How to Obtain Three Different Types of Wood Blocks

Cut Blocks From Scrap Lumber.

• 1

  Collect scraps from cut boards, such as 2-by-4 and 2-by-6-inch lumber. If you are doing any home improvement, construction or remodeling projects around the house, salvage them from your home projects. Otherwise, visit a friend with a shop or ask for some from a lumber yard or workshop in your area.

• 2

  Cut the scraps on the table saw to obtain various shaped rectangles. Cut with the jigsaw to make triangles or curved edges.

• 3

  Sand the rough edges off of the blocks. Clamp the blocks to the workbench and run the electric sander over the edges until there are no sharp pieces of wood sticking out.

Cut Blocks From Plywood.

• 4

  Collect scraps of plywood, ideally less that 3-feet long so that they are easier to work with. Look for scraps from your own shop, projects or other shops rather than finding scrap plywood outdoors.

• 5

  Lay the plywood down on the ground and draw out the shape of block that you wish to make. These blocks will not be as thick as those from longer boards, but you can get more creative with the shapes.

• 6

  Cut the drawn shape out of the plywood with the jigsaw. Run the sander over the edges to make them smooth and rounded.

Make Small Wood Blocks From a Square Rod and a Dowel.

• 7

  Make pencil marks at different lengths along the dowels and rods. This method will get you the most amount of wood blocks quickly, but they will be much smaller than those from plywood or long boards.

• 8

  Cut the pieces in the table saw along the lines to make a varied set of rectangular and round wood blocks.

• 9

  Inspect the edges for any sharp splinters. Turn the sander on and lay it on its side so that the sandpaper is facing out. Press the pieces with rough edges or possible splinters up the sander until the edges become rounded and the splinters are worn off.