I Made the Perfect Cigar Ashtray! - How to || DIY || Woodworking

In this video I show you how I made the perfect cigar ashtray out of walnut! Over the years of woodworking and smoking cigars I've made several types of cigar ashtrays but this one was my all time favorite and you don't need a lathe to make it! Also, don't be afraid to leave a question in the comments section. I'll try my best to answer them all.
Detailed blog on the ashtray build that includes measurements: www.instructables.com/I-Made-...
Follow: / c
Instagram: / penaltyboxwoodshop
Website: www.penaltyboxwoodshop.com/
List of all my tools: www.penaltyboxwoodshop.com/tools
Tools Used during this build:
​Woodpeckers 641 Square: amzn.to/2HJIxt0
​Amana Tool Bowl Bit: amzn.to/3sT8bjp
​F Style Clamps: amzn.to/3bkxSDG
Plunger Can (used with mineral spirits in the video): amzn.to/3blhwe8
​Starbond CA Glue: amzn.to/2VgVSkL
​Starbond Glue Accelerator: amzn.to/2VdULSO
​Titebond Glue: amzn.to/3bkWvAj
​Titebond Brush: amzn.to/3uTj46R
​Makita Plunge Router: amzn.to/2Pvqixu
​Makita Cordless Router: amzn.to/3efvobA
​Mirka Deros Sander with Vacuum: amzn.to/3ecf3ED
​Forstner Bit: amzn.to/38a4SfZ
​Armor Tool Bench: amzn.to/2IH85ta
​Delta Miter Saw: amzn.to/3rnXxRl
​Delta Table Saw: amzn.to/2T5AKN5
Video Tags:
​Laguna Bandsaw: amzn.to/2H3BnPR
​Canon T6i DSLR: amzn.to/2EgiiHx
​Rode Microphone: amzn.to/38gTZcb
​Canon EF 28-135mm f/3 Zoom Lens: amzn.to/2H1HaWw
Video Tags:

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

What does everyone think of the video being only shop sounds and no voice overs? Remember this is link in the bio for a detailed blog on the build.

[@mmarsha9]

I like all of the tool sounds, so I'm a fan.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Awesome!!! I thought it was pretty cool

[@jimvallance4042]

I didn’t mind it, but I also like having hearing the steps talked about.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

I can understand that

[@joshuamorrison3204]

I really enjoyed it.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Sweet! I'm going to start smoking immediately so I have an excuse to make one!

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Hahaha I love a good cigar

[@NugSlingers]

I did.. it was worth it

[@willyzook]

@@NugSlingers😄😄

[@chadashton7029]

Love that you did this with simple tools that many people can actually afford to have in their small shop. Not a sponsored shop with $100k worth of power tools.

[@Obama___]

Exactly, and even if he did get a sponsor which he definitely deserves one I feel that he could find a way to incorporate it in a way that’s not to in your face

[@Its_just_Dave.]

Love it! No lame music, no voice over, just relaxing shop sounds. I’ve been looking for something like this to make. Think I’d make one more octagon shaped or something. Round is nice but think I’d prefer non round. Good news if I make it like you did, could cut the square to the shape I want with table saw. Then if I decide to go round could easily change afterwards. Might have to smoke a few of my favorites to think on it.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

I like the way you think!!!! Lol 👊👊👍

[@diegohernandez1337]

excellent !!! you should do a humidor, is something all cigar lovers want

[@grbluen]

Beautiful!

[@BusyBeeLiving]

Very creative build without using a lathe. You don't know how glad I was to find out it wasn't switched to a cnc machine. Thanks for sharing!

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Hahaha Yea to use a CNC you would have to be smarter than a CNC. That’s why I don’t have one....

[@12jamm]

Great project! Love the walnut!

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thank you, Jimmy!!!!!

[@walteraguilar6973]

SO COOOOOOL!!

[@joshuamorrison3204]

It really turned out well, awesome stuff.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thank you, sir!

[@evelynmueller6523]

love it..will have to make one myself!

[@liliabingham5086]

That was awesome! I have to try it!🤩

[@julioacevedo1035]

This is by far the best cigar ashtray I've seen w/o the use of a Lathe and gluing multiple pieces together. Excellent work! It has inspired me to build one for my cousin who is a cigar enthusiast. lol

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Heck yeah! Thanks dude!

[@aliamohsin1616]

I love it ❤❤❤

[@HGANGHONY]

Absolutely a master piece! Who needs a lathe? I'm an intermediate Turner and this is second to none of what I've seen so far when it comes to cigar ash trays.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thanks buddy!!!!

[@jeffcowles5328]

Nice ideas with the forstner bit. I have a few off cut slabs of walnut sitting around from a furniture project and now they have a purpose. Thanks brother.

[@JeremiahParrack]

Thanks for this! Gave me some ideas on how I want to do mine 👍

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Awesome! Thanks

[@krisbabic89]

Hey brother enjoyed the video. I’m only answering because I saw you asked. I enjoy when you talk and explain while you do it. The quiet ones are good every once in awhile when not so much is needed to explain like this. Almost relaxing, a whole different vibe. The ashtray is beautiful. I enjoy a good cigar when I finish a project lol

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

I really appreciate that insight and the kind words! Just trying to see what works and what doesn’t on this platform. Nothing like a good cigar after a successful project!

[@chrislopez3518]

almost makes me wanna drop a tear, so cool

[@ednowakowski30]

Enjoyed watching thank you.

[@steveschrecengost6021]

Great video. Gave me some great ideas. I thought about using my CNC but I like your method better.

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Awesome ashtray dude! Really like the design.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thanks for watching, Brandon! Finally.....😜

[@coplock6689]

GREAT VIDEO BROTHER. Thanks for the great idea. I'm going to try and do this.

[@michaelstrother9886]

Fantastic video. I'm subscribing!

[@Glenville1999]

Fantastic! Have not done any woodworking on my own, but I love cigars and I am inspired to head out to Lowe’s or Home Depot right now and get started. Great looking finished product.!

[@lindrake8315]

Was odd watching you make this cuz I have done one almost the exact same way. I love that bowl bit. It's a super fun bit to use.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Yea it’s a good process! I’ve used the bowl bit a ton and love it as well

[@JvD1985]

you made it look easy and difficult at the same time... Damn if I only had the tools and your talent!

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

😂😂 thanks

[@A.M.Independent.Consultant]

Going to attempt,, thanks

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Awesome!

[@sambow4u]

Really Luv your videos ,,,, I'm Completely remodeling our House and making stuff like this to sell ,,, Thank you so much for the down to earth video's ,,, You Da Man !

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thanks Sam! I appreciate the support and kind comment!

[@zanderwow]

Love this! Been toying with this same idea. Now I have the confidence that it will work! The wood I'm using is a softer wood though, so gonna have to epoxy a steel or stone bottom into the ashtray portion. Thanks for the video man!

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Heck yeah! Thanks man!

[@CeeJayThe13th]

I'm trying to think of a coating so I could use pine and not have to worry about it melting or burning up the wood. Also, it would still take forever to really mess the bottom up even if it's just plain, untreated pine. I've laid many a cigarette on a handy piece of wood and stubbed many out on it so I'm confident that it would last at least a while. And you could probably just lightly sand it if the bottom gets a little too messed up.

[@sanjaydate]

awesome job. very nicely done. i really liked how you used the drill press to cut the groves. i was very interested in how to do those. .... thank you. !!!

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thanks man!

[@richragan4810]

Hey Jess you're still amazing and you have a unique way to always teach me something man! Hey for some reason didn't get a notification of your new video. Angry about that so I just thought I'd check you channel and there it was. Thanks Jess miss your teachng. Thanks for the great editing work too. Peace and safety be with you and your family! Keep um comin. Rich

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thanks as always, Rich! I hate that it didn’t notify you. No clue why!

[@frankvesterdahl6510]

That’s a very nice cigar ashtray.. I recently started smoking good quality cigars from all over the world and I quite enjoy it.. I’m currently just using solo cigar ashtrays (at home and in my car) because I’m surrounded by non-smokers..😁

[@grandolddrummer]

That was an elegant solution for cutting the fingers of the tray. I would have overcomplicated the crap out of that.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Well, thank you! I appreciate the kind comment

[@youtukang]

Nice

[@pmelchman]

great video Jesse, I must say that the thumbnail is the best...kinda gangster..mobster like... and you know i enjoy the cigars....

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Hahaha thanks Patrick! One day we will enjoy a nice pour and a stogie together!

[@pmelchman]

@@PenaltyBoxWoodshop ROGER THAT

[@GT_Racer347]

Frikkin sweet 👍🏻 👍🏻

[@knothead5]

Let's hear it for blue tape! Interesting video. Unique item. Never saw any at a craft show.

[@dmacko]

I'm glad to hear your bandsaw makes that awful noise too lol. I was thinking something was wrong with mine. I got it from a friend and is my first one ever so wasn't sure if that noise is normal or not.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Hahaha I hate that noise so much hahaha

[@sammysteele432]

I think that yellow Cohiba label made me think of the Cuban Cohibas I smoked down in Jamaica

[@sumosprojects]

Nice work dude, I made one from a 100mm socket back in the day but I don’t smoke lol, well presented video 🎥🔨👍🍺

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Haha that’s a hefty ashtray! Thanks!

[@moldyzucchinis3251]

awesome build. need to make this for my dad he enjoys nothing more than a cigar in the hot tub.

[@dhm7815]

I once made a stone ashtray, I used a drill press as a router and a really cheap drill. The stone was mudstone and as I cooled everything with water the dust turned back into mud -- as it had been a million yrs before.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Man, that is badass!!!!! I would love to try that sometime!

[@patrickbasani7967]

Daaamn wood and mayo

[@JohnColgan.]

Nice build, definitely Arnie sized, could just imagine him saying "I'll Be Bach" while sanding it. Did you do grain direction perpendicular layers? You get interesting contrast on polished edge surfaces (but as you found put a pig to plane). Great build, cute polish/oil dispenser & looks great. I might have bevelled the slot drilling downward a few degrees, esthetics of ash/dust flowing downward. But it does look good. Well done

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thanks John! Hahaha love the Arnold reference and all the suggestions!

[@dankaufman6054]

I have watched this video several times now and really like your process. One of the best I have seen from a “watch and learn” standpoint. Can you give me an idea of the dimensions of the walnut you laminated together to start with? Looks like planed down to 3/4 stock making it about 3”, but what are the lengths of the sides? I want to duplicate this as closely as possible. Thanks!

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thanks!!!! It is 3/4” stock but I will have to go back and measure for the exact size of it.

[@KnifeHandWoodDesign]

Love it want to make one. One question what RPM are you running the drill press at for the fasnor bits

[@Flaviodallas]

Brother, we share 2 passions: cigars and wood woodworking. Only thing is that my shop is in my garage 😂 and my skills are far from good. Cheers!

[@LogsCarvingClub]

I’d like to make one of these but I’m worried it’ll get burnt up, the person I’m giving it to is clumsy. Any experience yet if there’s a different finish to protect it from burn marks?

[@CeeJayThe13th]

I love it! I would have been so tempted to call it done when it was still square and unfinished. It was so CHUNKY at that point and I would have wanted to leave it like that so badly but I know most people wouldn't appreciate that aesthetic as much as me. Also, how much did you clench when you went to do the routing? 😂 That's the part where it could all go pear-shaped and I was rooting for you!

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Hahaha yea I’ve left them square before. Routing is always a butt clincher

[@CeeJayThe13th]

@@PenaltyBoxWoodshop I just imagine slamming that hefty sucker down on a desk and just praying somebody talks shit 😂

[@PilgrimPiper]

The 2 pieces clamped together with a Forstner bit....thank you. That's what I needed. What type of wood ? Was that just a stain you used first from the pump ? Peaceful days to you

[@aaronhill4992]

Yes much will it cost to get one just like that one

[@halfnorfolk5310]

I really enjoyed this video. I have vintage cigar glass ashtrays with walnut bases. Did you use walnut for this ash tray? It looks like it might be but I'm not sure. Great project!

[@djturnz]

I tried to do something similar for the Cigar rests, but i used a hole saw. It worked on 2 out of the 3 holes. What kind of bit was that?

[@seanconnor8377]

Absolutely love that ashtray… Do you sell them?

[@trevermccall6762]

👍

[@seanfeitz3195]

What did you use to finish it with?

[@m144mantube]

What did you shine this up with at the very end? lacquer?

[@itsjoebaker]

What are your thoughts about crossing the grain when glueing

[@Vicenteconquer98]

Which router bit did you use for this project? Thanks!

[@robertpadalino5083]

How did the finish hold up to the heat of the ashes?

[@drewkaree]

Really like this! Sharp looking and just takes some time. So if my math is right, that's about 3" thick, did you consider doing the ash bowl any deeper? Nothing like a Stinky, but maybe one more layer deep, 1 1/2 - 2" deep for the bowl? Not sure if the router would plunge that, or if there were some method of accomplishing this.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

You could go pretty deep with it. I just eye balled it to be honest. I don’t recall all of my actual measurements but I’m pretty sure I put a link to all that in the description.

[@tylergloomis]

What is the adhesive you use to adhere the painters tape between the table and ash tray?

[@cannedfish839]

How does the cutting board oil with the heat

[@phadeed]

What type of burner u used for logo it’s not in the links ,thanks

[@RuggedRefinement]

Do you make these for customers? I have an idea for an ashtray like this, but will a curved wall on half of it to block out wind for when you want to smoke outside.

[@aaronk9995]

What kind of oil/s did you use to protect the wood and make it look good? Is it tung oil?

[@yLeprechaun]

Very cool! Final product and technique! Hey, what oils did you use for the finish?

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thanks! I think I just used some cutting board all natural oil

[@willyzook]

I’m just curious, what makes this cigar ash tray your favorite compared to the others you’ve made? Thanks!

[@hang10tiki96]

What were the finishes you used on the ash tray. Never caught on fire right?

[@richluvsellie1]

Why not a link to buy one.

[@jessebraden3089]

What did you use as a finish?

[@alekseyvolk2131]

Is there a specific finish you have to use on ashtrays?

[@mjgaffney1]

Hey man! Awesome ashtray! What router bit did you use to make the circle? I couldn’t really tell from the video.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thanks dude! It’s. A bowl but from Amana tool but there should be a link in the description.

[@OldGuyWoodworks]

I started lighting my cigar before I cut it. Supposedly the gases from the lighter don't get into the cigar if the end isn't lit. I have time to do this type of research. Give it a try.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Haha I’ll try that for sure! Thanks!

[@jacobwalkup4592]

I would recommend using a lighter with butane instead of lighter fluid like the one that was used in the video. Bic uses butane which would be perfect if you want a cheap disposable soft flame

[@MrGamecatCanaveral]

That's funny I just saw a video of a kid make the same ashtray over a year ago. Lol. Exactly the same way you did.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Haha I guess there is only a few ways to skin a cat

[@rwonser53]

I was wondering where your Branding Iron comes from. I'm trying to find one that looks good and actually works, yours looks good... thanks

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

It’s a Gearheart Industries iron. Works really well!

[@rwonser53]

@@PenaltyBoxWoodshop Thank you

[@AlanP7081]

very nice workmanship! Would you sell these? How much?!

[@jefferyfrasure4737]

PBW, thanks for the great tutorial. Loved it. One quick question regarding your instructions. You stated you started with 3/4" boards (4 of them) with a finished product of 2.5". My thought is the finished glued height would be 3"? (3/4=.75 x 4 = 3)? Am I missing something? Every inch counts, right. Lol

[@jefferyfrasure4737]

OK. So as I thought about this more. I think the half inch difference has to do with planning the four boards.

[@amirnomansafdari2608]

How does it work for people who don't have access to these fancy machines? DIY style?

[@rickpouley2857]

Hi, I just have a quick question? What type of Branding Iron do you use? Love your ash tray!

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thanks! It’s a Gearheart

[@rickpouley2857]

@@PenaltyBoxWoodshop Thank you!

[@ericmaz9763]

Man do I need a workbench, and sum clamps and a miter saw and a router and a drill press and a glue brush and glue an don’t forget the sander. But I got blue tape. Oh yea and a cigar.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Sounds like a damn good start 😎

[@thomas90112]

Would you think that cedar would make a nice ashtray?

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

I don’t know why it. Smells great!

[@everetthansen811]

What is the rasp you used to remove squeeze-out at 5:44? Great build.

[@noah131268]

paint scraper

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Got it from Rockler Woodworking

[@UrbanMello]

What tools did you use? Saw types and plunger types?

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

I’m pretty certain I put a direct link to all of them in the description section for everyone to check out. If I missed something please let me know and I’ll get it in there

[@Amoney1]

What type of finish is that?

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

It’s an all natural cutting board oil

[@anthonymoye6811]

Do you sell the ash trays?

[@bradwalker4995]

I’m in middle TN where do you get your wood at brother? Thanks 🙏🏻

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Mimms downtown by the fairgrounds!

[@bradymiguel]

What were the couple finishes you applied here?

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

It was just some all natural cutting board oil

[@joshuamorrison3204]

You should use more glue

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

I thought about lol

[@TangoCharlieAlpha]

How critical is a palm sander? I have a LARGE Craftsman plunge, and a smaller non-plunge style. But I don't have a palm router OR a bandsaw. Thanks!

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

You can make great things with the tools you have until you can afford to upgrade or add new tools if you wish. Palm sanders are a big time saver versus hand sanding

[@TangoCharlieAlpha]

@@PenaltyBoxWoodshop OK. And what about the palm router? Can you get by without it?

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

One router of any kind should be good enough for beginner projects

[@donniecrow628]

Question on your routing (I’m still a novice) but is the wooden template you put on top meant to just be a visual guide or is it actually letting you cut a perfect circle? I tried this without the guide and my circle is a little wonky. Thanks!

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Yes, I cut that out with a jig saw and sanded it to the line to make a perfect circle. Then when I lay that on top, the bowl bit I use has a bearing that rides on the templates edge to transfer that circle to the piece. Once it’s cut out deep enough I can remove the template and the guide then follows the top edge of the cut out to keep the shape while I cut deeper

[@donniecrow628]

@@PenaltyBoxWoodshop thanks a lot! I was wondering if I needed a special but so that helps. Great video man

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Thanks!

[@jayboone2087]

What are the diameters used?

[@beautifulfeetcreations3594]

Where did you get your brand?

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Gearheart

[@cameronwallen26]

What’s the tool that your using on the drill press

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Forstner bit

[@cameronwallen26]

@@PenaltyBoxWoodshop thanks I couldn’t remember the name of it

[@jimvallance4042]

What size forstner bit did you use?

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Don’t remember off the top of my head but there is a link in the description to the full tutorial with al that info

[@jimvallance4042]

@@PenaltyBoxWoodshop awesome, thank you. Keep up the great videos!

[@user-vp1xm7oj3b]

My thinking is that the hot ash would burn it into a unique design

[@andrewcooke8729]

So you wipe it down with mineral spirits before oiling? What does that do?

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Yea, it cleans it and gets all the dust off

[@anscooke]

@@PenaltyBoxWoodshop neat, never heard of doing that. I'm glad you showed the bottle of the oil too, so I can screenshot it. Lol

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Haha yea that stuff works really well

[@lanceflanagan]

Should get yourself a woodlathe mate

[@michaelstrother9886]

Good to me unless you're giving tips. Like the measurements?

[@alterstassfurter5743]

great way you are going...but to be perfect...an ashtray without a metallic inlay will be damaged inside by the cigars...btw...I myself don't smoke...LOL