How to Make Wood Spiral Candlesticks
- 1). Cut a 4-inch-diameter wooden dowel to an 8-inch length, using a hand saw. Smooth the cut edges of the dowel to remove splinters, using rough sandpaper.
- 2). Place the wooden dowel vertically between a vice grip. Rotate the lever of the vice grip in a clockwise direction to secure the wooden dowel. Drill a 3-inch-diameter hole through the center of wooden dowel. Drill to a 7-inch-depth, using a power drill and 3-inch drill bit.
- 3). Draw a spiral pattern along the sides walls of the wooden dowel, using a marker. Start from 1 inch above the bottom edge of the wooden dowel all the way to the top edge.
- 4). Drill 1/2-inch holes side-by-side along the spiral outlines, using a power drill and 1/2-inch drill bit. Drill through the outer wall of the wooden dowel, but do not penetrate through the other side of the wooden dowel. The holes should be connected to leave a continuous opening throughout the side walls of the wooden dowel.
- 5). Cover the work area with newspaper or plastic film. Rub down the edges of the holes to make an even spiral throughout the candlestick, using rough sandpaper. Smooth the outer surfaces and between the spirals, using fine sandpaper.
- 6). Paint the spiral candlestick with a coat of varnish, using a brush. Let the varnish dry for five hours. Apply three coats of varnish to the candlestick.
- 7). Insert a 3-inch-diameter weight inside the hole of the wooden dowel. The counterweight keeps a heavier weight toward the bottom half of the candlestick and helps balance the candle to keep it upright.
