A box for a mate

groeneaj · #1 7th Jan 2012, 12:10 PM

Hi all,
Iv'e almost finished making this box for one of my good mates as an engagement present. This is my second go at making it. I wasn't happy with the proportions of the other one so I started again.

The box is made out of Silky Oak, Rosewood (lid), Silver Ash (base) and an unknown redish timber for the inserts.

I still need to make the internal tray which will slide/sit on a thin strip of timber (pic 4 shows the recess for it).

I'm still tossing up between the 90 degree brass hinges or barrell hinges. If I had a drill press i'd go with the barrell hinges, so i'm leaning towards the brass hinges at the moment.

I'm going to get a small plate with my mates name and his fiance engraved on. I'm thinking of placing it under the lid - what's your opinion? My other option is on top of the lid?

Cheers,
Andy

groeneaj · #2 7th Jan 2012, 06:32 PM

I finished the internal box today. Just got to do the hinges (which i'm dreading) and fit the dividers.

Pic 1 - cutting the dovetails with the Gifkins jig
Pic 2 - cutting the rebate for the base
Pic 3- resawing on the table saw (I really need a bandsaw)
Pic 4 - sneaking up on the perfect fit on the shooting board (and showing off my new LN 4 1/2

)
Pic 5 - box sanded to 800 grit
Pic 6 - internal box done!

I'll be in Melbourne next week so I need to be done by tomorrow! I'll bring the box with me so I can apply the finish.

Cheers
Andy

ajw · #3 7th Jan 2012, 07:50 PM

Coming on well Andy. I'd put the engraved plate on the underside of the lid. It would be nice to inset it into the top of the lid, but it doesn't sound like you've got time to do that now.

ajw

munruben · #4 8th Jan 2012, 11:51 AM

Cutting it a bit fine for time Andy but you will get there. I would go with the plate inside the box lid. Nice looking box, hope you get it finished with no dramas. what finish you going to use. Have to be something that will cure or dry rapidly. good luck with it.

groeneaj · #5 8th Jan 2012, 01:39 PM

I'm going to bring the box with me down to Melbourne and apply the finish there (Danish oil).
Today i'll put the dividers in and install the hinges then sand the box. I got a pair of smart hinges off AlexS so hopefully I don't make any mistakes and everything lines up perfectly!

Andy

groeneaj · #6 8th Jan 2012, 07:01 PM

I finished the box today and applied the first finish.

The hinges turned out to be a MASSIVE success. They are easily the best hinge on the market in my opinion (bloody expensive though). Alex did a review here - SmartHinge review
I made one mistake when routing the inlay - I placed the 34mm spacer block on it's width (which is a few mm longer) against the fence rather than length (which is 34mm), so I ended up routing a few mm more.
I still can't believe I did this as I perfected it in my test pieces!

I think i'm happy with the result. I might make a little pull for the lid if I get time - i'm thinking of using purpleheart.

Feedback and comments appreciated.

groeneaj · #7 8th Jan 2012, 07:54 PM

I might also add that the dividers are a firm fit but they can be pulled out and placed wherever you like.

artme · #8 8th Jan 2012, 08:52 PM

Nice job!! There is some nicefigure in that SO.

ajw · #9 8th Jan 2012, 09:24 PM

Looks excellent Andy. I'm sure it will be a treasured gift. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on those hinges. They look like they're really well made and easy to fit too. There was another person who posted on AlexS's review post - he has a similar hinge that's a bit cheaper, but looks much the same.

Have a good trip to Melbourne.

ajw

AlexS · #10 8th Jan 2012, 09:56 PM

Looking good Andy - glad the hinges worked well, pity about the spacer. Easy mistake to make when you're concentrating on something new.

groeneaj · #11 8th Jan 2012, 10:22 PM

Yes very frustrating about the spacer - i'll never do the same mistake again!

I'm so impressed by the hinges, the lid and the box line up perfectly - thanks again Alex for the hinges and the router bit

How does everyone apply danish oil? I'm going to sand the box with 000 steel wool tomorrow and apply another coat with 800 grit - sound about right?

Thanks for the comments,
Andy

groeneaj · #12 9th Jan 2012, 09:13 PM

Does anyone have any pics of some lid pulls? I got a nice piece of purpleheart that i'd like to use.

Thanks

groeneaj · #13 23rd Jan 2012, 04:57 PM

I gave the box last week to my mate and his fiance. It was very well received (apparently the best present they have ever received). A few people heard about "the box" and were asking my mate if they could see it

Here are some photos of the finished box with the engraved plate under the lid.
Can anyone ID the timber I used for the inserts and tray (reddish timber). I got it a few years back at a recycled timber warehouse.

Thanks for everyones kind comments.

Andy

AlexS · #14 23rd Jan 2012, 06:57 PM

Nice result there Andy.
Can't help with the timber ID, I'd have said camphor Laurel but you'd know it by the smell. Possibly NG rosewood?

ajw · #15 23rd Jan 2012, 08:02 PM

It's a nice feeling when people appreciate the work you've put into a gift like this. In this day and age of rampant consumerism, hand-made items really stand out. The box is beautiful. You should be extremely proud of it.

ajw