Do you need a shovel for a specific task but don’t want to purchase one? Have you ever wondered if you could make a shovel out of wood? Well, you can! In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to make a shovel out of wood.
From gathering the necessary tools and materials to adding the finishing touches, we’ll walk you through the process of creating your very own shovel.
So grab your tools and let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
To make a shovel out of wood, you will need some basic tools such as a saw, drill, sandpaper, and a hammer.
Start by cutting the wood into a rectangular shape that is approximately two feet long and six inches wide.
Drill three holes into the top of the wood, two on either side of the center hole.
Attach a long handle to the center hole with screws or nails.
Sand the edges of the wood to make them smooth, then hammer a metal edge into the front of the wood for the shovel blade.
Finally, attach the blade to the handle with screws or nails.
Tools and Materials Needed
Making a shovel out of wood is an interesting and rewarding project that requires a few basic tools and materials. To make a shovel out of wood, youll need the following:
A piece of wood: Choose a piece of hardwood, such as oak or maple, to make your shovel. These types of wood will be strong and durable enough to handle the job.
A saw: Use a saw to cut the wood into a shovel-like shape.
Sandpaper: Use sandpaper to smooth out the edges.
A drill: Youll need a drill to make two holes in the handle, one on each side.
Screws or nails: Use screws or nails to secure the handle to the blade.
A hammer: Youll need a hammer to drive the screws or nails into place.
Once you have all your tools and materials, youre ready to begin making your shovel.
First, use a saw to cut the wood into a shovel-like shape.
Make sure the edges are even and the shape is symmetrical.
Then, use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.
Next, drill two holes in the handle, one on each side, and then secure the handle to the blade with screws or nails.
Finally, finish the shovel off by hammering the nails or screws in place.
With a bit of effort and creativity, you can make a functional and durable shovel out of wood.
Have fun and get creative with your design, and youll have a unique and useful tool that can last for years to come.
Cutting the Wood into a Shovel-Like Shape
Cutting the wood into a shovel-like shape is arguably the most important step in creating a functional shovel out of wood.
To achieve the desired shape, youll need to use a saw.
When cutting the wood, make sure to leave enough space for the handle.
Depending on the type and size of wood youre using, it may be best to use a jigsaw, as it is more precise and customizable than other types of saws.
Before you begin cutting, make sure to measure the wood out and mark where youll want to cut, so that the shape of the shovel is as precise as possible.
After cutting, use sandpaper to smooth out any rough or jagged edges.
This will not only make the shovel look better, but it will help to ensure that it is safe to use.
Smoothing Out the Edges
Smoothing out the edges of the wood is a crucial step in making a shovel out of wood.
It will give your shovel a professional look and make it safer to use.
To achieve this, you will need to use sandpaper.
Start by taking a piece of medium-grit sandpaper and lightly sanding the edges of the wood.
This will help make them smoother and more rounded.
Once you have finished with the medium-grit sandpaper, switch to a finer-grit sandpaper and repeat the process.
This will give the shovel a more polished look.
You can also use a rasp to help get into small crevices and further shape the edges.
Once you are satisfied with the shape and texture of the edges, you can begin to drill the holes for the handle.
Drilling Holes in the Handle
Drilling holes in the handle is an important step in making a shovel out of wood, as it is what will secure the handle to the blade.
Before beginning, make sure you have a drill and the appropriate drill bit for the task.
The drill bit should be slightly larger than the screws or nails you will be using.
This will ensure that they fit securely and wont be too loose.
Once you have the right drill bit, you can begin drilling the two holes in the handle.
Place the handle on a flat surface and mark two points on either side that are equidistant from the blade.
These will be the points where you will drill.
It is important to make sure that the holes are straight and that they line up with the blade.
Once you have marked the points, you can begin drilling.
Start by drilling slowly and steadily, applying a steady pressure to the drill.
As you drill, make sure to keep the drill bit perpendicular to the handle.
You want to make sure that the holes are straight and even.
Once you have finished drilling the holes, you can use a file or sandpaper to smooth out the edges.
This will ensure that the screws or nails fit securely in the holes.
Once you have completed drilling the holes, you are ready to secure the handle to the blade.
Make sure to use screws or nails that are appropriate for the size and type of wood you are using.
Screws or nails that are too large may not fit in the holes, and screws or nails that are too small may not be strong enough to hold the handle in place.
Once you have the right screws or nails, you are ready to finish the shovel.
Securing the Handle to the Blade
Securing the handle to the blade is an important step in making a shovel out of wood.
To do this, you will need a drill, screws, and a hammer.
Start by drilling two holes in the handle of the shovel, one on each side.
Then, use the screws or nails to secure the handle to the blade.
Make sure that the screws are tight enough so that the handle wont come loose from the blade.
Once the screws or nails are in place, use a hammer to make sure that they are secured tightly.
This will help ensure that your shovel is sturdy and durable.
With the screws and nails in place, your shovel is ready to use! Just remember to keep the handle and blade clean and dry, as this will help the shovel last longer.
Hammering Nails or Screws in Place
Once you have cut and sanded your wood into the desired shovel shape, it is time to complete the project by hammering nails or screws in place.
Depending on the type of wood you are using and the type of shovel you are making, you may need to use either nails or screws to secure the handle to the blade.
If you are using a thicker, more dense wood, screws may be the better option since they will provide a stronger hold.
If you are using a softer wood, nails may be sufficient.
When attaching the handle to the blade, it is important to make sure that the handle is level with the blade and that the screws or nails are evenly spaced apart.
If you are using nails, place them at an angle in the wood and hammer them in until they are flush with the surface.
If you are using screws, make sure to pre-drill your holes to ensure that the wood does not crack or split.
Once the screws are tightened in place, you can use a hammer to tap the heads of the screws into the wood for a more secure hold.
To finish off the shovel, you can use a saw or rasp to round off any sharp edges or corners.
This will help to prevent splinters and give your shovel a more professional look.
You can also use sandpaper to further smooth out the wood, if desired.
Once all of the nails and screws are in place and the edges are rounded off, your wooden shovel is ready to use!
Finishing Touches
Once all of the major components of your wooden shovel have been put together, it’s time to give it the finishing touches.
Start by using sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges, including the edge of the blade, the handle, and any other areas that may have been affected by the saw.
For extra durability and protection, consider giving the shovel a coat of varnish or paint.
This will help to keep water and dirt from penetrating the wood.
Additionally, it can help to give the shovel a finished and polished look.
After the varnish or paint is applied, you may want to add a few extra touches to your shovel.
For instance, you can use small nails to secure the handle to the blade.
This will help to keep the handle from slipping off.
You can also use a hammer to add a decorative touch to the handle.
Consider adding a leather grip or a rubber grip to make using the shovel more comfortable and secure.
You may also want to add some decorative carvings or engravings to the handle or blade.
Finally, make sure to take proper care of your wooden shovel.
Store it in a dry area and keep it away from moisture to prevent it from warping.
Additionally, you may want to periodically check the screws or nails that hold the handle to the blade, and make sure they are secure.
With proper care, your wooden shovel should last for many years to come.
Final Thoughts
You now have the knowledge and skills needed to make a shovel out of wood.
With just a few basic tools and materials, you can create a functional and durable shovel for any job.
Why not give it a try? With some effort and creativity, you could make your own shovel and have a reliable tool for years to come.