DIY Barrel Sauna Build from Scratch

This was my second woodworking project. There were minimal guides online on how to build a barrel sauna so I went through a lot of trial and error to get this build complete, but I am happy with the results. The sauna gets up to around 210°F in about an hour. Update - the sauna has been used at least once a day for 6 months now with no issues!

Build Plans: https://www.etsy.com/listing/987454770/barrel-sauna-woodworking-plans

You will notice that the cove ends were cut using two different methods. This is because the first method, which was using the 1/2in radius cove bit with a 1/4in shank, was extremely difficult due to the height required of the shank. After snapping two of those bits, I went with a 1/2in radius round nose bit with 1/2 shank which was much stronger and easier to use. It made more consistent cuts which allowed the bead ends to fit tighter. UPDATE - I have updated the bits I used in my latest sauna project on https://www.sounart.com/. The new bits are easier to get consistent cuts and look better.

The steel wire rope (Home Depot) tightened all of the staves for a nice seal and greatly strengthened the structure.

Full write-up and contact: https://www.sounart.com/

Wood - Western Red Cedar from a local lumberyard

Router table - https://amzn.to/3b8OQ6a
Router - https://amzn.to/36HAxW1 - update - previous link did not have the 1/2in collet

Round Nose bit (Cove) - https://amzn.to/2ENOnKC (new bit used on later projects for cleaner look: https://amzn.to/2YOUO7p)
Rounding Over bit (Bead) - https://amzn.to/2QCdRgT (new bit used on later projects for cleaner look: https://amzn.to/2DaPNyi)
Double Flute Straight bit (Dado) - https://amzn.to/31JqrBj
Jigsaw - https://amzn.to/3hJgvNI

Finlandia Sauna Heater - https://amzn.to/2DgjuOE

Видео DIY Barrel Sauna Build from Scratch канала Michael Sounart