How to guide

In this blog I’ll be talking you through the process of making a wooden ring. This is new to me but is the same process as making an antler or bone ring.

This is something Woodland Ways will be doing at this year’s (2024) Bushcraft Show using a variety of wood/tree species.

You will need

• Wooden round or dowel. I am using 30mm Walnut dowel
• Saw (hand or hack or machine)
• Drill bit (12mm ish will suffice)
• Drill (optional)
• Round file (rasp ideally)
• Sandpaper (120 grit and 240 grit or greater to finish)
• Oil to finish (optional)

Firstly, you will need to cut a disc approx 8mm from your wooden round. You may need to clean up the cut surface by laying a piece of sandpaper flat and abrading the disc.

Next step is to drill a hole through the centre or approximate centre large enough for the round file to fit through. This can be done by hand or with a drill if you have one.

You may find it easier to decoratively finish the outside of the ring before removing the inner material as there will be slightly more to hold on to whilst sanding or engraving. I chose to make the ring before sanding the external of the ring.

Also, if you have larger drill bits available you can enlarge this centre hole as this will eventually accommodate your chosen digit.

Next you will need to file the centre hole until it is the correct size before finishing the inner hole with sandpaper.

Tip: fold a strip of sandpaper round a cylindrical object like a marker pen or similar.

Work through your different grits of sandpaper finishing on the highest grit.

Next you will need to sand the exterior of the ring to your desired finish again working through the grits. This is a little fiddly as you will not have much to hold on to.

Once completed you can apply a little oil to finish. I am using Danish oil but olive oil will suffice. I gently heat the olive oil so it penetrates the wood easier.

Have a go and come and show us what you made at the show and make another for someone.