Beginner
2 hours
Wooden Pencil Holder from Scrap Timber
By Amit1379A simple wooden pencil holder is an ideal beginner woodworking project because it uses only small pieces of timber, can be completed entirely with hand tools, and produces something genuinely useful for your desk. This design uses four sides and a base joined with wood glue and finishing nails.
What You’ll Need
- Pine board (15 mm thick) — you need about 50 × 20 cm total
- Tape measure and pencil
- Hand saw or junior hacksaw
- Wood glue
- Finishing nails (30 mm) and hammer, or a brad nailer
- Sandpaper (80-grit and 120-grit)
- Paint, stain, or varnish of your choice
- Clamps (2 minimum)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cut the pieces: Cut four side panels at 10 × 10 cm and one base at 10 × 10 cm from your pine board. Sand all cut edges smooth with 80-grit paper.
- Sand all faces: Sand all flat surfaces first with 80-grit, then 120-grit. Remove dust with a dry cloth.
- Assemble the box: Apply a thin bead of wood glue to the bottom edge of one side panel and glue it to the base. Clamp and let set for 10 minutes. Repeat for the remaining three sides, checking each is square with a try square or the corner of a book.
- Nail for strength: Once the glue has set enough to hold, drive 2 finishing nails through each side panel into the base for permanent strength. Punch the nail heads slightly below the surface with a nail set.
- Fill gaps and sand: Fill any gaps with wood filler, let dry, and sand smooth with 120-grit paper.
- Finish: Apply your chosen paint, stain, or varnish. Two thin coats with light sanding between coats gives the best result.
Safety Notes
- Always cut away from your body when using a hand saw.
- Use clamps rather than holding wood with your free hand while sawing.
- Sand in a ventilated area and wear a dust mask when sanding.
Tips & Troubleshooting
- Check for square by measuring diagonals — if both diagonals are equal, the box is square.
- Personalise with wood-burned initials or painted patterns for a great handmade gift.
- Add a felt pad to the base to protect desk surfaces.