Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
size
art demers
Is there a chart somewhere that say's what the size of urn for the size of the person ? Does the urn have to be sealed on the inside making it water proof ? Plus is there anything else I should Know before I start this project ????Thanks Art
Re: size
Chuck Engstrom
The rule of thumb for volume seems to be one cubic inch per pound of body weight. One gallon is 231 cubic inches, so you can work from there.
I don't think that they have to be waterproof, though some sort of interior finish is probably a good idea. Wood is very difficult to waterproof 100%, almost any normal finish will allow some penetration, though careful and thorough coatings of epoxy are pretty good.
I'm sure others will provide additional tips and correct me if I'm off the mark here.
Re: size
Robert
I have heard from a mortician that a cremated adult human body requires 192 cubic inches. Body weight is not a good reference for urn size as cremation renders all but some boney basic material into the atmosphere. I would guess that there would be different amounts of cremains depending on big-boned, small-boned, tall, and short people, but that the difference would not be significant. Or I could be wrong.
Re: size
JohnV
while there are many variables such as bone density etc, the 1 cu inch / lb body weight is a fairly good approximation. I make them about 10% bigger than I think I'll need.
Just my experience. Doesn't need to be over thought.
Re: size
Pete in Holland MI
Made the urns for my parents. One is in use currently. The other is on stand-by. Dad's still in a plastic bag inside of the urn. My design is of more of a square box design with a removable screwed-on plate on the bottom for access. Once the occupant is in there, there's no real reason for easy access.
Depends too on what you plan to do with it afterwards. Mom & Dad are slated to be buried in some small concrete vaults available at the local head stone store. Check with the local head stone store if they offer vaults, and make sure your container will fit. Some cemeteries require vaults for cremains, others not. If you wish to scatter ashes, something easily openable (screw-on lid), and able to be completely emptied, would be preferred. Something with a lift off lid, like a cookie jar, may be asking for trouble if the container is bumped or dropped. Even a lift off lid can be sealed with Silicone caulk to reduce such an accident.
Best to make such things ahead of time. Tough to do days after a death & you're in a rush. Box it up and put it away for when the time comes. That's what I did. Twas a good plan.
Oh...and.....1 cubic inch per pound is the going calculator. A little bigger is better than too small.
Good luck........
Re: size
Ric Taylor
Another idea that is becoming a common practice is for husband and wife to be contained together in a single urn.
Re: size
john in lutz
WYOMINGWOODTURNER has a video on how to do this.
Re: size
art demers
Just a thank you for all the info, the stuff from from Wyoming turner was super, the idea that it's more or less a cookie Jar is a novel thought .again thanks you guy's are great.