Crafting Wooden Wedding Rings: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wooden wedding rings are a fun project for any woodworker. They can be made with basic tools and working knowledge of woodworking. The process involves selecting the right type of wood, cutting and shaping the ring, drilling a hole, and sanding it to fit your finger. You can also add a metal core to make the ring more durable. The type of wood and design choices, such as grain direction and veneer, can make your wooden ring stand out.

Choosing the right wood

When selecting wood, it is important to consider the grain direction. Paying attention to the grain gives you more design options and can make your ring stand out. For instance, using a straight-grained and tightly lined piece of wood in the centre of a ring with a swirl pattern can create an interesting visual effect.

If you want to incorporate different colours or types of wood into your ring, you can use wood veneer, which comes in thin sheets sold in most woodworking stores. Wood veneer can be used to create a boundary between two similar-looking types of wood, providing a heavier separation line. For example, you can use a slice of Walnut veneer between Maple and Kauri wood to clearly showcase their differences in colour and grain type.

Another option is to use wood lamination, which involves gluing several pieces of thin wood together to make one thicker piece. This technique can add visual interest and dimension to your ring. You can experiment with different types of wood and the number of layers to create unique designs.

Cutting the ring blanks

To cut the ring blanks, you will need a saw. A hacksaw, scroll saw, or band saw will all work. You will also need sandpaper (100-120 grit) and/or a belt sander.

The first step is to choose the right wood. Since the ring will be thin, select a dense and strong type of wood. Some options include African Padauk, which has a reddish or deep orange colour that will turn a warm brown over time with UV light exposure, and Ipe, a Brazilian Walnut with a darker colour.

When you're ready to cut, ensure that the grain runs across the ring blank, not through it. If you cut with the grain, the ring will likely crack during some stage of the process. Cut the ring blanks from the billet, ensuring that the grain is respected.

Depending on the billet grain, you can cut one long 3/8" strip and then cut that into 1 3/8" blocks, or cut a few at a time from the end. Measurements are approximate, so be sure to add extra width to account for the sanding process.

Once you have your ring blanks cut, you can move on to the next step of drilling the hole.

Drilling the hole

When drilling, it is important to go slow and avoid applying too much pressure. Rock the drill back and forth gently if necessary. Only drill about halfway through the block of wood, then flip it over and continue drilling from the other side. This will prevent chipping on the backside of the wood.

After drilling, use a Dremel tool with a sanding wheel to enlarge the hole and smooth out any rough edges. Continuously check the size of the hole by sliding the ring onto your finger to ensure a comfortable fit. It is important not to oversand at this step, as you will be sanding the inside of the ring more later in the process.

Sanding the hole

Once you've drilled the hole in the wooden block using a spade bit or drill bit, it's time to refine the opening to achieve the perfect fit. This process involves using a Dremel tool with a sanding wheel attachment.

Attaching the Sanding Wheel:

Start by equipping your Dremel tool with a sanding wheel attachment. This attachment is designed specifically for sanding and smoothing surfaces. Ensure the sanding wheel is securely attached to the Dremel before proceeding.

Sanding Technique:

Grip the Dremel firmly and apply even pressure as you sand the inside of the hole. Move the sanding wheel in a continuous motion around the inner circumference of the hole. It's important to maintain an even speed and pressure to achieve a consistent sanding effect.

Checking the Fit:

As you sand, periodically slide the ring onto your finger to check the fit. The goal is to achieve a snug fit that isn't too tight or too loose. Remember, you will be doing additional sanding later, so don't oversand at this stage.

Maintaining Consistency:

While sanding, focus on keeping the wheel at the same angle and applying uniform pressure. This will help ensure that the hole is sanded evenly and that there are no uneven spots or indentations. Take your time and work systematically around the hole.

Final Adjustments:

Once you've achieved a comfortable fit, you can make any final adjustments to the hole's shape or diameter. If you prefer a smoother or more rounded edge to the hole, continue sanding gently with the Dremel until you're satisfied with the result.

Remember, this step is crucial in ensuring your wooden wedding ring is comfortable and fits your finger just right. Take your time and work carefully to achieve the desired result.

Shaping the outer diameter

Start by taking your cut-off wheel and attaching it to your Dremel tool. This setup will allow you to cut out the general shape of your ring. Take your time to ensure that you get the desired outline. It is advisable to cut off the corners at this stage to save time on the subsequent sanding process.

Once you have the basic shape, it's time to refine it. Attach the sanding wheel to your Dremel and start shaping the outside of the ring. The goal here is to achieve a uniform thickness between the inside and outside diameters. This step requires patience and a gentle touch to ensure you don't remove too much material.

You can also add chamfered or rounded edges to your ring during this stage if you desire. Chamfered edges create a subtle angled finish, while rounded edges give a softer, more curved appearance. Decide on the look you want to achieve before proceeding.

After you're satisfied with the outer shape, switch to sandpaper and work through the grits from 100 to 500. This step will help you smooth out the surface and refine the shape even further. Remember to check the fit on your finger periodically to ensure you don't over-sand the ring.

Finally, once you're happy with the outer diameter and the ring slides comfortably onto your finger, you can move on to the finishing stage. You can choose from various finishing techniques, such as applying beeswax and tung oil or using a polyurethane clear coat.

Remember, shaping the outer diameter is a crucial step in creating a wooden wedding ring. Take your time, work slowly, and periodically check the fit to ensure you achieve the perfect result.

Frequently asked questions