One of the tools used most in a woodwork shop is a table saw. They can do precision work and that is very good for making jigs. Jigs are fun to make and they will help you when you make your projects, so they are necessary for any woodwork shop.
Wooden spoons are generally preferred for cooking because of their versatility. They are used for stirring during preparation, and they do not transfer as much heat as metal and can be used without scratching non-stick pans.
Wooden spoons are easy to carve by hand but is it possible to make them using only a table saw.
I will show you how I made the jig to make the spoons, and then show you how to use it.
The spoons will be symmetrical and all the same although parts of the jig can be adjusted to make different shape spoons. The table saw jig will be easy to use and can be stored away and taken out anytime you need to make a new batch of spoons.
How to build the spoon jig
I used my large clamp to secure a piece of plywood on the table saw top, this will be for the base of the jig. When it was secure I slowly raised the blade of the saw to make a slot.
I cut two blocks and screwed them onto the base. This part will be for cutting the handle. I did not use glue in case I wanted to move them or put different size blocks in later. This will be good if you want to make different size spoons. Even better, if these blocks are made so they can be adjusted that would be the best idea, but this way will be fine for now.
The top of the jig will be cut at a slight angle, this will be for a fence that will be able to cut coves in the spoon which you will see later.
The easiest way to make this angle cut is with the bandsaw.
The sides, top and back are all screwed together. Again I did not use any glue, this is a good idea when making jigs in case you want to make any changes later.
A small notch is cut in this block that will be part of the fence. It will slide on the back block.
I rigged up this hold down clamp for the jig on the table saw. The dowel acts as a pivot and the small f-clamp tightens on the block pushing on the jig's base. This is very easy to set up and has a lot of clamping power.
A small piece of 3/8" plywood was centered on the base and clamped then a hole was drilled all the way through to the main base, this will be for a small dowel. The dowel will be glued to the small plywood and a small piece will stick out to fit in the base. It will be a swivel try and be able to hold the blank and make the round part of the spoon.
Dowels are used for the additional tabletop as well. This top will be easy to put on and take off. This table top is put on when carving the spoon.
The four jig components
How to use the jig and make the spoons
1. I first cut a bunch of blanks, (11" x 1.5" x .5" ) they are all the same size then ran them through the saw. The blocks are pushed against the small fence on the right and left. This will make the handle.
2. Coves are cut on each side of the blank. Make sure it is clamped for safety.
3. The additional top is now put on and the spoon can be carved.
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Conclusion
This spoon jig will let you cut many nice looking spoons all the same or you can make some adjustments to the jig and change the spoon design. In the last photo I ran bottom of the spoon handle through the cove cutter and it gave the spoon a new look.
Wooden spoons are great to make for your own kitchen and for gifts.
Have you ever made a wooden spoon? and how?
