Making a Wooden Spatula - Hand Tools Only

In this build I want to prove that you don't need expensive tools to build amazing and useful things.

Supplies

1/2x3x12 in. hardwood (cherry, ash, oak, etc.)

A hacksaw or a double edge saw

A hammer

A 3/4 in. chisel

A sanding file

50 grit sandpaper

100 grit sandpaper

150 grit sandpaper

220 grit sandpaper

Gather Your Supplies (and PPE)

Make sure that you gather your tools and supplies. The supply list is above, but the list is here again:

1/2x3x12 in. hardwood (cherry, ash, oak, etc.)

A hacksaw or a double edge saw

A hammer

A 3/4 in. chisel

A sanding file

50 grit sandpaper

100 grit sandpaper

150 grit sandpaper

220 grit sandpaper

That is the tools/supply list. If you have PPE, I would recommend wearing it.

Getting the Main Shape Cut Out

Screen Shot 2020-10-25 at 10.16.09 AM.png

Screen Shot 2020-10-25 at 10.17.09 AM.png

I first used the hacksaw (you can also use a double edge saw), to cut grooves. Then, I connected the grooves with a hammer and chisel. Shown on the photo, are the pieces that need to be chiseled out. The other photo is an almost finished handle for the spatula.

Sanding the Spatula Handle

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The photo is me sanding the handle of the spatula. I used many items to get the handle smooth. For example, I used sandpaper, a file, and many more.

When I used sandpaper, I used different grits. Those would be 50 and 100 grits.

Making the Spatula Head

Screen Shot 2020-10-25 at 10.17.53 AM.png

Using the coping saw, I made the curved cut at one of the corners of the spatula head. I sanded the rough bits of the head out with 100 and 220 grit sandpaper. I then sanded out the red stuff on the outside of the wood. I did that because I wanted the spatula to have a silky, caramel white color and the red coating could be toxic for use.

Sanding the Whole Spatula Down

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I sanded the whole spatula down with sandpaper. The photo is almost the same type of sandpaper I used. I sanded the spatula until the spatula was the shape, texture, etc. I wanted it to be. I used 100 grit and up to 220 grit sandpaper.

Finishing the Spatula

Screen Shot 2020-10-25 at 10.23.51 AM.png

I need to use a food-grade safe finish, to make my spatula not only usable, but safe. I also don't want it to be cracked or warped, which happens when the wood meets hot water. In this case, I am going to use butcher block conditioner, but you could use tung oil, beeswax, or any other food-safe finish.