How to Make the Perfect Toast Tongs from Paint Stir Sticks

I accidentally discovered that toast tongs can be made from paint stir sticks!! Originally, I thought to use the stir sticks to make a prototype before using an exotic hardwood for the toast tongs. But, as the project progressed, I found that the stir sticks could be the final project.

Here's the list of supplies and equipment that I used:

• Two paint stir sticks
• Toast Tongs Template
• Proxxon Delta Sander
• Proxxon Bench Drill Press TBM 115
• Proxxon Scroll Saw DS 460
• Proxxon Disc Sander TSG 250/E

Steps for making Paint Stir Toast Tongs:

1. Using the Delta sander, remove any lettering on the paint stir sticks.
   
   
   
2. Print the template, and select the size of the tongs you want. The template comes with patterns for 7" and 8" toast tongs.
3. 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.
   
   
   
4. With the bench drill press drill a pilot hole in the female piece of the tongs for threading the scroll saw blade.
   
   
   
5. Thread the scroll saw blade through the pilot hole, and cut out the rectangle. Cut the notches on the male piece of the toast tongs on the scroll saw.
   
6. If necessary, use the band saw to cut the stir sticks to the appropriate width. Mine were just the right size, so I didn't have to do this.
7. Round the corners at the top and bottom of both pieces on the disc sander.
   
   
   
8. Sand all surfaces with the Delta sander.
   
   
   
9. Treat the finished tongs with a food safe wood oil.
   
10. Now, no more burnt finger when retrieving toast from the toaster!!
    
    
    

Carole

How to Make a Pair of Toast Tongs

Don't get burned!! Use these toast tongs to remove slices of bread or a bagel from the toaster to keep your fingers away from the heat. These handy tongs can also be used as ice tongs or to toss a green salad.

Equipment for Making Toast Tongs

• Proxxon Bandsaw MBS/E
• Proxxon Table Saw FET
• Proxxon Disc Sander TSG 250/E

Supplies for Making Toast Tongs

• Length of ½" hardwood for tapered block (see pattern for finished measurements)
• Two 7" x ½" x 1/16" pieces of hardwood wood for tong blades
• Two 1¼" x ½" x 1/16" pieces of hardwood for accent on tapered block (OPTIONAL)
• Wood glue
• Clamps

Instructions of Making Toast Tongs

1. Use the table saw to cut a 1" strip of hardwood (I used oak, but cherry or maple are suitable alternatives) that will be used for the tapered block that is set between the blades. Set the blade height so that the saw blade extends above the piece of wood that you're cutting.
   
2. Use the band saw to cut the blade lengths and optional accent pieces for the tapered block.
3. Scribe lines on the 1" strip of hardwood for the tapered block and kerfs according to this pattern.
   
4. Use the band saw to cut the tapered block and kerfs. Be sure not to over cut the kerfs; the blades need to fit snugly.
   
5. OPTIONAL—Use a strong wood glue and clamps to attach the accent pieces on tapered block.
   
6. Use a strong wood glue to glue the tong blades in place in the kerfs.
   
7. When the glue is thoroughly dry, sand all edges smooth and even using the disc sander.
   
8. Using the disc sander, sand an angled edge on the bottom of each tong blade.
   
9. Ta Da!! No more burnt fingers!!