Thread: Blackwood Box with Veneered lid

Hi all,

i'm a relative newbie at boxmaking - I started only a couple of years ago, and the more I learn the more I realise how little I know. The forum has been a great source of help and encouragement so it's time to put back by posting something I've made. This one is just finished.

I don't much like making boxes to order - I usually manage to stuff them up under pressure. However, Dianne particularly wanted to give a close friend a jewellery box so off to the shed to search for bits.

I have some blackwood which was a desk in an earlier life (a roadside find) and a pile of veneer pieces about a metre deep that I got from someone retiring from making boardroom tables.

The box itself was straightforward - 285mm x 190mm x 85mm - dovetails thanks to my Gifkins jig buy off eBay. Walls are 12mm. Then onto the panel. A 6mm ply substrate (from Plyco), veneered with a small Maple panel surrounded by what I imagine is Macassar Ebony. Balance veneered on the back with Tassie Oak. This pic shows the veneer tape being removed after glue up:

IMG_2835.JPG

The lid was then dropped into the rebated carcass and glued in ready for the Tulipwood banding. I normally use a normal-sized router and a template to cut the channels for the banding. For this box I used a Microfence(.com) micro plunge router base fitted with a Proxxon motor, then cleaned up with a small hand router plane (see pic).

IMG_1030.jpg

And the final result:

IMG_1148.jpg

The catch on the front is the JB-618 from Brusso in the U.S. The finish on the box is french polish - specifically U-Beaut's Hard Shellac which is my favourite finish. Second favourite is Tru-Oil, but I've yet to try the Kunos oils.

IMG_1159.jpg

A single top tray from 4mm Blackwood, mitred with 'liquorice allsorts' slipfeathers (white, black, black, white veneer sandwich 2 mm thick). Lining for the box and tray is deep blue suede from Tandy Leather. Hinges are the SmartHinge from Andrew Crawford in the UK.

IMG_1146.jpg

Things I learned making this box:

The Brusso catch is superb and easy to fit - but too expensive to use often. Does anyone have any suggestions for something a bit less expensive but still good quality?
I'll probably avoid Blackwood for a while - a bit too sombre for me. So far my favourites are Forest Red Gum and Maple.
The jury is still out on the suede. It's easier to use than velvet (cuts cleaner) but I'm not sure I like the look as much.

That's it, folks. Thanks for reading, and thanks for all the great posts which have helped me learn.

Brian