How to Make a Christmas Tree Using Four Geometric Shapes of Scrap Wood

 There are two ways to make this darling lighted Christmas tree out of scrap wood. The first way is to use one scrap wood blank the size you want the tree to be. The second way is to use four different scrap wood blanks, each cut to a different geometric shape. The size of the tree can be easily adjusted by proportionally increasing or reducing the size of the template shapes.

Supplies and Equipment:

• Scrap wood or MDF
• String of battery operated lights
• Scrap Wood Tree Templates
• Proxxon Bandsaw MBS/E
• Proxxon Disc Sander TSG 250/E
• Bench Drill Press TBM 115

Instructions for Making the Scrap Wood Christmas Tree:

1. Print your pattern from the Scrap Wood Tree Templates. I used the single tree from one blank of scrap ½" Baltic birch plywood. 
   
   
   
2. Cover one side of the blank with painter's tape. Mist the back side of the pattern with spray adhesive, and mount on the taped blank.  The painter's tape makes removal of the pattern easy without leaving any sticky residue. 
   
   
   
3. Cut out the shape using the bandsaw. Alternatively, you could use the Proxxon Scroll Saw DS 460.
   
   
   
4. Drill holes for the mini lights using the bench drill press. The size of the drill bit you select will be determined by the size of the mini lights.
   
   
   
5. Sand edges and surfaces as necessary using the Delta sander with progressively finer grits of sandpaper. I have my sander mounted in the Precision Vice FMZ, so that both hands are free.
   
6. Paint or finish as desired. I used FolkArt Home Décor Wax.
   
   
   
7. Insert the lights from the back side of the tree.
   

Carole