Step 1 - Drill the Sides
Now that you have all of the parts cut, shaped, and sanded it's time to assemble
the napkin holder. Clamp the sides of the napkin holder to your workbench and drill a hole
into the bottom of each leg. Make sure the holes you drill are the appropriate size for
the dowels you plan to use. We recommend using 1/4" dowels.Tip:
For a good fit a dowel's hole should always be slightly smaller than the diameter
of the dowel. |
Click to Enlarge Image. |
Step 2 - Drill the Bottom
Use a 1/2" drill bit to drill the holes in the bottom of the base. The center of the
hole should be position 1" in from each side near the corners. You will insert wooden
buttons into these holes so you only need to drill 1/2" into the wood. Be careful to
not drill too deep. Tip: How to control your drilling depth. (link will open in a
new window) |
Click to Enlarge Image. |
Step 3 - Insert Buttons
Put a little glue in the bottom of each hole and use a toothpick to spread it
around. Pound a 1/2" hardwood button (available at your local hardware store) into
each of the four holes. The buttons act as little "decorative feet" on the
bottom of the napkin holder. |
Click to Enlarge Image. |
Step 4 - Mark the Base Holes
Next we need to attach the two side pieces to the base. We are going to use four
dowels to attach the parts together. The tricky part is to get the holes in the base to
line up exactly with the holes in the side pieces. The easiest way to do this is to
use dowel centers to locate the exact position to drill (Click here to learn how to use dowel centers.). Lay
out the napkin holder with the rod inserted into the side pieces. Position the two side
pieces and the rod so that all parts are exactly centered (This may take a little time to
get it right). Tap the side pieces so the dowel centers leave a slight impression on the
base. |
Click to Enlarge Image. |
Step 5 - Drill the Base Holes
Using the marks left by the dowel centers, drill the holes in the base. Remember
to use the same drill bit you used in Step 1. Be careful not to drill all of the way
through the base.Tip: How to control your drilling depth. (link will open in a
new window) |
Click to Enlarge Image. |
Step 6 - Attach the Side
Pieces
Put a little glue in each of the eight dowel holes (four in the base - four in
the side pieces) and spread it around with a toothpick. Tap a dowel into each of the holes
in the base. Next you will want to slip the rod into the side pieces and tap them into
place on the dowel pins. Before the glue dries make sure the rod can move freely. |
Click to Enlarge Image. |
Step 7 - Apply a Finish and
Enjoy
All that's left to do is to apply the finish of your choice and enjoy your new
napkin holder. Please Contact Us and let us know how your
napkin holder turned out. If you have any questions please send us an e-mail and we'll try
and help. |
|
Page 1 - Introduction - Information about this napkin holder and
downloadable templates.
Page 2 - Turning the Rod - Information,
pictures and tricks for turning the rod.
Page 3 - Cutting the Parts -
Information and pictures to help you cut out all of the napkin holder's parts.
Page 4 - Assembly - How to put all of
the napkin holder's parts together.
Page 5 - Gallery
- Example of different napkin holders and design variations. |
NEXT
PAGE |
