my first attempt

**bassmansimon** · 29th October 2008, 12:29 PM

this was my first attempt at getting back into woodworking after a 5 year break since high school.

it was cut from a block of australian cedar.
most was done with my tiny little 60mm throat bandsaw.

the 5mm back plate was cut off with a hand saw - anyone have a better and straighter (lots of sanding was required) way of doing this? i tried everywhere and people kept telling me their bandsaws were either too big or too small.

The handles were turned (i'm quite proud of these - first time using a wood lathe, although had minor prior experience with steel in school)

Coated in 2 coats of estapol, then scandanavian teak oil.

Inside of box and drawers has not been coated, so that it retains the strong beautiful scent. Probably should have lined the drawers with felt though... they remain plain wood.

Any tips on how I would have made this better, please comment so that the things i make from now on will be better

**BobR** · 29th October 2008, 12:57 PM

At least you have had a first go - I still have to attempt one. Nice effort.

**Don Mc.** · 29th October 2008, 04:30 PM

Excellent for a first attempt, try lining the draws with flocking looks better than felt
Don Mc.

**Skew ChiDAMN!!** · 29th October 2008, 05:48 PM

Nicely done. First attempt you say?

Personally I wouldn't bother with lining the drawers, preferring unlined surfaces for aromatic woods... but then I'm of the school of thought where applying a finish to Huon Pine is deemed heresy.

One or two minor criticisms:

In the first photo there is a hint of reflection from the back joint. So the joint is either gaping a bit or could do with a bit more sanding to bring it to the same profile as the rest of the outside.

In the 2nd photo you can clearly see where the finish stops just inside the gap around the drawers, perhaps it'd be an idea to finish it to a bit further in?

They're really only little things and if I had it in my hands I probably wouldn't pick either of 'em, 'tis just that cameras tend to enhance such things, making 'em more obvious. (Cameras lie! I'm never as handsome in photos as I know I really am!

)

**bassmansimon** · 29th October 2008, 07:10 PM

you're right about the back plate - it was a bit off... however i think that what you can see in the photo is more because the PVA glue used to glue the back plate back on has kept the natural wood colour on that spot when the job was coated. yes... no excuse i know - once i realised that i should have done more sanding, it was time to give it away

**Out Numbered** · 30th October 2008, 02:37 AM

First I would like to say welcome. Great looking 1st box. Bandsawn boxes are a wonderful way to express oneself, and the sky is the limit on whatever shapes your brain can imagine. Also you will discover many different ways of using sandpaper. Enjoy and looking forward to seeing more.

**Skew ChiDAMN!!** · 30th October 2008, 03:38 AM

Excess glue & finishes... the bane of my existence.

Originally Posted by bassmansimon

no excuse i know - once i realised that i should have done more sanding, it was time to give it away

Even so, I'm sure whoever you gave it to is happy with it.

**microsuffer** · 30th October 2008, 08:39 AM

Cute box. Better that my usual first attempts on anything. There are tricks to defeating the PVA problem, but I think your priority in getting your hand into a box first and refining technique second is a good choice.

**Sculptured Box** · 30th October 2008, 06:55 PM

bassmansimon

Well done, you've managed to conceal the entry points which adds to the final appearance.

When gluing the back, I apply the glue to the back of the cabinet, a minimal amount is all that is required. Let the glue dry for a minute or so and place the back gently on the cabinet and allow to stand for another two minutes or so. then properly align the back and apply a clamp or whatever, I like to place the work into a vice supported by oversized pieces of timber and where necessary use g-clamps to ensure a neat fit. The amount of glue that is squeezed out can easily be cleaned off with a sharp knife.

Alignment of the back will always be troublesome as the cabinet has taken on a different shape after it is glued to close the bandsaw entry points. So best to align the back from the top down.

I look forward to seeing your next work,

**bassmansimon** · 30th October 2008, 09:51 PM

Originally Posted by Sculptured Box

I look forward to seeing your next work

check out the ring box i've just finished

https://www.woodworkforums.com/f87/bandsaw-drop-ring-box-81584-post832853

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