FREE DIY SERIES #1 - Octagon Plate

SAFETY TIPS:

Always keep the blade pointed away from you when carving
Keep your tools sharp for easier and safer carving!

WARNING: Tools are extremely sharp and may cause injury. Please handle with caution.

Step 1: Carve the BOWL of the PLATE

Secure the blank on a bench hook with one of the straight edges facing you.
Draw a line that is 1/8” in from the edge of the piece all around the perimeter.
To carve the bowl, start by holding the gouge with the blade facing away from you. Always keep your non-dominant hand behind the gouge so that you don’t slip and hurt yourself.
Begin in the middle of the piece, using the gouge to push and remove thin layers of wood. Rotate the piece as you work so that you carve an even depth throughout the bowl. Slowly work your way out to the line you drew. Carve away thin layers until you reach your desired depth and the octagon bowl is evenly carved all around.

sTEP 2: Sand AND FINISH

5. Sand the wood with the grain until it is even and smooth. Begin sanding with 80 grit and work your way up to 150 and then 220 grit as each sandpaper dulls.

6. We wanted to have a flat edge on our plate so we flipped it over and sanded it on a flat piece of 220 grit sandpaper to get an even sanding.

7. Use a cotton or microfiber cloth to rub the octagon plate with a layer of wood butter. Buff out the excess wood butter with a clean cloth.

8. Tah-dah! Enjoy your new plate! We love using ours as a small catch-all for jewelry, keys, or even a small air-plant.