How to Make Wooden Sunglasses!

A few months ago, I ran across a picture of some Wooden Sunglasses on Pinterest and I thought THAT is a project I want to try!  I pinned the picture on my board for later.  Here is a video showing how I made my Wooden Sunglasses.

I was invited to present a scrollsaw class at our local Gwinnett Woodworkers Association, so I thought this would be a good opportunity to learn how to make wooden sunglasses.

After much research and trial & error, I developed a bent lamination process that worked for me.  Basically, the frames consist of three thin layers of wood with the lenses trapped within the middle layer.  I created forms for bending the front frames and the side temple pieces.  

Below is some detailed information that may be helpful for others who want to try to make wooden sunglasses.

Retail Wooden Sunglasses Websites

• Shwood
• WearPanda
• Wooed
• Woodzee

Supplies

• Wood – Maple, Oak, Ash, Birch, Walnut, Zebrawood, Redwood, Teak, Bamboo, Plywood, Veneers, Recycled Skateboards (Non-Allergenic recommended.)
• Lenses and Hinges
• Glue – Wood Glue, CA Glue, Epoxy
• Screws, Nails, Pins for Hinges
• Templates - Download my FREE Wayfarer Template!
• Finishing supplies - Beeswax, Mineral Oil

Lenses and Hinges

• Lenses are not readily available in stores, but you can order them online. 
• Most sites require minimum orders, such as import sites like www.alibaba.com.
•  The least expensive way to get lenses is to remove them from inexpensive glasses.
• Hinges can be ordered online in smaller quantities from www.qtena.com.  Item #  82HP7040 is recommended for wooden sunglasses.  The cost is $19.99 for 5 pairs of hinges plus $7.00 shipping.  These hinges are predrilled for screws, although screws are not included.  They can also be glued to the frame.
• The least expensive option is repurpose hinges from inexpensive glasses.
• You could also incorporate hinges into the wooden frame parts.

Tips

• Curved lenses do not fit well in flat frames.
• Thin frames will break easily when forcing in lenses.
• When gluing on hinges, avoid getting epoxy where the hinge opens.
• Use masking tape to protect lenses from sandpaper.
• Go easy on the glue when laminating frames.
• Don’t cut the lens openings too large.
• When working with hinges and tiny screws, don’t drop them on the floor.