Birthday Box fer m' Father in law

**LGS** · 2nd March 2017, 04:13 AM

It's my wife's dad's birthday in a couple of days, so I thought I'd whip him up a "Journey Box" as I call them. The box is about 900 x 400 x 350mm. It's a little narrow perhaps, but it's looking all right.
The box itself is Tasmanian Blackwood and joinery is Half blind Dovetails (courtesy of Leigh Industries in the US), boards were joined together to make the sides using 8mm Dominoes.
Finish is Hard Burnishing oil from Organoil Method can be found here . It still has to have a lid and trays made, which should take up the rest of the week.

I am going to make the lid from Blackwood also, but in a slightly different pattern to my usual. Should be interesting. The trays will be made from Huon Pine, River Red gum and possibly Wenge or Spotted Gum. Think I'll stay with the Aussie woods though.
The lid will be attached to the box using standard brass hinges and a couple of box stays.

The purpose of a Journey box is to provide a person with a receptacle for their life's work and interests. Their achievements and also other things that their descendants may want or need to know about them. John is a man of letters. He writes a lot. Stuff I think should not be lost to the family. He's also an avid gardener and again, his knowledge should not be lost. Any way enough prattle.

Thank you for your interest. The rest of the saga will be posted as it occurs.

Rob

**LGS** · 3rd March 2017, 07:39 PM

IMG_0075.jpg IMG_0081.jpg IMG_0079.jpg IMG_0083.jpg

And so to the next bit. The carcass is built and just needs to be finished off. I have put a strip of Wenge around the box top, which gives a nice definition to the box and draws the eye to the brilliant colours of the Tassie Blackwood.

I have also made a frame for the lid out of Blackwood and I shall put some Huon Pine panels in it. As the Pine ages, it will take on a lovely honey tone which will look fairly sensational.

From here I will need to make the trays which will fill the box. At present, I am thinking highly figured Red Gum, Huon Pine and perhaps Wenge or maybe even Queensland Walnut. Piccies above. Note that I have some nicely figured silky Oak on the top. This is another possibility.

Regards,

Rob

**Rod Gilbert** · 4th March 2017, 08:30 AM

looking very good so far I will be following with interest.
Regards Rod.

**AlexS** · 4th March 2017, 09:05 AM

I like the idea of a Journey Box. Perhaps it's something everyone should have to keep the landmarks of their life in.

**LGS** · 19th March 2017, 04:29 PM

Here are some pictures of the finished box
It will be used to house some of my Father in Law's writing. (He writes poems and stories) Also some of his "Gardeners Almanac" He has been a prolific gardener for many years and has many anecdotes and culturing methods locked away in his head.
I'm hoping he will pass all this info to one of his children, or better still, his Grand children. Maybe they can have his memories and methods published in honor of his talent and wisdom!

Regards,

Rob

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