Mason jars are a versatile and practical item that can be used for many purposes. From storing food and beverages to organizing craft supplies, mason jars are a popular choice for many households. However, the metal lids that come with the jars can be limiting and may not always fit the aesthetic of your decor. This is where wooden lids come in – they add a rustic, natural touch to your mason jars and can be customized to fit the size and style of your jars. In this blog post, we’ll teach you how to make wooden lids for your mason jars using a lathe.
Materials:
To make wooden lids for your mason jars, you’ll need the following materials:
- Wood (preferably hardwood such as maple, cherry, or oak)
- Mason jars (the size and shape you want to make lids for)
- Lathe
- Forstner bit (the same size as the inner ring of the lid)
- Sandpaper (80 grit, 120 grit, and 220 grit)
- Wood finish (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Measure the Mason Jar
The first step is to measure the size of your mason jars. This will help you determine the size of the wooden lid you need to make. You’ll want to measure the inner diameter of the metal lid with a ruler or caliper.
2. Choose the Wood
Choose a hardwood that matches the desired finish and color of your wooden lid. We suggest using maple, cherry, or oak as they are popular choices for woodworking and will provide a durable and attractive finish.
3. Cut the Wood
Cut a piece of wood to the required size using a saw or a bandsaw. The depth of the wooden lid should be slightly smaller than the depth of the metal lid to ensure a snug fit. Cut a larger piece of wood than you need so you have space to make adjustments or for mistakes.
4. Mount the Wood on the Lathe
Mount the wooden piece on the lathe using a chuck or faceplate. Make sure the wood is securely fastened before turning on the lathe.
5. Hollow Out the Wood
Using a Forstner bit, drill a hole into the center of the wooden piece. The size of the hole should match the inner diameter of the metal lid. This will create the recessed area for the jar lid to fit into.
6. Turn the Wood
Start turning the wooden piece on the lathe, using a roughing gouge to shape the outside of the lid. Slowly edge the piece down until you reach the desired size and shape.
7. Sand the Wooden Lid
Sand the wooden lid thoroughly with sandpaper, starting with 80 grit and moving up to 120 grit, and finishing with 220 grit. Sand in the direction of the grain, ensuring that there are no rough spots or splinters.
8. Finish the Wooden Lid (Optional)
After sanding, you can apply a wood finish to protect the surface and enhance the natural beauty of the wood. We suggest using a food-safe finish if you plan on using the wooden lid for food storage.
9. Test the Wooden Lid
Once the wooden lid is finished, test it by fitting it onto the mason jar. The lid should fit snugly over the jar opening and create an airtight seal.
Conclusion:
Making wooden lids for your mason jars is a fun and practical woodworking project that can be completed in a few easy steps. With just a few materials and your lathe, you can create unique and stylish lids that match your decor and add a touch of nature to your household items. Remember to measure the size of the mason jar and choose a hardwood that matches your desired finish. Cut the wood, mount it on the lathe, hollow out the center, and turn it to size. Sand and finish the lid, test it for fit, and you’re done! Whether you use your wooden lids for food storage, organizing your craft supplies, or simply as home decor, they’re sure to be a conversation starter. So, go ahead and try this project out – your mason jars will thank you!