Sheet P·1Build sheetRev 1Jul 10, 2026
Walnut Serving Tray
A hand-routed walnut tray with brass inlay handles. A weekend build that teaches template routing and finishing food-safe hardwood.
Drawn by Mira ChenFOUNDING MAKER
Manifest
What the build takes
- Walnut board, 8/4×1
- Brass bar stock, 6mm×2
- Food-safe hardwax oil×1
- Router with template bit
- Random orbit sander
- Card scraper
Sequence
The build, step by step
BUILD MODE — TAP A NUMBER TO CHECK OFF0/5
Mill the blank
Joint one face and one edge, then plane the tray blank to 22 mm. Crosscut it 40 mm oversize so clamp marks and end-grain tear-out can be trimmed away after routing.
Rout the tray recess
Fasten the template with tape and two stop blocks so it cannot creep. Make two shallow passes, clear chips between passes, and take a light climb-cut only on the end-grain corners to prevent breakout.
Shape the handles
🔒 Unlocks with the planInlay the brass
🔒 Unlocks with the planFinish
🔒 Unlocks with the planRead first
Safety & disclaimers
Eye protection during routing. Push blocks near the router bit.
Field notes
Questions builders ask
Is it food safe?
Yes. The specified hardwax oil cures food-safe in 7 days.
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