If you love tacos, you know that they can be a bit messy to eat, and sometimes it can be hard to keep all the ingredients together. That’s where a taco holder comes in handy! Instead of trying to hold your taco with one hand while you fill it with the other, a taco holder lets you fill your taco easily and keeps everything in place while you eat it. In this DIY woodworking project, we’ll show you how to make a simple maple taco holder that will make your next taco night a lot more enjoyable.
Materials Needed:
- Maple board (at least 1/2 inch thick)
- Table saw or circular saw
- Miter saw or hand saw
- Sandpaper (120 grit and 220 grit)
- Wood glue
- Clamps
- Mineral oil
Step 1: Cut the Maple Board
Start by cutting the maple board into a piece that is 12 inches long and 5 inches wide. This will give you enough space to hold two tacos. If you want to make a larger taco holder, you can adjust the measurements accordingly.
Step 2: Make the Cuts
Using a table saw or circular saw, make three cuts along the length of the board. The first cut should be made at the 3-inch mark, the second cut at the 6-inch mark, and the third cut at the 9-inch mark. This will give you four evenly spaced sections.
Step 3: Make the Angled Cuts
Next, use a miter saw or hand saw to make angled cuts on each of the four sections. The cuts should be made at a 45-degree angle, starting at the outside edge of the board and ending at the inner edge of each section. Make sure that the angle is consistent across all four sections.
Step 4: Sand the Edges
Use 120-grit sandpaper to sand the edges of the board, focusing on the angled cuts. Sand until the edges are smooth and even. Then, switch to 220-grit sandpaper and sand the edges again to achieve a smooth finish.
Step 5: Glue the Pieces Together
Apply a small amount of wood glue to the angled edges of each section. Then, use clamps to hold the pieces together while the glue dries. Wipe off any excess glue with a damp cloth. Let the glue dry completely, which typically takes a few hours.
Step 6: Sand the Edges Again
Once the glue is dry, sand the edges of the board again with 220-grit sandpaper to remove any excess glue and achieve a smooth finish.
Step 7: Apply Mineral Oil
To protect the wood and give it a nice finish, apply a coat of mineral oil to the taco holder. Allow the oil to soak in for a few minutes, then wipe off any excess with a clean cloth.
Your maple taco holder is now ready to use! Simply place your tacos in the holder and fill them with your favorite toppings. The angled cuts will keep the tacos in place while you eat, making taco night a lot less messy. And because it’s made from maple wood, your taco holder will be durable and long-lasting, providing you with many delicious taco nights to come.