Wooden bracelets can add a Bohemian flair to outfits, especially long skirts and earth-tones. Wood bracelets are made with a lathe, which is a machine that shapes the wood by rotating it rapidly while pressing it tightly against a fixed surface. This kind of woodworking is known as wood turning,
- Skill level:
- Challenging
Instructions
Things you need
- 3½" circle template Block of wood Pencil Band saw Lathe Compass Narrow tip parting tool Round-nose scraper Sand paper Sand sealer Lacquer
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1
Place the circle template on the block of wood and trace it using a pencil. You can create a circle template by simply cutting a circle with a 3½" diameter out of a sheet of paper.
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2
Cut out the circle of wood using a band saw.
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3
Mount the circle of wood to the lathe.
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4
Adjust the dial on the lathe to the desired diameter. For bracelets, this is usually between 60mm and 80mm.
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5
Use a compass to draw a circle ½" away from the edge of the circle of wood.
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6
Turn on the lathe and use the parting tool to trace a ridge along the circle drawn on the wood.
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7
Turn off the lathe, flip the circle of wood around to the other side and repeat the process.
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8
Keep applying the parting tool along the drawn circle until the core of the wood breaks free, leaving a hollow ring of wood behind.
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9
Use the round-nose scraper to scrape the inside of the wooden ring, smoothing the rough edges.
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10
With sandpaper, sand the wooden ring, both inside and out, until it is completely smooth.
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11
Apply one coat of sand sealer to the ring.
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12
Spray two or three coats of lacquer on the wooden ring to complete your bracelet.
How to Make a Lathe-Turned Wood Bracelet
Tips and warnings
- Paint the bracelet before you apply the lacquer to add color or decoration.
- Always wear eye goggles when rotating wood with a lathe.
