Turned Ice Cream Scoop

I’ve had my eye on making one of these for a while, and when I found this turned ice cream scoop kit at a reasonable price, I knew it was time to give it a try. The quality really impressed me—it’s made of stainless steel with a nice weight to it, so it feels durable and built to last.

For the handle, they recommend using a hardwood, and I chose cocobolo for mine. Not only does cocobolo turn beautifully on the lathe, but after sanding and finishing, it really stands out with its rich color and grain.

A few tips for turning handles like this:

• When working with hardwoods like cocobolo, make sure your tools are sharp to prevent tear-out and ensure a smooth finish.
• Use a slow and steady approach while shaping the handle, especially near the ends where it can be easy to overcut.
• Finish with fine-grit sandpaper to bring out the natural luster of the wood, and apply a durable finish like CA glue or polyurethane to protect it from moisture and wear.

If you’re into woodturning or just looking for a fun project, this ice cream scoop kit is worth checking out. The final product is not only practical but also a beautiful piece that will last for years.

If you make one of these be sure to post a picture of it over on the WoodLogger Facebook Page.  I’d love to see how yours turns out. (pun intended)

Material List

• (1) Ice Cream Scoop Kit
• (1) 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ x 6″ Wood Blank (I used cocobolo)

Milling & Assembly

	To get started on my Ice Cream Scoop I first picked a wood blank.  I chose cocobolo wood for mine.  The kit only has two parts the scoop and a decorative ferule ring that goes around the end.
	The next step was to find the center point on one of the wood blank.  I simply used a ruler to find the center point.  I used a 3/8″ brad point bit for the hole and I went in a little over 1 inch.
	Next up I loaded the blank on my lathe and turned it till I had the look I wanted.  After that I sanded it using 5 grits of sand paper ending up with a 600 grit paper.  For the finish I used a food safe finish called salad bowl finish.  I’ve used that finish before in the past and have had good luck with it.
	To finish up the ice cream scoop I applied a thick coating of CA glue to the stem of the scoop and also to the ferule ring.