How to Make a Wooden Comb
Wooden combs are hair combs that are made out of hardwood. They have been used for thousands of years and are still preferred by some people today. Wooden combs are made out of hardwood because it's stronger and the teeth on the comb will not break as easily. Fabricating combs out of wood is not an easy project because it requires precision in the cuts. Even an experienced woodworker must spend time and focus on the measurements and cuts for a project like this.
Things You'll Need
- Safety glasses
- Tape measure
- Straightedge
- Square
- Pencil
- Hardwood, 3 1/6-by-3 1/2-by-5-inches
- Router
- Router bit, 1/2-round, 3/16-inch
- Table saw, with fence
- Sand paper, medium-grade, fine-grade
- Tack cloth
Instructions
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1
Draw a line across the board so it is at a right angle to the 5-inch edge and 2 1/2 inches away from each edge. Router the ends of the board so they are round. This will allow a comfortable grip when the comb is in your hand.
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2
Set the fence on the table saw 1/8-inch away from the blade and raise the blade 2 inches above the table.
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3
Cut a 1/8-inch slot in the board while keeping the 5-inch edge against the fence. Stop when the blade reaches the line and pull the board back, reversing the direction you pushed the board in. Turn the saw off and move the fence 1/4-inch farther from the blade so it is 3/8 inches away from the blade. Make another cut, using the same process as for the first.
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4
Cut 12 more grooves by following the same cutting process you used in Step 3. Move the fence in 1/4-inch increments to space the slots evenly.
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5
Sand down the comb using your medium-grade sand paper and fine-grade sand paper. Be sure to sand the corners of each tooth. Wipe the comb clean with your tack cloth.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Always wear safety glasses while woodworking.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
