How to Make a Bench Scraper from Scrap Wood Pieces

There’s something wonderfully grounding about making a kitchen tool with your own hands—especially one you’ll reach for every time you bake. This maple and purpleheart bench scraper is a small project with big impact: sturdy enough to portion dough, wide enough to scoop up chopped ingredients, and pretty enough to leave out on the counter. It’s a satisfying blend of woodworking and kitchen practicality, and a great way to use up hardwood offcuts while creating something genuinely useful.

In this post, I’ll show how I shaped the maple blade, added the contrasting purpleheart handle, and refined everything with Proxxon tools to get a smooth, comfortable scraper that feels great in the hand. You’ll be able to drop this right into your baking routine—whether you’re dividing sourdough, cleaning your work surface, or transferring herbs from the cutting board to the pan.

Supplies and Equipment That You'll Need:

• Scraps of hardwoods (I used maple for the blade and purpleheart for the handles)
• Liquid wood adhesive
• Clamps
• Food safe finishing oil
• Proxxon Bandsaw
• Proxxon Disc Sander
• Proxxon Delta Sander

Let's Make Your Own Bench Scraper:

1. Decide the size for your bench scraper. For your first one, I recommend staying between 3" and 6" wide and 4" to 5" in height. Of course, your personal preferences and the scraps you have on hand will influence the size of your scraper. Caution: Be sure that the woods you use are food safe.
2. Cut the blanks using the bandsaw. You'll need one piece for the blade and two pieces for the handle. Handle pieces should be ½" to 1" in width and ¼" to 3/8" in thickness, and the grain should run the length of the piece. Cut the two handle pieces about ½" longer than the width of the scraper. Cut the scraper blade to size (mine measures 3" x 5") with the grain running top to bottom.
   
   
   
3. Use the disc sander to form a tapered bottom edge on the scraper blade.
   
   
   
4. Use the Delta sander to sand all surfaces of the blade and handle pieces. Use progressively finer grits of sand paper to achieve the smoothest finish possible.
   
   
   
5. Glue one handle in place. Roughly center the blade on the handle piece with the excess length extending on each side of the blade. Allowing adequate drying time before gluing the second handle in place. Glue the second handle piece in place and allow to dry overnight.
   
   
   
6. Now it's time to shape the top and handles. Use the bandsaw to cut away the excess handle length on each side of the scraper. Now, all the layers are flush and ready to be uniformly rounded.
   
   
   
7. Mark the quarter round on the top corner of each side.
   
   
   
8. Round each top corner of the scraper on the disc sander.
   
   
   
9. Apply a food safe coat of finishing oil.
   
   
   
10. Now, you're ready to put your bench scraper to use.

    

    
    

A handmade bench scraper brings a touch of craftsmanship to everyday cooking, and once you’ve made one, it quickly becomes a favorite tool. The maple gives it a clean, classic look, while the purpleheart adds a pop of color that makes the piece feel special. With the precision of the Proxxon tools, shaping and smoothing the parts becomes an enjoyable, meditative process, and the end result is a kitchen utensil that’s both beautiful and hardworking.

Feel free to experiment with different hardwoods, handle shapes, or finishes to match your own kitchen aesthetic. This project also makes a thoughtful, practical gift for bakers and food‑loving friends. Once you’ve made one, you may find yourself making a whole batch.

Carole

How to Make a Paint‑Stir‑Stick Patriotic Star

Patriotic décor is one of my favorite things to craft—bold colors, crisp lines, and endless ways to personalize. This paint‑stir‑stick star is lightweight, inexpensive, and perfect for front doors, mantels, tiered trays, or July 4th gatherings. With a little help from the Proxxon tool, you can turn simple stir sticks into a dimensional starburst that looks like boutique décor.

Supplies and Equipment: 

• 3–4 wooden paint stir sticks

• Liquid wood glue

• Patriotic Star Pattern 

• Painter’s tape

• Spray adhesive

• Paint, stain, or decorative paper

• Ribbon and embellishments (optional)

• Proxxon Bandsaw

• Proxxon Bench Drill Press

• Proxxon Delta sander

Let’s Make a Patriotic Paint-Stir-Stick Star:

1. Print two copies of the Patriotic Star Pattern.

2. Cut out the shapes from one of the printed pattern copies. Mount the pieces onto the stir sticks. Cover one side of the blank with painter's tape. Mist the back side of the patterns with spray adhesive, and mount on the taped blank. The painter's tape makes removal of the pattern easy without leaving any sticky residue. In place of stir sticks, you could use any ⅛” to ¼” scrap lumber. The Patriotic Star Pattern is sized for sticks 1.07” wide.

3. Cut the pieces using the bandsaw.

4. Sand any fuzzy edges with the Delta sander.

5. Arrange the star pieces right side down on the second star pattern.

6. Glue the two support strips in place as shown. Set aside until the glue is thoroughly dried.

7. Use the bench drill press to drill a small centered hole ~½” from the top of the center stick. Use a piece of waste wood under the star to minimize tear-out.

8. Now, you’re ready to paint or finish the patriotic star.

Here’s where you can really customize the look. Try one of these finishing styles:

Classic Painted Patriotic Star

• Paint alternating sections red, white, and blue.
• Add white stars using a stencil or vinyl.
• Distress lightly with sandpaper for a rustic Americana look.

Stained Wood Americana

• Stain the sticks in three tones: natural, dark walnut, and barn red.
• Arrange them in repeating color order for a warm, vintage feel.

Scrapbook Paper or Napkin Decoupage

• Cut paper pieces to fit each stick.
• Apply with Mod Podge.
• Great for patterned stars (gingham, stripes, fireworks, etc.)

Metallic Firework Star

• Spray paint the entire star silver or gold.
• Add glitter accents or metallic wax for dimension.

Vinyl (This is the option I chose.)

• Cut pieces of red, white, and blue self-adhesive vinyl to fit each stick using the Patriotic Star Pattern as a guide. 

9. A dimensional bow like the one in the photo adds the perfect finishing touch. Visit https://bowdabra.com/tutorial/ to learn how to make the perfect bow for your patriotic star.

10. Add a sawtooth hanger, jute loop, or magnetic strip depending on where you plan to display it. Hang and enjoy!!

How to Make Unique Wooden Clips Using Proxxon MICROMOT Tools

There’s something deeply satisfying about turning small offcuts of wood into beautiful, functional objects. These little wooden clips—perfect as scarf pins, shawl closures, bag fasteners, or decorative accents—are a wonderful example of how simple tools and thoughtful shaping can transform scraps into something special.

I first saw these online, and knew this was a project perfect for  Proxxon tools. I make these clips using two of my favorite woodworking tools: the Bandsaw and the Bench Drill Press. Their precision and small footprint make them ideal for crafting projects where detail matters.

These Wooden Clips Are Fun to Make

• They require only small pieces of wood—perfect for using up scraps.

• Each one turns out slightly different, giving them a handmade, organic charm.

• The project is quick: you can batch several in an afternoon.

• Used as bag clips, they are both practical and beautiful.

• They make lovely gifts or add-ons to other handmade projects.

Materials & Equipment

• Hardwood scraps such as walnut, maple, cherry, or oak

• Proxxon Bandsaw MBS/EP

• Proxxon Bench Drill Press TMB 115

• Proxxon Delta sander

• Mini Wood Clips Template

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Attach the Template Print the mini wood clips template and mount on the hardwood blank. Cover one side of the blank with painter's tape. Mist the back side of the patterns with spray adhesive, and mount on the taped blank. The painter's tape makes removal of the pattern easy without leaving any sticky residue. Make sure the length of the clips are aligned with the grain for strength.

Step 2: Cut the Shape on the Bandsaw Use your Proxxon bandsaw mounted with the scroll saw band to cut around the exterior outline of the clip. This particular band is specially made to give clean, controlled cuts on the tightest curves.

Step 3: Drill the Stress-Relief Hole Mount bench drill press with a bit appropriate in size to the clip and the hole on the pattern. Drill the stress-relief hole at the base of the clip. A piece of waste wood under the clip helps minimize tear-out.

Step 4: Cut the Center Slit on the Bandsaw Now, return to the bandsaw and cut the center slit on the clip. 

Step 4: Sand for a Silky Finish Move through progressively finer grits of sandpaper—120 to 400—using the Delta sander as well as hand sanding to to achieve a perfect finish.

Step 6: Apply a Natural Finish Wipe away dust and apply a food‑safe oil. Buff until the clip is free of any residual surface oils. Hardwoods like maple, cherry, or walnut look especially beautiful with a simple hand oiled finish.

Ideas for Using These Wooden Clips

• Bag closures for snacks and other bagged foods

• Shawl or scarf closures

• Decorative accents on bags or hats

• Gift toppers

• Hair accessories

They’re small, tactile, and endlessly customizable—perfect for makers who love turning scraps into treasures. These wooden clips are a joy to make, especially with the precision of the Proxxon bandsaw and the reliability of a bench drill press. They’re quick, satisfying, and a great way to explore shaping, drilling, and finishing on a small scale.

Carole

How to Make Lucet Forks

A lucet fork is a traditional cord‑making tool used since Viking times. It creates a sturdy, square length of cord. Once you learn the rhythm, it’s a relaxing, almost meditative craft.

Lucets are believed to date back to Viking and Medieval periods, where they were used to make cords for clothing, belt attachments, and everyday fastening needs. Early examples of lucets are double‑pronged bones, sometimes with a center hole for drawing the cord through. 

Today—and historically—lucet cords served a variety uses:

• Drawstrings for bags and garments

• Shoelaces and clothing laces

• Belt hangings

• Decorative trims

• Couchwork and embroidery accents

Lucet forks are simple, satisfying tools to make—perfect for scrap wood and a great beginner‑friendly woodworking project. With Proxxon MICROMOT tools you can create smooth, ergonomic lucets that feel wonderful in the hand and look beautiful in photos.

Supplies and Equipment:

• Hardwood scraps (¼”–⅜” thick works best)

• Lucet templates 

• Proxxon Bandsaw MBS/EP

• Proxxon Bench Drill Press TMB 115

• Proxxon Flexishaft 110/P with sanding drum

• Sandpaper (120–400 grit)

Let's Make a Lucet:

Step 1: Prepare and Attach the Template

Print the lucet template and mount on the hardwood blank. Cover one side of the blank with painter's tape. Mist the back side of the patterns with spray adhesive, and mount on the taped blank. The painter's tape makes removal of the pattern easy without leaving any sticky residue. Make sure the prongs and handle are aligned with the grain for strength.

Step 2: Cut the Shape on the Bandsaw

Use your Proxxon bandsaw mounted with the scroll saw band to cut around the outline of the lucet. This particular band is specially made to give clean, controlled cuts on the tightest curves.

Step 3: Drill the Center Hole

Use the bench drill press mounted with a ¼” blade to drill the cord‑exit hole at the base of the prongs. A piece of waste wood under the lucet helps minimize tear-out.

Step 4: Refine the Shape with the Flexishaft

Attach a sanding drum to the flexishaft and begin smoothing the curves. The flexishaft gives you precision control—ideal for the tight curves around the prongs.You can also mount a sanding drum in the bench drill press to simulate a spindle sander. This sanding step is essential for a smooth, comfortable, ergonomic tool. Focus on: rounding the prong tips, softening the inside notch, smoothing the handle edges, and blending any saw marks. 

Flexishaft mounted with sanding drum

Sanding drum mounted on bench drill press

Step 5: Sand for a Silky Finish

Move through grits from 120 to 400, using the Delta sander as well as sanding by hand to remove any remaining scratches. Pay special attention to the areas where yarn will glide: the prong tops and the inner notch. A smooth surface prevents snagging.

Step 6: Apply a Natural Finish

Wipe away dust and apply a food‑safe oil. Buff until the lucet is free of any residual surface oils. Hardwoods like maple, cherry, or walnut look especially beautiful with a simple hand oiled finish.

You can find excellent instructions for using your lucet at https://hearthookhome.com/lucet-fork-tutorial.

Carole

DIY Charming Keepsake—Miniature Wooden Rocking Horse

There’s something timeless about a wooden rocking horse—especially in miniature form. This little project is perfect for gift‑giving, holiday décor, or adding a nostalgic touch to a nursery shelf. In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through how to make a miniature rocking horse using a Proxxon bandsaw, Delta sander, and a bench drill press. A downloadable pattern will be available so you can trace and cut the pieces with confidence.

Equipment and Supplies You’ll Need:

Tools

• Proxxon Bandsaw MBS/EP
• Proxxon Bench Drill Press TMB 115
• Proxxon Flexishaft 110/P
• Clamps

Supplies

• Two 6” x 2” x ½" hardwood, Baltic birch plywood, or MDF blank for rockers

• One 5¾” x 4” x ¾" hardwood, Baltic birch plywood, or MDF blank for horse body

• 1½” length of ¼" dowel for the handle

• Liquid wood glue

• Sandpaper (120, 220, 320 grits)

• Paint, stain, or clear finish

• Miniature Rocking Horse Pattern

• Rocker Alignment Template

Let’s Make a Miniature Wooden Rocking Horse:

Step 1: Prepare the Pattern and Wood Blank

• Print the Miniature Rocking Horse Pattern.
• So that the rockers are absolutely identical stack the two 6” x 2” x ½" together.
  
  
  
• Mount the patterns on blanks. Cover one side of the blank with painter's tape. Mist the back side of the patterns with spray adhesive, and mount on the taped blank. The painter's tape made removal of the patterns easy without leaving any sticky residue.

Step 2: Cut the Shapes on the Bandsaw

• Use the bandsaw mounted with the extra narrow scroll saw band to cut out the rockers and horse.
  
  
  
• Take your time—let the blade do the work.
• Cut ¼" dowel to 1½" length.

Step 3: Smooth and Shape with the Flexishaft

• Mount a sanding drum onto the flexishaft and sand edges of the horse and rocker.
  
  
  
• Round over the edges of the horse body for a softer, more toy‑like feel.

Step 4: Drill the Handle Hole

• With a piece of scrap wood under the horse, drill the hole for the dowel rod handles.
  
  
  

Step 5: Apply Your Choice of Finish to Your Miniature Rocking Horse

• Natural look: Sand to 320 grit and apply a clear satin finish.
• Vintage style: Use a light stain and dry‑brush white paint for a distressed effect.
• Playful color: Paint the horse in soft pastels or bold folk‑art tones.
• Holiday version: Add tiny holly leaves, stars, or a red saddle.

Step 6: Assemble the Rocking Horse

• Glue the dowel rod handle in place.
• Use liquid wood glue to attach the horse body to the one of the rockers. Use the Rocker Alignment Template to ensure it sits centered and balanced.
  
  
  
• Clamp and let dry fully.
  
  
  
• Glue remaining rocker in place.

Creative Uses

• Nursery shelf décor
• Gift‑topper for baby showers
• Christmas ornaments (just add a screw eye and ribbon)
• Keepsake for handmade craft fairs
• Miniature toy for dollhouses

This miniature rocking horse is a delightful woodworking project that combines precision cutting, gentle shaping, and creative finishing. With your Proxxon tools, you’ll have everything you need to craft a sweet little heirloom.

Carole