Home >> Hobbies >> Other Hobbies

How to Make Timber Letter Openers

A homemade letter opener adds to the thrill of receiving written correspondence as the opener is a product of your labors; the jury is still out on if it makes opening bills any better. A homemade letter opener fashioned from timber allows custom wood designs. In addition, color choices for lacquers allow you to make the timber-based opener in hues of your choice. The process to make an opener is straightforward. Follow a basic formula and modify sizes, timber or lacquers to your desires.

Things You'll Need

Sandpaper
Wood files
Lacquer
Sponge brushes

Instructions

- 1
  Cut a 1-inch-by-6-inch piece of timber and place one end into a bench vise. Sand down the end facing out from the vise so it forms a subtle wooden blade.
- 2
  Refine the sanding job on the edge using wood-files. Give the end of the blade a slight curve and taper so it fits under sealed envelopes.
- 3
  Sand and smooth the handle side of the letter opener.
- 4
  Apply one coat of your lacquer choice to the entire letter opener and let it dry. Use a sponge brush to get consistent quantities of lacquer onto the opener surface.
- 5
  Apply a second and third coat of lacquer to the blade end to refine and harden the letter opener tip. Remove it from the vise once dry.

Other Hobbies