A few years back, I turned a magnifying glass using a kit I picked up from Woodcraft. The result turned out great, but I wanted something larger and more robust. Recently, I discovered a better option: a Magnifying Glass Kit from Rockler. This kit comes with everything you need for assembly. I opted to use an optional mandrel and purchase an inset instead of simply gluing the piece into the handle. While optional, I found this method made the assembly a bit easier.

Tips for Turning Handles

If you’re into woodturning or interested in crafting a custom handle for this kit, here are a few key tips to help:

• Use sharp tools: Sharp tools are essential when working with hardwoods like walnut to prevent tear-out and achieve a smooth finish.
• Take it slow: Shape the handle with care, especially near the ends, to avoid overcutting.
• Finish properly: After turning, sand the handle with fine-grit sandpaper to bring out the wood’s natural beauty. For a durable and moisture-resistant finish, use CA glue, polyurethane or wax.

Why Try the Rockler Magnifying Glass Kit?

Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or a beginner, this kit is a rewarding project that results in a beautiful, functional tool. It also makes a timeless, thoughtful gift that will be appreciated for years to come.

If you make one of these be sure to post a picture of it over on the WoodLogger Facebook Page.  I’d love to see how yours turns out. (pun intended)

Material List

• (1) Magnifying Glass Kit (Rockler)
• (1) 2″ x 2″ x 6″ Wood Blank (I used Walnut)
• (1) Optional Turning Mandrel (Rockler)

Milling & Assembly

	This turning kit was a solid choice from Rockler.  The magnifying glass is desinged to screw into the base.  I used an rockler accessory mandrel to help with turning this.
	For the wood I chose to use a block of walnut.  The first step to get started is to find the center of the block on one end.  I used a center finder to help with this.  If you don’t have a center finder just use a ruler to mark an X off by drawing a line across each end.  The plan for this magnifying glass called for hole to be drilled that is 3/8″ drill bit and drilled 1″ deep.  I used a drill bit on my drill press to help ensure it was centered and accurate.
	Next up was installing the inset.  For this I used CA glue and used the included allen wrench to screw the inset into the wood.  One tip for this is put a small piece of masking or painters tape on the bottom of the inset.  This will help to block any CA glue from leaking up into the inset and potentially ruining the inset.
	Although it’s an optional piece I would highly recommend using the mandrel that rockler sells for this kit.  It can be used for other kits that Rockler sells too.  I screwed in the wood to the mandrel and then turned the handle using a bowl gauge, and skew.
	After turning the handle I used a 5 pack of sanding papers that range from 150 grit sand paper to 600 grit.  I worked my ways through the grits and then moved on to waxing the handle.  For waxing I used EEE Ultra Shine and applied a few coats.  After that I applied a coat of Shella Wax.
	This turning kit turned out great.  It’s an easy to turn handle, and the kit has everything you need (minus the optional mandrel).  This is a magnifying glass that will will last for years (and also makes a great gift).

The post How to Turn a Magnifying Glass appeared first on WoodLogger.

I recently completed a cheese slicer handle project with a Rockler cheese slicer kit, and the results were fantastic. The design allows the slicer to detach easily from the handle, making it very convenient to clean. For this project, I turned the handle from cherry wood, which added a beautiful, polished finish. Rockler’s cheese slicer kits are perfect for both beginner and experienced woodturners, as they’re easy to use, fun, and a great way to hone essential woodturning skills.

These kits make it simple to practice various woodturning techniques and create a functional, custom kitchen tool at the same time.

For anyone turning handles on a lathe, here are a few tips:

1. Use the Right Tool: Start with a roughing gouge to shape the handle, then switch to a spindle gouge for detailed work.
2. Secure and Align the Wood: Ensure your wood is centered and secure on the lathe to avoid vibrations, which can affect precision.
3. Smooth Sanding for Comfort: Sand down the handle, progressing from lower to higher grits, for a smooth, comfortable grip.

Overall, handle projects like this cheese slicer make a rewarding and quick project, especially when experimenting with different wood types like cherry!

If you make one of these be sure to post a picture of it over on the WoodLogger Facebook Page.  I’d love to see how yours turns out. (pun intended)

Featured Video

Material List

• (1) Cheese Slicer Turning Kit (Rockler)
• (1) 2″ x 2″ x 6″ Wood Blank (I used Cherry)
• (1) Optional 3/4″ Turning Mandrel (Rockler)

Milling & Assembly

	This turning kit was a solid choice from Rockler.  The slicer is desinged to screw into the base and allows for easy cleaning.  I used an accessory mandrel to help with turning this.  For the wood I chose to use a block of cherry wood.
	The first step to get started is to find the center of the block on one end.  I used a center finder to help with this.  If you don’t have a center finder just use a ruler to mark an X off by drawing a line across each end.  The plan for this scoop called for hole to be drilled that is 3/8″ drill bit and drilled 1″ deep.
	Next up was installing the inset.  For this I used CA glue and used the included allen wrench to screw the inset into the wood.
	Although it’s an optional piece I would highly recommend using the mandrel that rockler sells for this kit.  It can be used for other kits that Rockler sells too.  I screwed in the wood to the mandrel and then turned the handle using a bowl gauge, and skew.
	After turning the handle I used a 5 pack of sanding papers that range from 150 grit sand paper to 600 grit.  I worked my ways through the grits and then moved on to waxing the handle.  For waxing I used EEE Ultra Shine and applied a few coats.  After that I applied a coat of Shella Wax.
	This turning kit turned out great.  It’s an easy to turn handle, and the kit has everything you need (minus the optional mandrel).  The easy to remove scoop makes it easy to clean and should last for years.

The post How to Turn a Cheese Slicer – Rockler Kit appeared first on WoodLogger.

A few years ago, I turned an ice cream scoop using a kit I picked up from Woodcraft. The result was fantastic, but the one-piece design made cleaning a bit of a challenge. Recently, I found a better option—an Ice Cream Scoop Kit from Rockler. This kit features a removable scoop that screws into the base, making it much easier to clean.

Tips for Turning Ice Cream Scoop Handles

If you’re into woodturning or want to try your hand at making a custom ice cream scoop handle, here are a few essential tips:

• Use sharp tools: When turning hardwoods like cherry, sharp tools are crucial to prevent tear-out and achieve a smooth finish.
• Take it slow: Shape the handle with a slow and steady approach, especially near the ends, to avoid overcutting.
• Finish it right: After turning, sand the handle with fine-grit sandpaper to highlight the wood’s natural beauty. Finish with CA glue or polyurethane for a durable, moisture-resistant surface.

Why You Should Try This Ice Cream Scoop Kit

Whether you’re an experienced woodworker or a beginner, this ice cream scoop kit is a fun project that produces a beautiful, practical tool. Plus, it’s a great way to add a custom touch to your kitchen utensils, and the finished product will last for years to come.

If you make one of these be sure to post a picture of it over on the WoodLogger Facebook Page.  I’d love to see how yours turns out. (pun intended)

Material List

• (1) Ice Cream Scoop Kit (Rockler)
• (1) 2″ x 2″ x 6″ Wood Blank (I used Cherry)
• (1) Optional Turning Mandrel (Rockler)

Milling & Assembly

	This turning kit was a solid choice from Rockler.  The scoop is desinged to screw into the base and allows for easy cleaning.  I used an accessory mandrel to help with turning this.  For the wood I chose to use a block of cherry wood.
	The first step to get started is to find the center of the block on one end.  I used a center finder to help with this.  If you don’t have a center finder just use a ruler to mark an X off by drawing a line across each end.  The plan for this scoop called for hole to be drilled that is 1/2″ drill bit and drilled 1-1/2″ deep.
	Next up was installing the inset.  For this I used CA glue and used the included allen wrench to screw the inset into the wood.
	Although it’s an optional piece I would highly recommend using the mandrel that rockler sells for this kit.  It can be used for other kits that Rockler sells too.  I screwed in the wood to the mandrel and then turned the handle using a bowl gauge, and skew.
	After turning the handle I used a 5 pack of sanding papers that range from 150 grit sand paper to 600 grit.  I worked my ways through the grits and then moved on to waxing the handle.  For waxing I used EEE Ultra Shine and applied a few coats.  After that I applied a coat of Shella Wax.
	This turning kit turned out great.  It’s an easy to turn handle, and the kit has everything you need (minus the optional mandrel).  The easy to remove scoop makes it easy to clean and should last for years.

The post How to Turn an Ice Cream Scoop – Rockler Kit appeared first on WoodLogger.

If you make one of these be sure to post a picture of it over on the WoodLogger Facebook Page.  I’d love to see how yours turns out. (pun intended)

Material List

• (1) Toothpick Holder Kit
• (1) 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ x 6″ Acrylic or Wood Blank

Milling & Assembly

	The toothpick holder kit comes with only a few pieces.  The tube, key-ring, and two caps.  If you’ve turned any “kit type” projects in the past you’ll find this one a snap to put together.
	I cut the blank about 1/8″ longer than the tube with a miter saw. After the cutting the blank I then found the center point on the end of the blank.  I used a center finder, but a ruler will do the job just as quick.  I then drilled a hole using a 7mm drill bit.
	After drilling out the hole for the tube.  I scuffed up the tube with sandpaper.  This is done to help the CA glue that I used to give it something to grab onto.  The CA Glue I used is called stick fast.  Which is appropriately named.
	Next up I headed to the lathe and turned the blank to shape.  I used a bowl gauge and skim until I was happy with the size and shape.  After that, I sanded the toothpick holder and finished it with EEE-Ultra Shine, and Shella Wax.
	The assembly for the toothpick holder was quick and easy.  I used a pen press to help with the assembly for mine.  If you’re considering doing a lot of these kits you may want to invest in one of these.
	The final product turned out great.  This toothpick holder kit was a quick and easy project that can be done in about an hour.

The post Turn a Toothpick Holder appeared first on WoodLogger.

If you make one of these be sure to post a picture of it over on the WoodLogger Facebook Page.  I’d love to see how yours turns out. (pun intended)

Material List

• (1) Pill Holder Kit
• (1) 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ x 6″ Acrylic or Wood Blank

Milling & Assembly

​

	The pill holder kit comes with only a few pieces.  The tube, key-ring, and two caps.  If you’ve turned any “kit type” projects you’ll find this one a snap to put together.
	I used a miter saw and cut the blank to a length of approx. 1/8″ longer than the tube.
	After the cutting the blank I then found the center point on the end of the blank.  I used a center finder, but a ruler will do the job just as quick.  I then drilled a hole using a 14mm drill bit.
	After drilling out the hole for the tube.  I used a CA glue and let the tube dry for about an hour.
	After the glue finished drying I went back to the drill press and used a barrel trimmer to make sure the blank was flush with the tube.
	Next up I headed to the lathe and turned the blank to shape.  I used a bowl gauge and skim until I was happy with the size and shape.  After that, I sanded the pill holder and finished it with EEE-Ultra Shine, and Shella Wax.
	The assembly for the pill holder was quick and easy.  I used a pen press to help with the assembly for mine.  If you’re considering doing a lot of these kits you may want to invest in one of these.
	The final product turned out great.  This pill holder kit was a quick and easy project that can be done in about an hour.

The post Make a Turned Pill Holder appeared first on WoodLogger.

If you make one of these be sure to post a picture of it over on the WoodLogger Facebook Page.  I’d love to see how yours turns out.

Material List

• (1) Dart Turning Kit
• (1) Acrylic or wood blank at least 7/8″ square and 3″ long.

Milling & Assembly

	I purchased this Dart Turning Kit from Rockler.  It’s available online or if you’re lucky like me, you have a Rockler retail store near you.  The kit is available in either a soft-top or steel tip.  The kit comes with almost everything you need to make three darts.  You will need to provide you’re own turning blank
	To get started with the dart turning kit I struck a line about 1/16″ to 1/8″ longer than the length of the included brass tube.  I then used a miter saw to cut the wood blank to length.
	Next up for your darts I found the center of the acrylic blank on one end.  I used a center finder(nice to have), but you can certainly just use a ruler.  After that I drilled out the center using a 7mm drill bit.
	After the blank is all drilled out; the next thing is to work on the brass tube that will be inserted into the key ring pocket knife.  To get the brass tube ready, first use some sand paper to mar up the smooth brass.  This will help give the glue something to grab onto.  After that I used a medium CA glue and applied it all over the tube.  Be careful as you don’t want to get any glue on the inside of the tube.   Next up I went back to my drill press and used a barrel trimmer on each end of my blank.  You’ll need to make sure the end if flush with the brass tube.  When it comes to assembly it’ll be important that this is flush.
	After the glue has dried, insert the blank using the bushings designed for this kit onto the mandrel.  As the blank is fairly large there isn’t a lot of turning required on this one.  I like to  start with a bowl gauge until the rough edges are gone and then move to a skew. To finish off the blank I worked my way through a set of 5 different sandpapers.  Starting at a grit of 150 and working my way up to 600 grit.  I then applied a coat of EEE Ultra-Shine and then a small amount of ShellaWax.
	For the assembly I used some of the included iron weight to balance the darts and attain a weight of 14 grams.  This is a nice feature of this kit.  You can add as much weight to your darts to attain the weight and feel that you want.     The last step for your darts is to insert the caps for the nose and tail fittings.  I used a pen press to help with mine.  If you’re going to get serious about turning pens or working on kit projects like this, then a pen press is an essential part of this.  I really like the milescraft pen press kit show in the picture.
	After everything is assembled there are three darts that make up the kit.  This really is a fun and easy turning kit to make.  Having the ability to make your darts look, feel, and weigh exactly how want is a great bonus.

The post How to Turn Your Own Darts appeared first on WoodLogger.

The Key Ring Pocket Knife turning kit from Rockler is a great small project that you can complete in just a couple of hours. The knife features a stainless steel body with an impressively sharp blade. In this post, I’ll walk you through how I turned an acrylic blank and assembled the kit.

A few tips for working with acrylic on the lathe:

• Use sharp, high-quality tools to avoid chipping or cracking the acrylic.
• Keep your lathe speed high, but make light passes to achieve a smooth finish.
• Sand carefully with fine-grit sandpaper and polish to bring out the shine in your final piece.

If you decide to give this project a try, be sure to share a picture on the WoodLogger Facebook Page. I’d love to see how yours turns out!

Material List

• (1) Key Ring Pocket Knife Kit
• (1) Acrylic or wood blank at least 7/8″ square and 3″ long.

Milling & Assembly

	I purchased this pocket knife kit from Rockler.  It’s available online or if your lucky like me you have a rockler retail store near you.
	To get started with the pocket knife key ring I struck a line about 1/16″ to 1/8″ longer than the length of the included brass tube.  I then used a miter saw to cut the acrylic blank to length.
	Next up I found the center of the acrylic blank on one end.  I used a center finder(nice to have), but you can certainly just use a ruler.  After that I drilled out the center using a 19/32″ drill bit.  This is a large drill bit so you’ll want to take this slow to avoid a blow out.  In fact some people like to pre-drill with a smaller bit first clearing out waste, and then working up to a larger bit.
	After the blank is all drilled out; the next thing is to work on the brass tube that will be inserted into the key ring pocket knife.  To get the brass tube ready, first use some sand paper to mar up the smooth brass.  This will help give the glue something to grab onto.  After that I used a medium CA glue and applied it all over the tube.  Be careful as you don’t want to get any glue on the inside of the tube.
	After the glue has dried, insert the blank using the bushings designed for this kit onto the mandrel.  As the blank is fairly large there isn’t a lot of turning required on this one.  I like to  start with a bowl gauge until the rough edges are gone and then move to a skew.
	To finish off the blank I first worked my way through a set of micro mesh sanding pads, and then used a buffer to make it smooth as glass.       The last step for this is to insert the caps into each end.  I used a pen press to help with mine.  If you’re going to get serious about turning pens or working on kit projects like this, then a pen press is an essential part of this.  I really like the minecraft pen press kit show in the picture.
	After everything is assembled there are three pieces (not including the key ring) that make up the kit.  When your not using the knife it stows away very nicely and is protected inside the tube.

The post Turned Key Ring Pocket Knife appeared first on WoodLogger.

If you make one of these be sure to post a picture of it over on the WoodLogger Facebook Page.  I’d love to see how yours turns out. (pun intended)

Material List

• (1) Magnifying Glass Kit
• (1) 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ x 6″ Acrylic or Wood Blank (I used a green acrylic)

Milling & Assembly

	The magnifying glass kit comes with only a few pieces.  The brass tube, the glass, and two caps(one is for the glass to screw into).  If you’ve turned any kit type projects you’ll find this one a snap to put together.
	To get started I used an acrylic blank.  I chose a funky green color for mine.  I cut this one to a length about 1/8″ longer than the brass tube included in the kit.
	To create a hole for the brass tube insert.  I used a drill bit sized 7mm in length.
	Before I inserted the brass tube I used sand paper to scratch up the brass tube.  This is to help the glue have something to hold onto after it is inserted in the tube.  For the glue I used CA glue.  It is a quick drying cement and holds up very well.
	After gluing up the tube; the next step is to use a barrel trimmer to make the ends flush with the brass tube.  This is an important step; if the ends aren’t flush when you go to assemble your kit it’ll look a little strange.
	Next up you’ll want to turn you blank.  I chose a very simple profile for mine.  This is the fun part of turning blanks as you have an unlimited set of options.  I started by using a bowl gouge, and then switched to a skew.  I left a little thickness in the middle as I wanted a more meaty handle for mine.
	When it came to finishing my turned magnifying glass.  I used a micro mesh kit that has 9 sanding pads.  The pads are color coded and I went from the smallest to highest grit.  These pads are great and can be used over.  Be sure to keep them wet when using, and then just wash them off when you’re done.  Also when you have finished sanding use a soft cloth(not a paper towel it will scratch acrylic) to polish it up.
	When it came to assembly I used a pen press for the caps and simply screwed in the glass on one side.  Again this magnifying glass kit is a great easy project and can be made in just a couple of hours(or less).

The post Turned Magnifying Glass appeared first on WoodLogger.

I found this seam ripper kit at woodcraft.  They’re incredibly easy to make, and they make awesome gifts.  I made this seam ripper for my mom.  I’m also going to make another one for my wife.  If you have any sewers in your family you should consider making one.  I’ll include links at the bottom of this post where you can pick one up.  The wood I chose for the handle was padauck wood.  It’s an excellent turning wood and looks beautiful when it’s finished.  For the finishing I used EEE Ultra-Shine, and a couple of coats of Shella-Wax.  The combination of these two products really gave it a beautiful shine and should hold up for years.

If you make one of these be sure to post a picture of it over on the WoodLogger Facebook Page.  I’d love to see how yours turns out. (pun intended)

Material List

• (1) Seam Ripper Kit
• (1) 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ x 6″ Wood Blank (I used padauck wood)

Milling & Assembly

	The seam ripper kit available from WoodCraft has a few basic components.  It includes: a brass tube(in this picture it is already inserted in a wood blank), a top and pen clip, four rubber gaskets, blade, blade holder clip, and gold blade handle
	To get started I chose a wood blank made from padauck wood.  It’s a great wood to turn and looks beautiful when it’s finished.  I cut this one to a length about 1/4″ longer than the brass tube included in the kit.
	To create a hole for the brass tube insert.  I used a drill bit sized letter “o”.
	Before I inserted the brass tube I used sand paper to scratch up the brass tube.  This is to help the glue have something to hold onto after it is inserted in the tube.  For the glue I used CA glue.  It is a quick drying cement and holds up very well.
	After gluing up the tube; the next step is to use a barrel trimmer to make the ends flush with the brass tube.  This is an important step; if the ends aren’t flush when you go to assemble your kit it’ll look a little strange.
	Next up you’ll want to turn you blank.  I chose a very simple profile for mine.  This is the fun part of turning blanks as you have an unlimited set of options.  I started by using a bowl gouge, and then using a skew.  I left a little thickness on the ends so when I sand it up there will be some wood left.
	When it came to finishing my seam ripper.  I started by sanding the blank to a 600 grit level.  I used a five grit sanding system to help me with that.Next up I applied a few coats of EEE-Ultra Shine.  This product is fantastic and works really well.  When applying it you’ll apply plenty of pressure so that it melts into the wood.The last step is to use a few drops of Shella-Wax.  This is another great wax product, and is applied by using pressure so that the wax heats up.
	When it came to assembly the first step was to put on the four rubber gaskets on the blade holder.  These gaskets hold the blade holder to the handle and keep it from slipping off.
	The kit comes with a blade and plastic blade holder.For assembly I slipped the blade into the holder and then screwed it into the gold blade holder.
	When inserting the top cap into the blade handle I used a pen press to help out with this.  This could probably be done with a vise or something else, but a pen press works really well.
	The end product turned out great.  This was an easy and fun project to make and can be made in a just a few hours.

Items Used to Finish this

The post Turned Seam Ripper appeared first on WoodLogger.

Material List

• (1) Wood Blank (approx. 3/4″ x 5″)
• (1) Magnetic Pen Kit

Milling & Assembly

	I started by choosing a wood blank and cutting it about 1/8″ longer than the brass tube included with the kit
	I glued the tube into the blank using CA glue.
	Next up I loaded up my mandrel with the blank and guide bushings on each end.  There is a separate set of guide bushings available for this kit.  I then turned the pen to the shape that I liked.  I used a bowl gauge for most of my cuts.
	After turning the blank I sanded it down using 5 grits of sandpaper ending up at 600 grit.  Then I applied a coat of EEE-Ultra shine, followed by a coat of Shellawax.
	The blank turned out beautiful and assembly was a snap.  I completed mine by using a pen press for the end caps, and then simply screwed the cap into the telescoping magnet arm.
	The completed pen is compact when all together.  The cocobolo wood looks beautiful, and this one turned out beautiful.

The post Turned Magnetic Pickup Pen appeared first on WoodLogger.