HomeMade Modern DIY Pipe Coffee Maker

This is the second episode of our "CoffeeScapes" series that features different ways to make the things that make our coffee. This pour over coffee maker is made from a short piece of 2x6, some 3/8" diameter iron pipe and a glass funnel.

Step 1: Supplies + Tools

3/8” Iron Pipe
I used 3/8" pipes and fittings from the plumbing department at my local Home Depot. The straight pipes, T-fittings, 90 degree elbows and couplings are all standard. The nuts are standard as well, but I've been to a few Home Depots that don't have them in stock. If you have a hard time finding the nuts, you can always order them from McMasters.

I used the following 3/8" diameter pipes and fittings:
1 T-Fitting
1 90˚Elbow
1 2" Pipe
1 5.5" Pipe
1 1.5" Pipe
1 Coupling
2 Locknuts

Funnel
I used a 100mm glass funnel to hold the coffee filters.

2x6
I used a short piece of scrap 2x6 to make the base. A piece of 2x8 or 2x10 would also work.

Chemex Coffee Filters
Chemex coffee filters work well. If you get ones that are too big, it's easy to cut them down with scissors.

RYOBI 18 Volt Cordless Drill

RYOBI 18 Volt Circular Saw

RYOBI Orbital Sander

Step 2: Cut the 2x6

I cut a 16" long section of 2x6 to use as the base.

Step 3: Drill a Pilot Hole

I drilled a 1/16" pilot hole to serve as a guide for the larger holes I will drill to recess the pipes.

Step 4: Drill a 1 1/2" Diameter Hole

I used a 1 1/2" diameter drill bit to drill a hole a little less than halfway through the 2x6. Then I centered the bit on the pre-drilled pilot hole. This hole will accommodate the lock nut and pipe end while allowing the 2x6 to sit flush on a table or shelf.

Step 5: Drill a 3/4" Diameter Hole

Flip the board over and drill a 3/4" diameter hole centered on the pilot hole. This hole should go all the way through the board.

Step 6: Drill Holes for the Test Tubes

Select a drill bit that has a slightly larger diameter than the test tubes. You don’t want a fit that is too tight or you might break the test tubes. I used a piece of blue painter's tape to mark 1" from the tip of the drill bit. When I drilled the holes, I used this tape as a marker for knowing when I had drilled deep enough.

Step 7: Sand the 2x6

I used an orbital sander to sand the 2x6. I started with 100 grit sandpaper to round down the edges and then finished with 220 grit.

Step 8: Stain or Seal

I used Danish oil to finish the 2x6. Bioshield or an acrylic finish would have also worked and would offer a bit more protection.

Step 9: Assemble

I used the 2 locknuts and the 1.5" long piece of pipe to clamp on to the 2x6. The 3/8" diameter pipe fits through the 3/4" diameter hole and then a locknut on each side secures the pipe to the wood. The large 1 1/2" diameter hole on the underside of the board hides the bottom locknut.

Step 10: Make Some Coffee!

Insert the glass funnel into the top T-fitting and you're ready to add a filter, coffee grounds and hot water! I used Chemex filters, but accidentally bought the large ones, so I had to use scissors to cut them down to size.

Step 11: Done!

Good luck making your own pipe coffee maker and please email or tweet photos to @benuyeda or [e-mail]. For more DIY ideas and projects, visit us at HomeMade Modern.