Thread: Just starting out

Welcome mate,

We have a few Americans on here (but generally the are pretty thick skinned)!

People are always interested in seeing work, even if you don't think much of it.

As for what wood people use (and how they get it) - it varies.

I haven't ever done a bandsawn box (although I will one day... I promise), but I certainly wouldn't do it green. It would certainly muck up on you.

I would only use very stable timber.

Cam

ps Where in the States are you?

Thanks for the welcome. I'm in Georgia.

Since you say you people like to see work - even if it's junk - here it is. Remember this was just a quick try with the end of a scrap 2 x 4 to see if I could figure out how to do this. About 10 or 15 minutes cutting, 15 minutes for glue to dry and a quick pass over with the orbital sander to get rid of the splinters.

My little girl is 4 1/2 and she will probably have a good time painting this tomorrow with Mom. Maybe I'll have to post the painted version, too.

Pleasure to welcome a new member. As for the box - there is nothing wrong with that!

I like the design, but as you say, it is pretty small.

Still, I reckon it serves it purpose beautifully. Is it backless (so that you open the drawers by pushing from the back)?

Cam

ps As for why I asked where... I'll be moving to Seattle later in the year.

Welcome to the forum mate!

Good first go. Enjoy the banter here, and most of all, have fun!

Trouser armour (aka thick skin) is advised :eek:

I have three things to say - Welcome to the Bandsawn Boxes Forum, a place where you can be and will be recognised for your Creative skill. (2) The work you have shown us is not junk, it is an indication that you have a good understanding of a number of the techniques required to make a bandsawn box. (3) There is no such thing as scrap wood, unless it beyond being veneer timber, herein lives the opportunity for Innovation, here size does not matter.

Working with unseasoned timbers is topic for discussion in another Thread of this Forum.

Tony Ward

Way to go Jared (my youngest grandson is named Jared) Welcome and tell us more. Glad to see you "Practiced" on a piece, far too often fellows jump in both feet without a clue and get burnt and so they quit or think it is too difficult. Now you understand the process (can't learn it all by watching demos) cvan't wait to see how you progress.

Where in USA are you? Be more forthcoming with info.

Originally Posted by Sculptured Box

... There is no such thing as scrap wood, unless it beyond being veneer timber, ...
Tony Ward

Yet some is better suited to warm a cold shop.

I read again your post Jared and just realized that the box was so small, a chunk of 2X4 which is 1 1/2" X 3 1/2"... Way to go (again)

Well, I tried another project tonight. I had a chunk of driftwood that had I had been using as a doorstop for about 2 years. My wife has tried to throw it out several times. I figured it would make as good a second project as anything.

I learned some things. First and foremost, that my bandsaw is NOT a scroll saw. It just wouldn't do the tight corners I was trying to make it do. Might have to get a thinner blade.

I couldn't get my combination of clamps and rubber bands to hold the pieces perfectly back together during gluing so I ended up with some slightly noticeable kerf lines on the right. I filled them in with what I thought was matching putty and they became glaringly obvious kerf lines. Oh well.

I haven't really decided if I should finish it or not. If I do, I want to keep the rough look. Maybe just some sandpaper and wipe on poly? Anybody have any thoughts on that?

Thanks for the encouragement everybody. I guess I'll tell a little about me. I am 29 years old and live in Augusta, Georgia.

I am currently a senior in dental school so I don't have as much time for my hobbies as I would like, but I'll soon be done with school (7 years down, 1 to go.) :eek: Whew, that's a lot of school.

For me woodworking is a lot like dentistry, except without the blood, spit, and needles. Oh, and wood doesn't jump around so much while you are working on it.

Cam, you are going to love Washington state. I have an uncle there and it is a great area of the country. Are you going to go to school there? If you are single you are going to be a happy man; American girls go crazy for Aussie accents.

Jared

Tony,

I went to your website and all I can say is WOW! :eek:

How long have you been doing this? Is woodworking a hobby or do you make a living doing this? Your work is absolutely amazing.

jared

Thank you.

Tony Ward

The drift wood one looks great.
it shows you have a gift for it.