MAKE THE ROUTER TEMPLATE.

Using a router and a router template is an excellent method for doing production-style work with uniform results. To create the cutout components for the planters, make a circular template to use as a cutting guide for the router. To determine the size of the template circle, add the radius of your router base to the radius of your finished cutout (3 5/8" in the project as shown).

1. Begin by finding the radius of your router base. First, install a 1"-long straight bit in your router. (For fast cutting, use a 3/4"-diameter bit, but make sure you use the same bit for making the template and cutting the components.) Make a shallow cut into the edge of a piece of scrap wood. With the router bit stopped, trace around the outside edge of the router base with a pencil (photo A).

2. Measure from the perimeter of the router cut to the routerbase outline to find the radius. Add 3 5/8" for the radius of a 24-ounce coffee can. Using a compass, draw a circle with this measurement onto the template material. Cut out the template with a jig saw (photo B).

MAKE THE PARTS.

The planters are built from identical components (A).

1. Cut the number of components required for your design. Make circular cutouts on those components that require them. To do that, draw diagonal lines connecting the corners of the component. The point of intersection is the center of the square board. Center the template on the component and clamp it in place.

Assembly Options

Option 1. Attach the pieces on the stacked planter from top to bottom, ending with a solid base. To make this stacked planter, you need six pieces of 1 × 10 cedar. Cut them to length, and rout circular shapes in five of them. The solid piece will be the base. Stack the pieces on top of the base component. Place a painted coffee can in the center and arrange the sections to achieve a spiraling effect. Use a pencil to mark the locations of the pieces. Remove the can and fasten the pieces together using glue and deck screws. Attach the pieces by driving the deck screws through the lower pieces into the upper pieces, fastening the base last.

Option 2. Use four components on this option to create a planter with three cutout components and a solid base. Measure and mark lines 1" from each side edge on the solid component and one of the cutout components. Attach the inner components with their inside faces flush with these lines. Fasten the solid component to the sides with moisture-resistant glue and deck screws. Attach the remaining cutout component to finish the planter. Insert a painted coffee can.

Option 3. Attach two components with circular cutouts to the inside faces of two solid components to make this planter. Measure and mark guidelines 2" from the top and bottom edges on the two solid components. Fasten the two cutout components between the others with moisture-resistant glue and deck screws, making sure their outside edges are flush with the drawn guidelines. Insert a painted coffee can.

Tip

Plunge routers are routers with a bit chuck that can be raised or lowered to start internal cuts. If you own a plunge router, use it to cut parts for this project. Otherwise, drill a starter hole as shown, for a standard router.