My Gumby/Gifkins Learning Box

**Bob N** · 20th July 2007, 10:13 AM

I just finished this box today and wanted to share it with all of OZ

I was inspired by Gumby's fantastic video he shared with all of us via this forum. Ian, I sincerely hope you consider making another box making video soon as you are a Master!

This is only my 3rd box and it was a great learning experience using the Gifkins Dovetail Jig and router bits offered by Roger. While not flawless by any means, I think it turned out very well for a beginner like myself. If you see anything I could improve upon, I am always open to critique and welcome your comments as further education.

The box is made of Walnut and figured Maple with a raised panel Cedar bottom and Ambrosia Birdseye Maple top. Finished with 2 coats of Danish Oil and 4 coats of General Finishes semi gloss wiping Poly and then waxed with 0000 steel wool and polished on the Beal buffing wheel to a nice low sheen. It is about the size of a 3X5 index card. I was thinking of attaching a felt insert in the bottom, but my wife layed claim to it right after I took the pictures and I may never get it back to finish the felt thoughts

I hope you enjoy the pictures and thanks for looking.

Thanks again Ian and a special thanks to Corey Hallagan for getting me into box making and supporting my efforts to this day.

**Bob N** · 20th July 2007, 10:16 AM

A couple more shots.

**RufflyRustic** · 20th July 2007, 10:38 AM

That is great! You know you've made an absolute winner when the box disappears before you get a chance to finish it

**Pops** · 20th July 2007, 11:04 AM

Top job there Bob !! Well done.

Your wife is going to have a collection of them soon by the sound of it.

Cheers
Pops

**munruben** · 20th July 2007, 11:26 AM

Very nice, you should be very pleased with the results. Thanks for the great pics too.

**Wood Borer** · 20th July 2007, 11:36 AM

It is great to share the journey with you - a big thankyou.

**Boxinator** · 20th July 2007, 01:37 PM

That's a beauty my friend! Well done Bob, well done!

Corey

**Cliff Rogers** · 20th July 2007, 02:49 PM

Top job on the box.

Good pics too.

**AlexS** · 20th July 2007, 09:33 PM

Nice job Bob, welcome to an addictive hobby.
Can I suggest that you try making boxes with thinner sides. IMHO they look better. Then again, not everyone will agree.

**Gumby** · 20th July 2007, 10:27 PM

Excellent effort there Bob. It's scary just how accurate the Gifkins is.

But don't thank me, thank Roger Gifkins. He makes us all look good

(but I'm glad the video helped)

**routermaniac** · 20th July 2007, 11:15 PM

very nice box, well done!

**Bob N** · 21st July 2007, 01:45 AM

Thank you so much for the many kind words and compliments. It means a lot coming from folks with far more experience than me. I am already thnking about my next box and gathering inspirational ideas to help me decide on a style.

Alex, the timber I used on this one was 3/8 inch, should I try 1/4 inch for a better look next time? I am still new at this and any tips are appreciated.

Ian, get busy on that next video for us

**Gumby** · 21st July 2007, 09:52 AM

Don't hold your breath Bob, I've got a bit on at the moment. Not woodwork, just a new job which is going to take up a lot more of my time.

I'd suggest having a crack at this box, which is another in the Gifkins Box making booklet.

It's different from the loose lidded box and the joinery in the lid with the raised panel and mortice/tenon construction is more challenging.

**Bob N** · 21st July 2007, 10:26 AM

Now Ian.... that's what I call an I-N-S-P-I-R-A-T-I-O-N

Not sure if I am up to that one just yet, but will study it.... who knows.

Originally Posted by Gumby

Don't hold your breath Bob, I've got a bit on at the moment. Not woodwork, just a new job which is going to take up a lot more of my time.

I'd suggest having a crack at this box, which is another in the Gifkins Box making booklet.

It's different from the loose lidded box and the joinery in the lid with the raised panel and mortice/tenon construction is more challenging.

**Boxinator** · 21st July 2007, 10:54 AM

I think Gumby is calling us out on that one Bob!

That's a beautiful box Gumby and I like the design on that one. I plan on making that one myself in the near future.

Bob, on a small box like that the 3/8 stock is a little large. I have found that to be true on a couple small boxes I made.... look at the one I sent you and envision if it was a tad smaller how it would be more delicate and attractive with the lid off. 1/4 I think would be too small but 5/16 would be perfect in my opinion. I don't know how that relates to mm's and what the original box design called for.

Corey

Thread: My Gumby/Gifkins Learning Box

Thread Tools

Search Thread

My Gumby/Gifkins Learning Box

Similar Threads

What Is The Easiest Way To ..

When is a box a BANDSAWN BOX

Box Makers Mystery Swap

My Learning Curve Box!

vac box for template routing

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions