Striped Bangle

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Suitable for grades:
No Lathe Needed - For the intermediate level project, this striped bangle can be customized by students depending on what types and thicknesses of scrap wood they can scrounge. Initial shaping is done with a band saw or coping saw, with further shaping done with a benchtop sander. Download Project
Watch Step by Step Tutorial
Tools & Materials
Material List
  • chosen wood scraps, 4” square and flat, enough to stack to 2-3"
  • wood glue
  • large hose clamp (to approximate the inner diameter for bangle sizing)
  • linseed oil, vegetable oil or other non-toxic finish
Tool list
  • bandsaw or coping saw
  • stationary belt sander
  • spindle sander (optional)
  • clamps
  • assorted round files
  • sandpaper – variety of grits
  • sanding blocks
Procedure
  1. Using the Band saw, cut your scraps into 4” squares
  2. Design the order you want your pieces to be glued in. Play with variations in thickness to create patterns and visual texture.
  3. Once you have decided on the layout, cover the faces of each wood slice with wood glue and clamp together. Be sure to wipe away any excess wood glue with a damp cloth.
  4. When dry, mark the centre with an “x” by drawing diagonal lines corner to corner. Use a compass to draw two circles, one with a 2” inch radius (diameter 4”), and one with a radius for the inner part of the bangle. *Standard “medium” bangles have an inner radius of 2-3/8”, but you may want to use a large hose clamp to check proper sizing by sliding it over your hand to make sure it’s the right diameter. Adjust to your desired size, make sure you can slide your hand through it, and measure across at the widest point. Divide this measurement by 2 – this will be how far apart your compass points need to be to draw the inner circle of your bangle. Keep in mind that you will lose some extra material through sanding and shaping, so it’s better to draw a smaller circle at this point than one that’s already too large.
  5. Using a straight edge, draw a line across the face of your bangle that just meets the inner circle on both sides. Cut this off with a band saw or coping saw. Next, carefully cut out in the inner circle.
  6. Glue the piece from step #5 back onto your bangle, and clamp until dry.
  7. Cut along the outer circle until your bangle is round.
  8. Shape and sand the inner part of your bangle with the spindle sander. You can use the round files for finer details on the inside as well. Shape and sand the outer part of your bangle with the belt sander.
  9. Once you have rough shaped both the inner and outer diameter, use the assorted grits of sandpaper to complete the final sand and polish.
  10. Choose a non-toxic finish, ensuring it is compatible with daily wear next to skin.
Extension Challenges
  1. After step 1, cut the block in half at an angle and glue in another layer of wood to make angled stripes in your bangle.
  2. Using a Dremel tool carve a design or a name onto the outside of the bangle.
  3. Carve or wood burn a hidden message into the inside of the bangle.
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