Heidi Norton
Burning incense is a great way to enhance the ambiance of your home and promote relaxation. Incense holders are easy to make and allow you to add a personal touch to your living space. You can make a wooden incense holder with simple materials such as wood, a bandsaw, sandpaper, a drill, and wood glue. To make a mess-free burner that catches ash, you can also use a combination of a ceramic dish, polymer clay, and a few basic crafting tools. With some creativity, you can even upcycle old household items like salt or pepper shakers and vintage saucers into functional and stylish incense burners.
Characteristics and Values Table for a Wooden Incense Burner
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Wood, preferably with a thickness of 1/2 inches |
| Tools | Bandsaw, sandpaper or belt sander, drill or drill press, wood glue, clamp |
| Cutting Measurements | Bottom piece: 10.5" x 1.5". Top piece: 3" x 2 3/8" x 1.5", with the front cut at an angle |
| Drilling Measurements | Drill a 3/4" hole in the centre of the top piece for extra incense. Drill a thin hole about 1" into the wood at an angle along the angled side |
| Safety | Ensure the base is flat and wide to prevent wobbling. Avoid exposing wood to extreme temperature changes to prevent warping or splitting |
| Customisation | Add personal touches such as colour, patterns, or meaningful symbols |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wood
When it comes to choosing the right wood for your incense burner, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll want to select a type of wood that is safe to burn. Some woods, such as pine, can release toxic chemicals when burned, so it's important to choose a non-toxic option. Maple is a good choice, as it is a hard, non-toxic wood that is often used for incense burners. It also has a pleasant grain that can add a decorative touch to your burner.
Another factor to consider is the thickness of the wood. You'll want to choose a piece of wood that is thick enough to withstand the heat of the incense without warping or splitting. A thickness of around 1/2" is generally recommended, as in the example from The Merrythought, which used 1/2" thick maple. This should provide a good balance between strength and ease of drilling.
If you're looking to add a personal touch or a pop of colour, consider using a type of wood that takes stain or paint well. This will allow you to customise the look of your burner to match your style or the decor of the space where it will be used. You can also decorate your burner with meaningful symbols or patterns to make it unique to you.
Finally, think about the overall design of your burner. If you're planning on storing incense sticks in your burner, you'll need to choose a piece of wood that is large enough to accommodate the extra sticks. Additionally, consider the stability of the burner, ensuring the base is flat and wide enough to support the structure without wobbling.
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Cutting and shaping the wood
First, select the type of wood you want to use. The choice of wood will impact the burner's overall aesthetic and durability. For a sleek and elegant look, you can choose a type of wood with an attractive grain pattern, such as maple. Alternatively, you can opt for a more rustic or textured appearance by using wood with a coarser grain.
Once you have your chosen wood, it's time to cut the pieces to size. Using a bandsaw, carefully cut the bottom piece to a size of 10.5" by 1.5". This will serve as the base of your incense burner. For the top piece, cut the wood to 3" by 2 3/8" by 1.5". This piece will fit on top of the base and hold the incense sticks. Remember to wear appropriate safety gear, including eye and ear protection, when operating power tools like a bandsaw.
The next step is to shape the top piece. Measure and mark the center of the top piece, and then use a drill or drill press to create a 3/4" hole. This hole will hold your extra incense sticks. Make sure to drill most of the way through the wood, leaving enough space on the bottom so that the incense sticks don't fall out. Along the angled side of the top piece, drill a thin hole about 1" into the wood at an angle. This hole will guide your incense stick at a slight angle, allowing it to burn properly.
After drilling the holes, it's important to smooth out the wood to ensure a comfortable grip and a polished appearance. Use sandpaper or a belt sander to carefully sand all the surfaces, paying extra attention to the edges and corners. Sanding will not only enhance the look and feel of your burner but also help prepare the wood for any finish you may want to apply later.
Finally, to add a personal touch and protect your burner, consider finishing the wood with a stain, paint, or sealant. You can choose a color or finish that complements your decor or highlights the natural beauty of the wood grain. Allow the finish to dry completely before handling or using your wooden incense burner.
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Drilling holes for incense
First, you'll need to gather the necessary tools and materials. Ensure you have a drill or drill press that's suitable for woodworking. Select an appropriate drill bit size for the incense sticks you plan to use. The hole should be tight-fitting to hold the incense securely. Standard incense stick diameters range from 2 to 3 mm, so a 3 mm drill bit should work well.
Next, measure and mark the drilling spots on the wood. Using a ruler or measuring tape, find the centre point of the top piece of wood, and mark it for drilling. This centre hole will hold the incense sticks. Along the angled side of the top piece, mark a spot about 1 inch from the edge, as this will be the angled hole for the lit incense stick.
Now, it's time to drill the holes. Secure the wood firmly in a clamp or vise to ensure stability and control during drilling. Align the drill bit with the centre mark and start drilling slowly and carefully. Drill most of the way through the wood, leaving a thin base at the bottom of the hole to prevent the incense sticks from falling out. Then, adjust the drill angle to match the angled side of the top piece, and drill a thin hole about 1 inch into the wood. This hole should be at a slight downward angle to accommodate the incense stick comfortably.
Finally, inspect the drilled holes to ensure they are smooth and free of splinters. Use sandpaper or a file to gently smooth out any rough edges or debris inside the holes. Test the fit by inserting an incense stick into the centre hole and the lit end into the angled hole. Ensure the incense sticks are secure and don't wobble. If needed, make adjustments by widening the holes slightly, but be cautious not to make them too big.
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Sanding and finishing the wood
Start by selecting the appropriate sandpaper grit for your project. The grit number indicates the coarseness of the sandpaper, with lower numbers being coarser and more suitable for initial sanding and higher numbers for finer sanding. For wooden incense burners, it is recommended to start with a medium grit, such as 120-grit sandpaper, to remove any imperfections and create a smooth surface.
Wrap the sandpaper around a sanding block or use a contoured sanding sponge to provide a comfortable grip and help follow the wood's contours. Begin sanding the wooden burner, always going in the direction of the wood grain. Apply even pressure and use long, smooth strokes. Continue sanding until the surface feels smooth to the touch and all rough areas have been removed.
Once you're satisfied with the smoothness, it's time to progress to finer-grit sandpaper, such as 220-grit. Repeat the sanding process with this finer grit to refine the surface and create an even smoother finish. Pay extra attention to the edges and any intricate details to ensure an even finish throughout the burner. Remove any dust generated during sanding with a tack cloth or a slightly damp cloth.
Finally, finish the wood with a protective coating to enhance its natural beauty and protect it from stains and moisture. You can choose from various wood finishes, such as oil, wax, or polyurethane. Apply the finish according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically using a clean cloth or brush. Allow the finish to dry completely, and then lightly sand the burner with fine-grit sandpaper, such as 320-grit, to remove any raised grain. Finally, apply a second coat of the finish to ensure maximum protection and a beautiful sheen.
Remember, when working with wood, it's important to follow safety guidelines. Wear a dust mask and safety goggles during the sanding process to avoid inhaling wood dust or getting it in your eyes. Additionally, ensure the work area is well-ventilated to maintain a safe and healthy environment.
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Decorating and personalising the burner
Once you've crafted your wooden incense burner, you can decorate and personalise it to your liking. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Painting
Add a splash of colour or design to your burner with paint. You can opt for a simple colour block design or get creative with patterns and motifs. If you're feeling adventurous, try a splatter paint effect or a marbled design. Remember to seal your artwork with a coat or two of varnish to protect it and add shine.
Carving
Consider adding intricate carvings to your wooden burner. You can carve patterns, shapes, or even words to create a unique design. Carvings can be purely decorative or functional, like adding a hidden storage compartment for extra incense sticks.
Pyrography
Pyrography, or wood burning, is a technique that involves using a heated tool to burn designs into the wood. This method is perfect for adding intricate details, patterns, or even personalised messages to your burner. You can play with different shades and tones by varying the temperature of the tool and the duration of the application.
Inlay Work
Inlaying involves decorating the surface of the wood with contrasting materials, such as brass or other types of wood. This technique can add a luxurious touch to your burner. You can create intricate patterns, geometric designs, or even embed symbolic motifs.
Staining
Staining your wooden incense burner can enhance the natural beauty of the wood grain while adding a touch of colour. You can choose from various wood stains, from light to dark, to achieve your desired effect. Remember to apply the stain evenly and in thin coats to avoid any unevenness.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. When decorating and personalising your wooden incense burner, let your creativity flow and don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques and designs. Enjoy the process of transforming your burner into a unique work of art!
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Frequently asked questions
You will need wood, a bandsaw, sandpaper or a belt sander, a drill or drill press, wood glue, and a clamp.
First, cut the bottom piece to size, then cut the top piece and cut the front at an angle. Drill a hole in the centre of the top piece to hold the incense, then drill another thin hole at an angle into the wood.
It is important to ensure that the base of your incense burner is flat and wide enough to support the structure. Avoid exposing your wooden burner to extreme temperature changes, which can cause warping or splitting.
