Project by GrantA | posted 07-26-2020 07:15 PM | 1090 views | 6 times favorited | 9 comments | ![]() |
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I had the pleasure of sending my swap submission to Dave P from Santa Fe NM. I had been wanting to make myself some new tongs so it was a great choice.
There’s not a lot to them really, 2 sides and a wedge. The wedge angle took some trial and error though!
Once I rough cut the blanks for the sides I put them together with carpet tape and cut them to shape then refined them with a combination of belt, spindle and edge sanders plus some hand finessing.
The longer ones are about 16” long and the small ones are perfect for appetizers/garnishes. They’re figured maple and black walnut.
9 comments so far
Dave Polaschek
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#1 posted 07-26-2020 07:50 PM
Thanks, Grant! They’re nice tongs and the little ones are also perfect for flipping bacon in the kitchen.
Thanks for joining in on the swap, buddy!
-- Dave - Santa Fe
duckmilk
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#2 posted 07-26-2020 09:18 PM
Good idea Grant! For flexibility, how thick did you make the sides? Do you have an approximation of the angle of the wedge? These look like a neat gift item.
-- "Duck and Bob would be out doin some farming with funny hats on." chrisstef
GrantA
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#3 posted 07-26-2020 09:30 PM
The larger maple ones are 1/4” thick, the walnut is a little shy of 3/16. I made a medium sized pair from the walnut but they’re pretty light duty, that was my prototype.
I’ll have to check the angle, I found a write-up online for toaster tongs and used it for a baseline. I made the front (widest point) 5/8 wide and sanded the angle til I liked it. The two I have here are as follow- 1” long wedge 1/2” wide at back and 1-3/16 long wedge 7/16 at back.
HokieKen
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#4 posted 07-27-2020 11:59 AM
This is a great idea. I need to make some of these. What kind of finish did you use? Think the wood will hold up to the heat of a grill? Nice work man :-)
-- I collect hobbies. There is no sense in limiting yourself (Don W) - - - - - - - - Kenny in SW VA
GrantA
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#5 posted 07-27-2020 02:38 PM
Oh yeah I forgot to mention the finish – I used Howard’s butcher block conditioner which is mineral oil and beeswax. I put on a coat, then sanded with 320 before a final coat. Easy to touch-up just like a cutting board.
I have since bought a can of tried & true varnish to test on some things like this too.
As for the heat, I think they’ll be fine, I’ve used my walnut tongs on the grill and for blackening fish, no issues. If I was fighting off flames to rescue my food then I’m sure they may show some battle scars
Kelly
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#6 posted 07-27-2020 07:23 PM
I love em, and they look simple to make. Great job.
therealSteveN
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#7 posted 07-27-2020 10:25 PM
I’m lost in the Kitchen, and on the patio cooking without my Tongs, and those are a lot nicer looking than the metal ones I have. Might need to make a pair or 3.
-- Think safe, be safe
Dave Polaschek
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#8 posted 07-28-2020 01:45 AM
They’ll pick up battle scars eventually, I’m sure. “That’ll buff right out.”
-- Dave - Santa Fe
recycle1943
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#9 posted 08-03-2020 11:53 AM
This is the first time seeing these for me. Really cool and as a matter of fact if I can figure out the angles, several friends/relatives will have nice WOOD gifts for Christmas this year
-- Dick, Malvern Ohio - my biggest fear is that when I die, my wife sells my toys for what I told her I paid for them
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