Seamus Hammond
Incense holders are a great way to burn incense and improve the aroma of your home. They are easy to make and highly rewarding, with incense sticks available in a variety of scents and blends. Incense holders can be made from a variety of materials, including clay, stone, wood, and even pottery. In this article, we will focus on how to make an incense holder out of wood.
Characteristics and Values Table for Making an Incense Holder Out of Wood
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wood Type | Oak, Maple, Hem-fir, or any type of wood |
| Wood Thickness | 12mm-25mm |
| Wood Size | 250mm-300mm long, 50mm-75mm wide, 10.5″ x 1.5″ (bottom piece), 3″ x 2 3/8″ x 1.5″ (top piece) |
| Tools | Band saw, fret saw, jigsaw, scroll saw, drill, sandpaper, belt sander, wood glue, clamp, knife, chisel |
| Hole Diameter | 40mm (for T-light candle), 2mm (for incense stick) |
| Hole Angle | 45 degrees |
| Additional Features | Shallow channel to contain incense ash, curved edges, smooth finish with fine sandpaper, natural wax or oil finish |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wood
Firstly, consider the type of wood you want to use. Common types of wood used for incense holders include oak, maple, and leftover hem-fir. You can also opt for aromatic woods like sandalwood, which will add a subtle fragrance of their own to the incense experience. If you're looking for wood that is easy to work with and available in most hardware stores, pinewood is a good option. It is softwood, which means it is easy to cut and shape, but it may not be as durable as hardwoods.
Next, you'll want to consider the grain and natural features of the wood. Look for pieces with interesting knots or burrs that you can incorporate into your design. The grain can also guide your shaping process, giving your incense holder an "organic" look.
The thickness of the wood is another important factor. For an incense holder, you'll want wood that is thick enough to accommodate the hole for the incense stick and provide stability. A thickness of around 12mm-25mm is a good range to aim for.
Finally, consider the finish you want to achieve. Some wood finishes are flammable, so be sure to choose one that is safe for use with incense. Natural wax or oils like Danish or Tung oil can give your incense holder a smooth, polished look while also being safe and non-flammable.
Remember to always work with sharp tools and power tools with caution, as they can be dangerous if not handled properly.
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Cutting the wood
Before you start cutting, it's important to have a clear idea of the shape and design you want for your incense holder. Use the grain and natural features of the wood, such as knots and burrs, to guide your design and give it an "organic" look. Decide which end will be the top, where the incense will go, and make sure it's wide enough—at least 50mm to accept a 40mm wide hole.
Once you have your design and measurements, you can begin cutting. Use a suitable saw, such as a band saw, coping saw, fret saw, jigsaw, or scroll saw, to cut out the basic shape of your incense holder. If you're cutting a hole for a candle, as in a T-light holder, make sure the hole is at least 40mm wide and there's enough space around it. If you're using thinner wood, be careful not to drill too deep.
After cutting the basic shape, you can add some interesting curves and details to your design. Use a sharp knife or a drawknife to smooth out sharp edges and create a more organic, curved shape. If you're cutting a small wedge shape for the incense stick, as in a joss stick holder, use a 1/4" (6mm) chisel or a sharp knife to cut out the wedge at the opposite end from the hole.
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Drilling holes for incense
First, determine the size of the hole you need for the incense stick. A standard incense stick has a diameter of about 2mm, so a 2mm or slightly larger drill bit should be used. If you don't have a drill bit of the exact size, you can also use a small nail to create the hole.
Next, mark the spot where you want the hole to be drilled. Consider the overall design of your incense holder and decide on the placement of the hole. Mark the spot with a pencil or a marker to ensure accurate drilling.
Now, it's time to drill the hole. Secure the wood firmly on a flat surface or a vice to hold it in place while drilling. Start drilling slowly and with gentle pressure to create a pilot hole. Once the drill bit has penetrated the wood, you can increase the speed and apply more pressure to drill through completely. Take your time and go slowly to ensure a clean and accurate hole.
After drilling the hole, use a small file or sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges around the hole. This step will help create a neat and finished look for your incense holder. Carefully remove any wood debris or sawdust from the hole and the surrounding area.
If you want to create a shallow channel to contain the incense ash, use a gouge or a hook knife to carefully carve a small groove around the hole. This step is optional but can add a functional and decorative touch to your incense holder.
Finally, test the hole by inserting an incense stick. Ensure that the stick fits securely and is held in place at the correct angle. Make any necessary adjustments by carefully widening the hole or smoothing out any rough spots with sandpaper.
Remember to always wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection and a dust mask, when drilling wood to avoid any potential hazards.
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Sanding the wood
Start with coarse sandpaper: Begin the sanding process by using coarse sandpaper with a lower grit number, such as 80- or 100-grit. This type of sandpaper will help you remove any rough areas, imperfections, or splinters from the wood. Sand the entire surface of the incense holder, following the direction of the wood grain as much as possible.
Switch to medium-grit sandpaper: Once you have removed the majority of the imperfections, it's time to switch to medium-grit sandpaper, such as 120- or 150-grit. This will help you smooth out the surface further and refine the shape of your incense holder. Continue sanding until you are satisfied with the overall smoothness of the wood.
Finish with fine sandpaper: For the final step, use fine sandpaper with a grit of 220 or higher. This will give your incense holder an ultra-smooth finish and prepare the wood for any stain or sealant you plan to apply. Sand with light pressure, following the direction of the wood grain, until you achieve a soft, polished feel to the wood.
Remember to take your time with each sanding stage and always work in the direction of the wood grain to achieve the best results. Sanding not only improves the appearance of your incense holder but also prepares the wood for any finish you choose to apply, ensuring a more even and professional-looking result.
After sanding, you can choose to apply a finish to your incense holder, such as oil, wax, or another suitable wood finish. However, be cautious when selecting a finish, as some wood finishes can be flammable and should not be used for incense holders. Always allow your finish to dry completely before using your incense holder, and be mindful of possible flammable fumes during the drying process.
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Decorating your holder
The fun part about making your own incense holder is that you can decorate it however you like! You can keep it basic and rustic, or modern and stylish—it's up to you. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Wood finishes: You can use oil, wax, or another finish of your choice to add a nice touch to your wooden incense holder. Natural wax or Danish or Tung oil are good options. Just make sure to avoid flammable finishes, especially if you plan to use your holder for candles.
- Carved patterns: You can carve a pattern or a personal design into your incense holder to make it unique. Use a sharp knife or chisel to create your design.
- Sandpaper: Sanding your incense holder can give it a smooth, finished look without introducing any other details. Start with coarse sandpaper and work your way down to a finer grade for a final finish.
- Paint: If you want to add some colour to your incense holder, you can decorate it with paint. You can try a splatter-painted look by dipping a paintbrush in paint and flinging it downwards over the wood. Or, for a speckled look, dip a stiff paintbrush into paint, hold it over your project, and pull your thumb backward over the bristles so that the paint showers down.
- Aromatherapy: If you plan to use your incense holder outdoors, consider using citronella or other scents that help keep bugs away. You can also try aromatherapy scents like sandalwood, frankincense, cedarwood, rosemary, citrus, lemongrass, ylang-ylang, rose, or patchouli, each of which has different benefits, such as relaxation, increased focus, or creativity.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a saw, a drill, a sharp knife, sandpaper, and wood glue.
You can use almost any type of wood. A popular choice is oak, but maple is also used. The thickness of the wood should be between 12mm and 25mm.
The shape is up to you, but the end where the incense will be placed should be wide enough to accept a hole for the incense.
