Alternatively, you could use a water-based stain to enhance the colour, and leave to dry before varnishing. If you want to learn more about finishing, my 10 Step Guide to Wood Finishing is a free PDF that explains how to use hand applied finishes. There is no fancy equipment to buy, and anyone can learn how to apply a great finish. Go over the entire piece and make sure that everything is very smooth. Don’t skip on this part of the tutorial.

Combi drill or drill press - I used a combi drill to create my thumb holes, but for accuracy, a drill press is better (although not an everyday home DIYer tool!) Only serious readers will understand the struggle of trying to hold a book in one hand without it constantly closing on you. Finally, if you want a glossier finish, use a buffing wheel. I use the Beall Wood Buff System in my shop, and had I know how nice it was I would have bought it a long time ago. Next, place your stencil on an offcut of hardwood and draw around it. Or you could draw inside the hole of your large sheet of paper. These are very easy to navigate and books are generally more affordable. With these devices, you do have thousands of books available at your fingertips at any given moment.

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I also rolled up some sandpaper in the thumbnail to smooth it. But a spindle sander attachment in a drill would work too! I like this finish because it is natural, easy to work with, and leaves a nice satin glow to the piece. The look is more traditional, and handmade. Sheet of paper, pencil and scissors - you won't need to waste money buying a template or plans on Etsy here as we'll fold the sheet of paper and cut a quarter of a circle, then open it up to reveal our design. Simple!

Readers with medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, or muscular dystrophy find it especially hard to read their favorite books without constantly losing their place when the book accidentally snaps closed. Have you got any advice on cutting hardwood to prevent the blade from turning? You may need to tighten the tension on your blade and that it's close to the bearings. Also, ensure the guard is as low as possible (close to the project as possible) to prevent the blade from wobbling. Safety goggles& ear defenders - if you're using power tools, then wear your PPE! Also, if you're sanding lots, I recommend a dust mask to protect your lungs! I cut mine with a bandsaw, but if you don't have one, you could clamp the waste of the material to a workbench and use a jigsaw.Buff the piece with Tripoli, then use the White Diamond compound. Then, buff with Carnauba Wax for a little more shine. Finally, inspect the piece for an even sheen, and touch up any spots that need it. Another good alternative is, of course, to switch over to ebooks that you can read on a tab or e-reader. Other Book Holder Design Ideas - mine is very simple, but you could draw a Batman logo, a love heart, or a Harry Potter Snitch. Why not have fun and get creative? Drilling a Thumb Hole There are quite a few handy gadgets you can buy to help you keep that book open while you read or attempt to multitask. But not all products and inventions are quite as functional as they may seem. Spending a fortune on a fancy book holder won’t help much if you never end up using the device.