Making My Grandfathers Wooden Urn
by JPH1150 in Workshop > Woodworking
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Making My Grandfathers Wooden Urn
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My grandpa recently passed away and my dad tasked me with the responsibility of making his urn, this project is dedicated to him.
Supplies
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
Cutting the Front and Side Pieces
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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.
Glue Up
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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.
Cutting the Top and Base Pieces
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I cut two pieces at 10" x 6 3/4. So that there can be one inch over-hang on the box.
Box Engraving
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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.
Add Chamfer to Top and Base
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I used a 30 degree chamfer bit and went completely around both pieces and then sanded out some of the imperfections.
Glue on Top
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I glued on the top and clamped it down.
Screw on Bottom
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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.
Adding the Military Emblems
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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.
Add Finish
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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.
Finished Product
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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.