Napkin Holder

Here's How

Breakout a 40” long x 31/2” wide x 9/16” thick blank.
Mark lines that divide the blank’s length into four 9” long sections, with some waste at either end.
Number the sections so they can be assembled in order.
On sections #2 and #4, mark two lines 1/4” on either side of the centre point. These lines will locate the notches for the rod. (photo 1)
With a 1/2” diameter bit in your router table, use a mitre gauge, stop block and clamps to machine the two 1/2” deep notches. Optional: router longer notches if you want the rod to sit on the top napkin and adjust with the height of napkins. (photo 2)
Machine a rabbet on the lower inside edge of the blank to accept the plywood bottom.
Crosscut the four parts to rough length so they are all about 9” long.
Mark the locations of the mitre cuts on edges of the two notched workpieces. These lines must be located so the inner surface of these parts is 7” long and the notches are centred on the parts. (photo 3)
Cut the mitres on all four workpieces.
Bore a 1” diameter hole in one of the workpieces without the notches, then draw two angled lines and remove the waste on the band saw. (photo 4)
Smooth the edges. (photo 5)
Sand the inner faces of the workpieces.
Lay the four parts face down and end-to-end on a flat work surface and stretch masking tape across the mating joints.
Flip over the assembly, add glue to the mitres, wrap the parts together and tape the final joint closed. (photo 6)
Cut the plywood bottom to size and glue in place.
With a piece of 1/2” x 1/2” scrap, chamfer the four edges to create a vague octagon shape. Smooth it further to create a pleasing rod to hold the napkins in place. (photo 7)
Sand the outer surface and break all sharp edges.
Apply a finish to the box and rod.