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How to make a wooden Christmas tree

Introduction

These instructions are for a 3-foot tree, so it's a great option for a table or small space.

Step 1

How to make a wooden Christmas tree

Wade Works Creative

How to make a wooden Christmas tree

Wade Works Creative

Thick tear strips

Rip (14) ¼" thick strips from the 2x4s with a table saw.

Step 2

How to make a wooden Christmas tree

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How to make a wooden Christmas tree

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Cut pieces

Cut 40 pieces at 16" and 40 pieces at 12".

Step 3

How to make a wooden Christmas tree

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Mark Center Line

Mark the center line of all the pieces with a straight edge and a pencil.

Stage 4

How to make a wooden Christmas tree

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How to make a wooden Christmas tree

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Drilling center of each piece

Drill out the center of each wood slat using a drill or drill and a 1/2" Forstner bit.

Pro Tip

Use a close guide for the most consistent results.

Step 5

How to make a wooden Christmas tree

Wade Works Creative

How to make a wooden Christmas tree

Wade Works Creative

How to make a wooden Christmas tree

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Slide pieces of wood onto the dowel bar

Coat the rod with soap (Image 1), and slide it over all the wooden slats with all the similar pieces (Images 2 and 3).

Step 6

How to make a wooden Christmas tree

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Cut base pieces

Cut the pieces to the dimensions shown using the extra 2x4 lumber and the 2" thick piece of lumber for the 6" circle.

Step 7

How to make a wooden Christmas tree

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Drill holes in base parts

Drill a ½" hole, 1" deep in the large rectangle and circle. Drill a hole through the smaller rectangular piece.

Step 8

How to make a wooden Christmas tree

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Smooth edges of circular piece

Smooth out the top edge of the circle (on the perforated side) using a router and twist bit.

Step 9

How to make a wooden Christmas tree

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Cut the pin bar to size

Place the small rectangle on the large slat side of the tree, leaving four inches of dowel hanging below it. Cut the top of the dowel 3/4" above the small wooden slats with a handsaw.

Step 10

How to make a wooden Christmas tree

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Draw the shape of the tree

Place the remaining rectangular piece on top of the dowel, and press all of the wooden slats together with a long clamp. Draw the desired tree shape with a marker and a straight edge.

Step 11

How to make a wooden Christmas tree

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Cut the shape

Cut the profile with a band saw or circular saw.

Step 12

How to make a wooden Christmas tree

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Pieces of sand

Sand all the pieces.

Step 13

How to make a wooden Christmas tree How to make a wooden Christmas tree

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How to make a wooden Christmas tree

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Attach base pieces

Disassemble all parts and finish as desired (Image 1). Reassemble and fix the upper triangle (Image 2), the lower stop (Image 3) and the circular base with a micro pinner.

Pro Tip

Avoid putting any finish on the dowel rod as this will affect re-installation of the slats.

How to make a wooden Christmas tree

Wade Works Creative