a new box project for me

**jow104** · 1st June 2007, 06:39 PM

I have been making boxes over the past two years with mitre corners and this time I thought I would have a change.

However things did not go so smoothly for me as in the past.
The timber finished up 8.5 mm thick after forgetting to check that my bandsaw fence was square to the table so I had to thickness timber down to this measurement.

Next problem, I have not cut any dovetails for over 18 months so these were a bit gappy.

The timber used was black walnut, and had been laying under the bed for two years awaiting a project that I thought would warrant use of expensive timber. I must admit disappointment with this wood, it is very course, and does not have a nice finish after coming off the planer.

After gluing up the box I considered filling the dovetail gaps with sawdust and pva glue but decided to put bracket at each corner also utilising the brackets as feet and also top closure supports.

Next problem was gluing, the white pva glue allowed parts to slip whilst clamped up and so I had to take off the corners remake some more corner pieces and put on again.

Pleased to say though I have now completed the box as per photographs below, and will then consider some sought of finish that darkens the walnut and makes the sycamore contrast more attractive to me.

**RufflyRustic** · 1st June 2007, 07:21 PM

Hi Jow104

That walnut looks like it's bating it's breath waiting for the finish so it can really shine!! It looks fantastic!

Maybe it's being so difficult as it's going to make up for it when finished

cheers
Wendy

**echnidna** · 1st June 2007, 07:53 PM

I reckon the orange colour of shellac will bring the walnut out nicely

**BobR** · 1st June 2007, 09:09 PM

John, the box is looking great. Sounds as though the construction has been "character building". As Bob has said, orange shellac should go well with it. I have used it on American walnut.

**jow104** · 1st June 2007, 09:37 PM

Thank you to both Bob's for suggestion re the orange shellac, I was hoping that as the wood was labelled black walnut it would have a dark finish?

**Wood Borer** · 1st June 2007, 10:10 PM

Nice looking box John.

The figuring in that walnut is spectacular.

**munruben** · 2nd June 2007, 05:28 PM

Nice work

**anjoda** · 1st July 2007, 07:09 PM

Very nice box. I have just finished my first box in maple and american walnut. I now have maple left over to do another one. can you suggest a darker wood to complement the maple ( other than walnut)?

Many thanks

**jow104** · 1st July 2007, 07:23 PM

your box looks very attractive, any chance you can put another picture up with the lid open, I am trying to work out the lid construction.

Which London do to you hail from?

**watson** · 1st July 2007, 09:46 PM

G'day,
I'd have to agree with the shellac posters.......IMHO.......and followed by Traditional wax.
Then again, I want to finish everything I make with that.

**anjoda** · 2nd July 2007, 01:00 AM

Hello

London England

Have added a couple more pictures for you

**jow104** · 2nd July 2007, 01:15 AM

To Anjoda,

Thanks, now I understand

**RufflyRustic** · 2nd July 2007, 09:25 AM

Hi & Welcome Anjoda

How about a dark red to complement the maple?

Cheers
Wendy

**anjoda** · 3rd July 2007, 04:20 AM

Thank you Wendy. A dark red wood sounds a good bet. Any suggestions for a good one that works fairly easily. I am new to dovetails!

**RufflyRustic** · 3rd July 2007, 09:20 AM

Hi Anjoda,

Hmm, London - would have to be cedar - red cedar for your area at a guess.

If you were in Australia, I'd be suggesting Red gum, Kwila, Jarrah - but they are all hardwoods.

I guess the question is what local timbers do you have that are red?

cheers
Wendy

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