glass jars. If you want extra flair, you could label each jar with the name of the spice inside.
Step 9: Enjoy Your New Spice Carousel
- Place the completed spice carousel on your kitchen counter, and enjoy how easily you can rotate it to access your favorite spices.
- The rotating feature saves space and keeps your spices organized in an attractive, functional manner.
Conclusion
Building your own spice carousel is a rewarding woodworking project that can make your kitchen look more organized and stylish. By following these steps, you can create a personalized, functional piece that is not only useful but also adds a handcrafted touch to your space.
For more woodworking projects and plans, check out Teds Woodworking Course here.