How To Make A Wooden Spatula? (DIY Tutorial 2023)

Are you tired of using plastic spatulas that melt and deform when exposed to high heat?

Do you wish to upgrade to an eco-friendly and long-lasting option? Creating your own wooden spatula could be the solution! 

Not only is it a simple and entertaining DIY project, but you can also change the size and form to suit your culinary needs.

In this essay, I’ll offer my expertise as a woodworker and demonstrate how to construct your own wooden spatula.

How To Make A Wooden Spatula?

Choose a piece of hardwood like maple or cherry. Cut the wood into a rectangular shape.

Use a saw or chisel to shape the handle and head. Sand the spatula to smooth out any rough edges.

Apply a food-safe finish to protect the wood. That’s it! Your wooden spatula is ready to use in the kitchen.

Step By Step Process To Make A Wooden Spatula 

Here is a step by step process to make a wooden spatula

Step-1: Choosing the right wood for your spatula

Here are some factors to consider when selecting the appropriate wood type:

Durability: 

Spatula wood should be heat- and moisture-resistant. Maple, cherry, walnut, and beech are common kitchen tool woods.

These hardwoods are durable and resist warping and cracking.

Grain pattern: 

The grain pattern of the wood can add character and texture to the finished product.

It’s best to choose a wood with a tight and straight grain pattern for a smooth and consistent surface.

Avoid woods with open or irregular grain patterns, as they can make it difficult to achieve a smooth finish.

Workability: 

The wood should be easy to work with using hand tools, as power tools can damage the wood and affect the quality of the finished product.

Softer woods like alder or basswood can be easier to carve, but they may not be as durable as harder woods like maple or cherry.

Safety: 

Make sure that the wood you choose is food-safe and non-toxic. Avoid using woods that may contain toxic substances or allergens, such as cedar or pine.

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Step-2: Marking Out the Dimensions

• Choose a piece of wood that is suitable for carving. A hardwood like maple or cherry is a good choice.

• Use a ruler and pencil to mark out the dimensions of the spatula and handle on the wood blank. The overall length of the spatula can vary depending on your preference, but a good size is around 12 inches.

• Mark out the width of the spatula, which is typically around 2-3 inches.

• Mark out the width and length of the handle, which should be comfortable to hold in your hand.

Step-3: Cutting the Shape and Creating a Curve

Once you have marked out the dimensions of the spatula and handle on the wood blank, it’s time to cut the shape and create a curve between the handle and the spatula. Here’s how to do it:

• Trace a roll of masking tape or something similar to create a curve between the spatula and the handle.

• Use a bandsaw to cut the shape out of the wood blank, following the marked dimensions.

• Once the shape is cut out, it’s time to create the curve between the spatula and the handle. You can do this using a lathe.

• Mark centers on each end of the spatula blank and mounts it between a driving middle and a live middle.

• Turn the handle round, making sure to create a comfortable grip for your hand. A final diameter of ½ to ⅝ inches works well.

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Step-4: Sanding the Handle

Importance of Sanding the Handle

After creating the spatula handle, it is essential to sand it for a smooth and comfortable finish.

Sanding the handle not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also provides a better grip, making it more comfortable to use.

Moreover, a smooth handle prevents any splinters or roughness that might cause discomfort while cooking.

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Sanding Techniques and Tools

There are various sanding techniques and tools that you can use to achieve a smooth and polished handle for your wooden spatula. 

One of the most common methods is sandpaper. Start with coarse grit sandpaper, such as 50 or 80, to remove any rough surfaces or marks left by the cutting tools.

Then move on to a finer grit, such as 120 or 150, for a smoother finish.

Another option is to use a file. A file can be useful for shaping the handle, removing any bumps or uneven areas, and smoothing out rough surfaces.

You can also use a rotary tool with sanding attachments for small or intricate areas of the handle.

To get a consistent and smooth finish, use sanding blocks. A sanding block helps to distribute pressure evenly over the surface and prevents over-sanding in one spot, which can cause unevenness. 

Make sure to sand the handle in the direction of the grain, as sanding against it can cause tear-out or unevenness.

Step-5: Cutting the Spatula Head

Tips for shaping the spatula head using hand tools, such as a carving knife or chisel.

Start with a rough outline: 

Using a pencil, draw a rough outline of the spatula head on the wood. This will give you an idea of where to begin cutting.

Use a carving knife or chisel: 

Once you have the outline, use a carving knife or chisel to remove the wood outside of the outline.

Be sure to work slowly and carefully to avoid taking off too much wood.

Shape the edges: 

Once the rough shape of the spatula head is carved out, use a carving knife or chisel to shape the edges of the spatula head.

Work slowly and carefully, taking small bits of wood off at a time to avoid making any mistakes.

Sand the spatula head: 

Once you have the spatula head shaped to your liking, sand it using sandpaper.

Start with sandpaper with coarse grit and work your way up to sandpaper with a finer grit. This will give your spatula head a smooth, polished finish.

Detailed instructions for cutting out the outline of the spatula using power tools, such as a bandsaw.

Draw the outline: 

Use a pencil to draw the outline of the spatula head onto the wood. Make sure the wood is clamped down securely to avoid any accidents.

Cut the wood: 

Use a bandsaw to cut out the outline of the spatula head. Follow the outline as closely as possible to ensure that your spatula head is the correct shape and size.

Shape the edges: 

Once the outline is cut out, use a sanding block to shape the edges of the spatula head.

Work slowly and carefully, taking small bits of wood off at a time to avoid making any mistakes.

Sand the spatula head: 

Once you have the spatula head shaped to your liking, sand it using sandpaper.

Start with coarse sandpaper and work your way up. This will give your spatula head a smooth, polished finish.

Step-6: Final Touches

After completing the main steps of making your wooden spatula, you will need to add some final touches to ensure its longevity and usability.

These final touches include removing any rough spots with sandpaper and sealing the wood with mineral oil or beeswax.

Removing any rough spots with sandpaper

Remove any rough patches before sealing the wood. Start with 100 grit sandpaper and gradually proceed to 220 grit until the surface is smooth.

Sand along the direction of the wood grain to avoid scratches and marks.

Sealing the wood with mineral oil or beeswax to protect and preserve the spatula

After smoothing your wooden spatula, seal it to protect it and keep its beauty. Mineral oil and beeswax protect wood well.

Mineral oil, a food-safe, easy-to-apply solution, penetrates wood to prevent cracking and moisture damage.

Beeswax protects and shines wood. Just wipe a tiny amount onto the wood with a towel and let it soak in for several hours before cleaning away any excess.

FAQs

Conclusion

Anyone can make a wooden spatula. You only need wood, basic tools, and ingenuity. Choose a strong, easy-to-work wood like maple or cherry.

Then, cut, chisel, and sand the wood into a spatula form. To finish, sand the edges and apply food-safe oil or wax. Try it—your inner chef will thank you!