My Second Handtool Only Project Completed

**tirebob** · 26th September 2011, 10:45 AM

Hey All!

So I have just completed my second ever 100% handtool only box. While still far from great, it was an awesome learning experience as this one I did by myself without any guidance from fellow woodworkers. I made a ton of mistakes that I had to figure out how to correct on my own which was cool as I learn and retain more this way than just being told what to do from the get go. I had to fill a lot of spots where I chipped out pieces, ran through dadoes for the box bottom instead of stopped, drilled through one hole on the lid installing hardware, morticing the locking mechanism too deep, etc, etc, etc...

The case wood is Mahogany with the top being a piece curly maple with a mahog boarder. The bottom is just a bit of laminated pine. The finish is 5 coats of amber shellac I mixed from flakes. Every aspect of this piece I did with handtools, including drilling the screw holes! lol! Last project I realized wasn't 100% handtool because of this small job so I wanted this one to be "pure"!

Anyhow, all comments and critiques are welcome and appreciated... I hope my postings of these first attempts, however imperfect they are, will give confidence to other newbie aspiring handtool woodworkers to follow suit and show their successes and failures alongside mine!

**artme** · 26th September 2011, 02:12 PM

Not bad!

You never learn if you don't have a go so keep on learning!

**Enfield Guy** · 26th September 2011, 08:33 PM

I reckon it looks good. It all should get better from there.

Cheers

**groeneaj** · 26th September 2011, 09:03 PM

Great job

Have you got any photos of the building process?

Andy

**Christos** · 26th September 2011, 10:09 PM

I think that's a great effort. Keep it up.

**tirebob** · 27th September 2011, 12:57 AM

Thanks all!

No pics of the build process unfortunately. I had a lot of fun but I must admit framing the lid gave me fits! Haha! I am going to start on another right away. The new one is going to be a bible box for my sisters Christmas present. I might try and document the build for better critiquing.

**Stevlyn** · 27th September 2011, 12:19 PM

Looks Great. It is a real challenge to complete a box by hand. I take my hat off to you.
I would have put the chain for the stay on the inside of the box.

**tirebob** · 27th September 2011, 01:47 PM

Originally Posted by Stevlyn

Looks Great. It is a real challenge to complete a box by hand. I take my hat off to you.
I would have put the chain for the stay on the inside of the box.

Haha! You're not the first to say that. Actually, I did the chain on the outside to be a bit different. Sort of an ode to grunge! lol! Reminded me of my younger punk rock days we used to have chains on our wallets to our back pocket. Just can't totally let go of my past... Haha!

**Milo** · 27th September 2011, 03:03 PM

mate

well done! I am building my skills to do the same with a box I am going to be making for a friend.

Cheers

Milo

**gwambygine** · 27th September 2011, 07:43 PM

Cor! Well done. Couldn't live without the tablesaw, linisher et al. Nice Box.

**smagrath** · 30th September 2011, 07:41 PM

That's a great result! You are right to be proud of your work.

And you've discovered the great craftsman secret - don't give up!

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