Make a Wood Ampersand
About a year ago I started noticing ampersand (“and” symbol) decorations appearing everywhere. Thousands populate Pinterest and it took me while to figure out what this trend was all about: it’s like a heart or cupid. A symbol of togetherness.
I made this wood ampersand as a unique wedding gift for a couple soon getting married. It’s made out of walnut and maple. I added the wedding date on the front.
This would also make a great Valentine’s Day gift. Just the ampersand alone makes a great decoration or you could replace the date with names or initials.
I wanted it to stand on its own without easily tipping over, so I sandwiched a 3/4″ (19mm) piece of hard maple between two 3/8″ (10mm) thick walnut boards. I love the contrast between these two species of wood.
After printing out and attaching the cutting template (need help?) I cut out the inside holes of the ampersand with my jigsaw. I cut out the outer shape using my bandsaw, but using a jigsaw for this would work just as well.
Then it’s all about sanding. And I mean lots of sanding. I was able to get a lot of the curves with my spindle sander and disc sander, but mostly a lot of elbow grease with a sheet of hand sandpaper.
Rounding over all the edges is important to give the piece a much softer look. I used a roundover bit in my router. The bit can’t reach into tight corners, so I rounded those over with a file.
I cut out the date numbers using my scroll saw and a piece of very thin maple. About 1/8″ (3mm). Don’t try cutting these with pine or any other soft wood: they will break too easily. Sanding these took a long time, but it is important to give them a finished appearance.
Finally, I glued the numbers on using wood glue and no clamping. After an hour of drying, I applied several coats of spray lacquer.
Free plans
- WWMM Ampersand Cutting Template
- WWMM Ampersand Cutting Template (A4 page size)
February 6, 2015 @ 12:11 pm
What are the dimensions of the maple and walnut pieces?
February 6, 2015 @ 12:24 pm
This is awesome Steve. I made a sign out of pallet wood and my wife painted an ampersand (&) on it. I had no idea what this meant and I didn’t ask. I like your design better and I will make her one. Thank you for the enlightenment and the free template!
John
February 6, 2015 @ 1:24 pm
The link to the plan is “404 – not found” at this moment. Does this require a different kind of spray adhesive than the usual pdf? 😉
February 6, 2015 @ 1:33 pm
You wouldn’t be hinting around for a new scroll saw would you?
February 6, 2015 @ 1:42 pm
Have you ever tried a sanding mop? Here is a link to one I use and it will save you a ton of time sanding in those little nooks and crannies when you want to round over a project.
http://tinyurl.com/jvr5vqb
You can also make your own mop if you want to save a few sheckles..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViFzlabVinM
I now understand why you don’t use the scroll saw more often…Nice project!
February 6, 2015 @ 2:05 pm
“Amper-sanding.” I’m gonna use that one.
February 6, 2015 @ 3:50 pm
What an awesome idea! I’m planning to make one for my girlfriend for Valentine’s day but instead of an &-figure’ I’m going to make it a heart 🙂 . Thanks for the inspiration WWMM!
May 31, 2016 @ 2:05 pm
Thanks for the inspiration Steve. I just made my own: http://lumberjocks.com/projects/249530
October 2, 2016 @ 10:58 pm
Does anyone know what software Steve uses to generate templates like this and the oven rack push/pull?
September 23, 2018 @ 1:29 pm
Like!! Really appreciate you sharing this blog post.Really thank you! Keep writing.
September 24, 2018 @ 1:29 pm
It is in reality a great and useful piece of info. Thanks for sharing. 🙂