Are you trying to come up with a unique gift idea for the dad or husband? Here’s an idea we think every man will appreciate. In fact we think the whole family will want to have one for themselves! :)
This DIY beer mug was made the bushcraft way. No power tools, just a hatchet and a knife — a good hatchet and a good knife! No screws or wood glue to hold the pieces together, just ropes and propolis (a natural, safe adhesive)!
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Are you in for the challenge of hiding your power tools for a while? Here are the only things you’ll need…
Materials:
- 2 Logs (diameter about the size of your hand)
- Polyester Rope
- Sandpaper
- Propolis
Tools:
- Pencil Marker
- Hatchet
- Knife
Steps:
First you’ll have to gather some wood.
Choose straith-grained species – I got a piece of elderberry (not because elderberry is THE mug species, just because I got a piece left). Any straith- or spiral grained species will do the job, no worries.
You’ll need a log with a diameter about the size of your hand so don’t sight too small.
Use a hatchet to cut it down (or cheat like me, use a saw – first penalty point).
Aim is to hollow it out.
Draw the cutting-lines on the top of the log (to get equal parts) & split it in 8 with a hatchet – see why you need that straight-grained wood?
Once you’ve got those 8 parts you’ll cut off their tips, leaving just 15 to 20mm (half inch) from the side.
While hatching the log your cut respects the grain of the wood & you’ll obtain a perfect contact between every piece.
Let it all dry in a well ventilated area.
Your mug needs a handle. Not just any handle, a strong handle – you want to raise all that beer, no? Look for some natural wooden elbows or fork-style branches.
Peel it & let it dry.
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