Rimu Toybox (aka learning how to dovetail)

**NZStu** · 20th February 2012, 08:44 AM

This one was the result of a few complementary needs: I had some old Rimu and Matai I wanted to use up, the kids needed some more toy storage, and I wanted to learn how to do dovetails. So, a simple toybox seemed to be a logical project.

I find that children's furniture is good for learning new techniques etc - the end result is still usable even if it isn't perfect (kids aren't fussy), so you're not wasting material making models; and the scale is smaller (= cheaper) as well.

The sides, top and bottom are Rimu, and the ends are in Matai. The matai was used purely because I didn't have enough of either timber to do the whole thing, but the effect isn't too bad. These are my first attempts at dovetails (aside from a couple of initial practice joints), so they are far from perfect - I had to fill gaps with little slivers of wood in a few places.

**Christos** · 20th February 2012, 04:54 PM

That's beautiful work. I do not think it matter too much how the dovetail look on the first project as long as you gave it a shot.

This after all can be a great hobby and a great feeling when you create something from scrap. Or just creating something.

**SimonArchibald** · 20th February 2012, 08:15 PM

Gorgeous little box. Good job

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**gnu52** · 21st February 2012, 06:12 PM

I like the Rimu in particular, pity it cant be got here.
What did you use to finish the box?
You have a good looking and useful piece, well done

Regards, Bill

**NZStu** · 22nd February 2012, 09:00 AM

It's sanded to 320 grit and finished with Danish Oil. Rimu shines up quite easily, so it's easy to get a good oil finish on it.

**munruben** · 22nd February 2012, 09:18 AM

Nice work, nice timber, great looking box. well done with the dovetails.

**sunburnt** · 22nd February 2012, 09:44 AM

I love the timber, that colour has a richness and depth that could be a hundred years old.

Talking of colour those dovetails send me green with envy!

Well done

**olas** · 27th March 2012, 04:04 PM

Great work mate, a bit jealous as I haven't tried them yet and I'm sure they won't come out this good.

**craftyCAD Cam** · 2nd April 2012, 02:12 AM

Hi Stu,

Good work!
That wood is awesome, and you've certainly done it justice.

Cam

**NZStu** · 2nd April 2012, 09:54 AM

Thanks for all the nice comments!

I'm not normally a big fan of rimu, but this stuff was a little more interesting than some I've seen/used.

The kids certainly seem to be enjoying it so far too...

**Wongo** · 2nd April 2012, 11:45 AM

I think you've done very well. It is a beautiful box and your work is very tidy. Good job. I like it a lot.

**Milo** · 2nd April 2012, 04:58 PM

MATE

love your work and I am sure the kids will love cleaning up their room!! bwahahah!

Hey, not sure how your kids are but my missus has been nagging me to build something similar but it has to have the following things in the name of safety. Holes or decorative figures cut in just in case the kid climbs in to play hide and seek and the suffocates.

Are you worried about this?

Also, she wants gas struts for the top so it doesn't slam shut and cut the little tackers fingers off..........

anyhoo, its a great toy box! love it!

**NZStu** · 3rd April 2012, 01:24 PM

The kids climb in there and hide all the time, but I'm not worried about suffocation: I set the hinges slightly high and set some felt pads on the front so there is a gap of about 2mm between the sides and the top. It doesn't sound like much, but around the perimeter of a 900x400mm box, that gap roughly equates to a circular hole of 28mm, which is heaps.

I bought some gas struts, but haven't got around to fitting them. It doesn't seem to much of a problem so far, but no doubt one of them will get their fingers caught...

**bassmansimon** · 9th April 2012, 08:07 AM

Nice work.
I'm also thinking about a similar project soon(ish). Did you use a jig / template for the dovetails, and were they cut by hand?

**NZStu** · 9th April 2012, 05:34 PM

Originally Posted by bassmansimon

Nice work.
I'm also thinking about a similar project soon(ish). Did you use a jig / template for the dovetails, and were they cut by hand?

Hand cut, no jig or template. I used the methods set out in this book: [ame=http://www.amazon.com/The-Complete-Dovetail-Furnitures-Signature/dp/0941936678]Amazon.com: The Complete Dovetail: Handmade Furniture's Signature Joint (9780941936675): Ian Kirby: Books[/ame], which is well worth getting.

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