Jelly beans are a treat that most people like. You probably like jelly beans too; that’s why you’re reading up on how to make a jelly bean dispenser. The following is a simple step-by-step on how to make a jelly bean dispenser.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Now that you have decided you want to build a machine for jelly beans, it’s time to gather the materials that you will need.
Of course, you will need wood. Get two pieces of 1½″x5½″x5½″ boards which will be used as the top and the base. Also get, two1½″x1¾″x5½″ boards for the sides and1″x1⅞″x11″ to use as a slide board.
Two dowels will be needed, one 1/4” in diameter and 4” long, the other one same diameter but 2” long. After the wood pieces, you would also need some tools.
Gather small nails, drills, saws, tape measure, square, hammer, punch, needle nose pliers, some paint, wood glue and a mason jar of the jelly beans.
Step 2: Measure, Cut and Drill
First, using the measurements mentioned above, cut the pieces of wood. You can sand them to smoothen the edges, but this can also be done by the end of the process.
Second, you would need to glue the base board to the two side pieces of wood. After the glue is placed, you can now drill in the screws to keep the pieces in place.
The third step is to make an x mark on the top board. You can do this by drawing a diagonal line from one corner to the opposite and doing this two times, to form an x.
Step 3: Measure, Cut and Drill Part 2
Now that the x is in place, get your drill and bore a hole in the middle to the size of ⅞”. Glue the top board, the one with the hole, to the side boards.
After the glue, screw the pieces of wood too. Let the wood and the glue dry, and then you can sand the edges and the corners again to make sure that everything is smooth and perfectly aligned.
Step 4: Dowels and Slide Board
Go to the slide board and measure ¾” from the front of the side and 1/2” from the back of the side. When you have marked the measurements, get your electric drill and drill a hole on the marked measurements.
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These holes will be for the dowels. With a peg on one hole, slide the board in the space in the middle of the dispenser and stop until the peg hits the top board. Using a pencil, mark the slide board in the middle where the hole on the top board is located. Slide the board out again.
Step 5: Drill the Slide Board
Drill a ⅞” hole and ⅜” deep in to the marked point in the slide board. Using a pocketknife, bevel the ⅞” hole and smooth it with a sand paper.
Get the lid of the Mason jar and screw it around the hole in the top board. Slide the slide board into its given space, pushed completely all the way. Put the dowel on the other hole, glue and screw them into place.
Step 6: Fill it With Candies
Now the dispenser is done, fill the Mason jar with your jelly beans and twist it upside down into its lid. Check if the dispenser works before we proceed to the final touches. When everything is set perfectly and the dispenser dispenses the candies easily, remove the jar and set it aside for a while.
Step 7: Smooth and Paint
The dispenser is done and working perfectly. Let’s now make it more presentable. First, get the sand paper and smooth all the rough edges. Make sure nothing is sticking out and that the surface is very smooth. This jelly bean dispenser will mostly be used by children and it is important that it is not a hazard to the children so ensuring that it is smooth and clean is essential.
After it is all smooth, it is time to paint our project. You can use wood stain to retain the wooden look or you can also design it to make it more bubbly and happy. Painting pictures of candies on the dispenser makes it look happier and more of a jelly bean dispenser.
Step 8: Show it Off
After everything is done, you are now the owner of a functioning and beautiful jelly bean dispenser. You have worked hard for it and you should show it off. Place it in your living room so every person that comes to visit can admire your handiwork. If you have children, it is best to hide it at times, just to be sure that the children don’t eat it all in one sitting.
For other woodworking project, check out this storage box tutorial.