A Ring for Valentines Day

I enjoy making things. My wife loves things I make her far more than things I buy her. So being my first instructible I shall tell you how I made it. I know there are many instructibles describing how to make wooden rings. Therefore credit goes to all of you. Thank you for the inspiration.

I used the tools I had available to me. There may be other tools or methods of using them to make things a little easier. Feel free to comment and contribute. :)

The tools:

1 - hand miter saw

2 - hole saw set

3 - dremel

4 - sandpaper 120 & 320 grit

5 - drill

Supplies:

1 - dry tree branch

Find yourself a suitable fallen tree or cut one down. You want the part you use to be dry.
I found an oak tree then chose my branch. I selected a section that was about 2 1/2 inches thick. Using a saw of choice cut a section about 8-12 inches long.

Now that we have our section cut out it is time to cut the blanks using a miter saw. The reason for the miter saw is to get a straight edge on both ends of the blanks. It doesn't have to be perfect as it will be sanded down. Straight edges just make it a little easier. Saw as many blanks as you need.

Now to cut it down. Using a hole saw first drill out a circle smaller than the blank but big enough to have plenty wood to sand and shape. I used a large pair of channel lock plyers to hold the blank steady flat against a scrap piece of 2x4. Of course other methods will work as well to hold it. I simply used the tools available to me.

I used a 1 1/2 inch hole saw to cut my first circle out. Now I have an actually round circle 1 1/2 inches wide.

Next I used a 3/4 inch hole saw to cut the center out the center of the blank.

Now I have an actual ring but it is ridiculously huge and uncomfortable.

Using a dremel or similar rotary tool with a coarse sanding drum sand it down to size.

IMPORTANT
First the inside of the ring must be sanded to fit the finger it will be wore on. If you sand the outside of the ring first then the inside the ring may be too thin and fragile thus breaking easily with the first bump into something. Use your skills to sand it to fit maintaining a circle shape.

After the inside is done start sanding the outside circle down to the thickness you want the ring. Too thin = too brittle.

Finally sand one outside edge to the width you wish the ring to be. You only need to sand one side down as you are looking for straight edges on both sides. I accomplished that with the miter saw.

Finally I used 120 grit sandpaper to smooth out the edges and deeper scratches. Giving a uniform shape.

Then I used 320 grit sandpaper to give it a real smooth finish.

All done. The ring is sized to fit my wife's finger as you can see. It can be left as is, painted, stained or coated with a wood finish product. She wanted all natural so I made it the way she wanted.

Now to make mine for the set using the same method. Enjoy making!