How to Make Solid Wood Trays: A Weekend Project

TLDRLearn how to make eight solid wood trays over the course of a weekend using 4/4 cherry and maple. This project includes resawing, jointing, gluing up, and finishing the trays to create beautiful and functional pieces.

Key insights

🪚Resawing the wood to achieve the desired thickness for the trays is an important step in the project.

🔨Using a template bit on a router table is an effective way to joint the edges of the wood pieces.

🧩Dry fitting the pieces before gluing them up ensures a tight and snug fit for the trays.

🤲Using band clamps for the glue up process helps secure the trays and ensure proper bonding.

🛠️Applying a satin finish using Osmo Polyx adds a beautiful touch to the trays.

Q&A

What type of wood is best for making these trays?

4/4 cherry and maple are recommended for this project to achieve a beautiful and durable finish.

Do I need a bandsaw to resaw the wood?

Yes, a bandsaw is necessary to resaw the wood to the desired thickness for the trays.

Can I use a different finishing product instead of Osmo Polyx?

Yes, you can use any finishing product of your choice, but Osmo Polyx provides a high-quality satin finish.

How many clamps do I need for the glue up process?

It is recommended to have at least two band clamps for the glue up process, but more can be used for better results.

What tools do I need for this project?

You will need a bandsaw, router table, table saw, drill press, chisel, and various sanding tools to complete this project.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction to the project: making eight solid wood trays over a weekend.

03:00Resawing the wood to achieve the desired thickness for the trays.

06:30Jointing the edges of the wood pieces using a router table and a template bit.

09:00Glueing up the trays and using band clamps for secure bonding.

10:15Applying a satin finish using Osmo Polyx for a beautiful touch.