Making A Woden Tub: Not As Simple As It Looks

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Making a Wooden Tub

Materials Needed:

• Doug fir boards
• Craftman planer
• TotalBoat resin (epoxy)
• Table saw
• Band saw
• Caliper
• Wood glue
• Clamps
• Router table
• CNC machine
• Ratchet strap
• Welding equipment
• Anvil
• Hammer
• Melb Tool hand plane
• Sandpaper
• TotalBoat varnish (amber color)

Step 1: Prepare the Boards

1. Start with Doug fir boards that were previously planks from a front porch or any suitable wood.
2. Use a Craftman planer to remove any paint and prepare the boards for cutting.

Step 2: Cut the Staves

1. Determine the number of staves needed for the tub (around 23 in this case).
2. Cut the boards into staves of equal length using a table saw.
3. Remove any weathered parts and prepare the staves for gluing.

Step 3: Glue the Staves

1. Apply TotalBoat resin (epoxy) to the edges of the staves.
2. Clamp the staves together and let the epoxy cure.
3. Sand off any excess epoxy for a smooth finish.

Step 4: Shape the Staves

1. Find the center of each stave and mark it.
2. Use a band saw to cut the staves with a taper for the tub shape.
3. Adjust the taper if needed to ensure a comfortable fit.

Step 5: Create Bevels and Grooves

1. Use a router table to put a 45° bevel on the top and bottom of each stave.
2. Create a V-groove at the bottom of each stave using a CNC machine.
3. Adjust the staves as needed for a snug fit.

Step 6: Make the Handles

1. Cut additional staves to create handles for the tub.
2. Shape the handles with a taper and secure them to the tub.

Step 7: Weld the Straps

1. Weld steel straps to hold the tub together.
2. Use a hammer and anvil to shape the straps into hoops.
3. Secure the hoops around the tub to reinforce its structure.

Step 8: Final Touches

1. Use a hand plane and sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.
2. Apply TotalBoat varnish in an amber color for a vintage look.
3. Check for any splinters or imperfections and sand them down.

Step 9: Final Assembly

1. Secure the tub with a ratchet strap for stability.
2. Make any final adjustments to ensure all parts fit together seamlessly.

Step 10: Enjoy Your Wooden Tub

1. Admire your handcrafted wooden tub and use it for storage or decoration as desired.
2. Consider refinements for future projects based on your experience with this build.

By following these steps, you can create a unique and functional wooden tub held together with steel straps, just like in the video tutorial.