Making My Grandfathers Wooden Urn

My grandpa recently passed away and my dad tasked me with the responsibility of making his urn, this project is dedicated to him.

I got all the wood and supplies needed at my local Woodcraft store

3/4" thick 7" wide piece of walnut

miter saw

sander

clamps

wood glue

super glue (optional)

Mineral oil

I started by cutting two pieces to 9" wide and two at 5 3/4" with a 45 degree angle.

I used a continuous grain cut pattern on all the sides by flipping the boards over for every cut.

I taped the inside of the boxes to prevent glue from getting on it.

I then clamped it up.

I filled in gaps between the pieces with some walnut saw dust and glue, sanding after.

I cut two pieces at 10" x 6 3/4. So that there can be one inch over-hang on the box.

I got it engraved with my grandpas name, dates, and colleges he attended on the front and on the back we put all of my family's names.

You can also order a custom plaque online if you would rather that look.

I used a 30 degree chamfer bit and went completely around both pieces and then sanded out some of the imperfections.

I glued on the top and clamped it down.

I carefully measured so that the screw holes would not break through the box.

I drilled the pilot holes, counter sinking them so it is flush. Then I put the bottom on and then drilled in the screws.

I screwed this on instead of glueing so that we can put his ashes in and the screws are not visible on the bottom.

My grandpa was in the air force (the top emblem) and was also a liaison with SOG (the bottom emblem).

I found the center, lined them up and glued them on, putting weights on them to hold them down good.

I used Mineral spirits to finish it because it makes walnut look fantastic.

This is actually mineral oil used for cutting boards but it still works great.

This project was extremely intimidating to do but meant a lot to me and I think it turned out amazing and know he would be proud of it.