Chopstick rest also known as Hashioki in Japanese – is necessary tableware that offers your chopsticks a resting place. As it offers you chopsticks a safe and contamination-free resting place while making sure it does not roll away from you. Bamboo wood is taken from the bamboo, offering you the appearance and sturdiness of a tree while being made using grass. Its naturally strong fibers make it superior in quality while offering you versatile use.
If you too are looking to save the planet, then we bet you at least one pair of bamboo chopsticks in your kitchen. The only thing missing is a bamboo rest, to help you get started here we will teach you how to make chopstick rest out of bamboo.
Sketching
Start the process by measuring your bamboo wood piece, and sketching out roughly 0.7” thick and long pieces. This part is crucial as it defines the thickness of your rest, the length of your rest will be determined at a later time. Currently, the only thing you need to focus on is making exact measurements. Once you have traced out the measurements and design you can proceed to the next step.
Cutting
Cutting a small piece of wood can be tricky, which is why we suggest you use a proper tool or ask for a professional’s help. Or you can use a handsaw that is fairly simple and easy to use. While using a machine will help you cut out your pieces in no time, making it completely handmade is an experience in itself.
Moreover, if you have a way with tools, and have some at your disposal you can create different shapes and designs. For instance, using a jigsaw cutter you can trace and cut out any shape of your choosing. Making each chopstick rest unique and fun to use. Once all your pieces are cut its time to sand them down.
Sanding
When working with electric tools you can use a drum sander, or you can use sandpaper of 100, 200, or 400 grits. Again, the choice depends on your skill and access to certain tools. There is no need to purchase anything expensive for a single project, so you can go with sandpaper instead.
Take your time to sand the piece and follow the grain direction for the best results. Ensuring that pricks won’t start to stand out of your rest, and you can enjoy it for years to come. Once sanded dust your piece and check to ensure a perfect smooth impact.
Cutting Pieces
It’s time to cut down your bamboo wood into smaller pieces, to create individual rests. Measure out a generous size and start slicing them. Sand the side that is cut down, to maintain a smooth and perfect flow.
If you wish to add some height to your bamboo chopstick rest you can cut out small pieces of wood, and glue them to the bottom. However, you must ensure that each piece is identical, and set them using wood glue and a sprint clip. Give it a few hours to dry and then finish the job by polishing the rest with food-grade vegetable oil.
