How to Make Wooden Rakes

Wooden rakes are used for raking leaves, loose soil and zen gardening. They are a common wood project for self-sufficient people who live on farms. Wooden rakes are often made using a hardwood like oak or cherry. These woods are stronger than soft woods like pine or cedar and will encourage a long life for any rake. Wooden rakes are not complicated in design and can be made using only wood and glue, which can be just as strong as a wooden rake that is held together with screws.

Tape measure
Oak board, 2-by-4-by-28 inches
Oak dowel, 1 1/2-by-66 inches
27 oak dowels, 1/4-by-3 inches
Drill
Drill bit, 1 1/2 inch
Drill bit, 1/4 inch
Wood glue
Sand paper, medium-grade and fine-grade
Tack cloth
Wood stain

Instructions

- 1
  Drill a 1 3/4-inch-deep, 1 1/2-inch hole into the center of the 28-inch board. The center of this hole is 14 inches away from each end of the board and 2 inches away from each edge. Glue the 1 1/2-inch dowel into the hole and let it dry.
- 2
  Drill 27 1/4-inch holes that are 1-inch deep into the 2-inch wide edge of the board. The center of these holes should be 1 inch away from the corners of the board and spaced 1 inch apart with the two outside holes 1/2 inch away from the ends of the board. Two of these holes in the middle will enter the dowel. You want this to help secure the dowel.
- 3
  Glue a 1/4-inch dowel into each of the 1/4-inch holes and let the glue dry.
- 4
  Sand your wooden rake using your medium-grade and then fine-grade sand paper. Wipe the rake clean using your tack cloth and apply your wood stain.

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