How to Make a Wooden Spatula

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A spatula may not look like a typical lathe turning project but, in this case, it is. The lathe is used to shape the handle and add accents. We’ll show you, step by step, how to make a wooden spatula.

Getting started:
Lay out the spatula shape. Mark out a line 4” from the end to define the length of the spatula portion. Mark out two lines for the handle. The distance between these two lines should be equal to the thickness of the material. Create a curve between the spatula and the handle. Tracing a roll of masking tape, or something similar, works well for this. Cut the shape out on a bandsaw.

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Lathe work:
Mark out centers on each end of the spatula blank and mount the blank between a drive center and live center. Turn the handle round. A final diameter of ½” to ⅝” works well. Acoustic guitar strings, mounted between handles, work great for burning accents into turnings. Learn more about this process by watching our video on Burning Accent Lines on a Lathe. Sand the handle.

Bandsaw, sand, and finish:
There’s a little more bandsaw work to do (follow the directions on the video) and then it’s time for sanding. Feather the shapes together and clean up the curves. Apply a food safe finish like mineral oil, and your spatula is ready to go to work. Now that you know how to make a wooden spatula, get ready to start taking orders.

More projects:
What could be better than using your shop to make great projects for yourself, to give away, or to sell? Be sure to check out the other easy wood projects that WoodWorkers Guild of America has for you.

Material:
¾” x 4” x 14” Hard maple
Food safe finish
Mineral oil
Accents on the lathe
Acoustic guitar strings

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