How to Turn an Urn From Wood

When a loved one passes on, the option of cremation is one path that a family may take to hold on to the ashes. Having a decorative urn allows you to come to peace with the remains as as you place them in your home. You can create an urn using a wood log.

• 1

  Place the 18-inch by 9-inch log into the lathe and start the lathe spinning.

• 2

  Remove the outer 1-inch layer of the log to create an even exterior surface. Shape the log into a vase shape. Leave a 5-inch top rim and allow the wood to remain 7 inches wide at its widest point.

• 3

  Remove the urn from the lathe once you have completed the shaping. Gently sand the exterior of the urn to smooth the surface.

• 4

  Secure the urn in a laying-down position using a large clamp. Chisel out the top of the urn. Hammer the chisel into the top of the urn, leaving a 1/2-inch rim around the top.

  Chisel away the interior of the urn until you reach a depth of approximately 12 inches and a width of 3 inches.

• 5

  Sand around the rim of the urn and place the ball on top. The ball acts as a lid, preserving the interior content.