We got a jump on some of our holiday design projects over the last week and decided that a Holiday Tree ornament holder was a great weekend project. We opted for a version that could be done by hand / scroll / jig saw and another using our CNC.
We’ve uploaded some of our creations to our ETSY store, including some of the files we use to create them.
Check out our ETSY Store here!
Using a Hand, Scroll, or Jig Saw
For the simpler version, we cut the leaning tree from white wood. This thicker stock is slightly easier to clean up with a sander and some wood files. We also didn’t put as much detail into the project.
How to Attach Tree to the Base
To attach the tree to the base we drilled holes into the tree and base and connected the two using a dowel. You could even add some glue if you wanted to make the connection more permanent.
If you’re feeling fancy, we’ve made connections using inset nut screws and screw holder – these are super simple to use and kind of fun. Simply drill a hole into the base of the tree and screw in the inset nut screw. For the base, you need to drill a hole all the way through and countersink the bottom so the head of the screw is flush or above the base. Some wood or CA glue will affix the screw. To attach, simply spin the the tree on.
Using a CNC
For the CNC option, we opted to cut it from Baltic birch, which is a higher quality plywood. It’s great for these types of projects as it’s void less and leaves a nice edge. Because we used a 1/8-inch compression bit, there was some “fuzz” on the bottom of the project. We learned a quick tip from a CNC forum – give it a quick hit with a sander then burn it with a torch. This results in a fairly clean looking project.
One of the torch kits we used was the blue bottle.
The base was a 4×4 inch piece of white wood that we carved a partial depth slot in to hold the tree. We did not fasten the tree so that it could be taken apart for easy storage.
How to Sand Fine Details on Wood Projects
Sanding twigs. Yes, sanding twigs. These beauties are much easier than rolling and folding sand paper into tiny pieces and they get great results. These are great for reaching into tight spaces and narrow corners. Depending on the brand, you can use them wet or dry, and periodically rinse with water to renew the abrasive.
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