Thread: 1st off the production line

Very good first effort, look forward to seeing more

Great job on your first box. I find it's very addictive making boxes so I'm sure there will be plenty more. I can see a few of Col's ideas in there from his presentations on Sunday mornings on Youtube.
Did you use the spacers when cutting the dovetails at the cut line or did you just use a very thin method of cutting the lid off?

Nice work, Hodgo! Welcome to the sometimes obsessive and always compulsive world of boxmaking!



Brian

Very nice first box - quite a leap from Blue-goo and pipe bending!

Is that a tab on the base liner I can see? - hidden space below perhaps?!?!?!?

Niceeeeee!

Thanks heaps you guys

that sort of positive feedback will have me making boxes when I'm in my grave, I really appreciate it

Originally Posted by Treecycle

Great job on your first box. I find it's very addictive making boxes so I'm sure there will be plenty more. I can see a few of Col's ideas in there from his presentations on Sunday mornings on Youtube.
Did you use the spacers when cutting the dovetails at the cut line or did you just use a very thin method of cutting the lid off?

I used 2 x 2mm spacers and cut the top off on the Bench saw, this and using the spacers required a lot of concentration on my part, lest Mr Cockup should enter the shed , it will be easier next time

Originally Posted by TTIT

Very nice first box - quite a leap from Blue-goo and pipe bending!

Is that a tab on the base liner I can see? - hidden space below perhaps?!?!?!?

Hemp and Soap mate, I'm old school

the tab was fitted after watching Col on you tube, although mine would probably tear off, the fit is that tight

cheers
Hodgo

Beautiful Hodgo. Where do you source your hardware?

Originally Posted by Luckyb

Beautiful Hodgo. Where do you source your hardware?

Thanks Lucky

I got catches and hinges from Timbecon, they have a good range as well as lots of other stuff to tempt you

there are a few other suppliers too

I just started by googling brass hinges
hope this helps

cheers
Hodgo

Hi Hodge
I’m a retired electrician and have been reading this forum for quite a while hoping to find something I would enjoy doing. I think this may be it. I’ve never posted anything on here before so I hope this finds you ok.
Can I ask what Gifkin accessories you purchased if any? Did you buy the slot cutter or put the slots for the lid and base before assembly? I’m about to order a jig and don’t want to buy what I don’t need. Grateful for any info you can share.

Originally Posted by Hacker

Hi Hodge
I’m a retired electrician and have been reading this forum for quite a while hoping to find something I would enjoy doing. I think this may be it. I’ve never posted anything on here before so I hope this finds you ok.
Can I ask what Gifkin accessories you purchased if any? Did you buy the slot cutter or put the slots for the lid and base before assembly? I’m about to order a jig and don’t want to buy what I don’t need. Grateful for any info you can share.

Hi Hacker (gotta love that name, it has me worried and amused at the same time)

I cut the grooves with a 1/4 router bit about 3mm from the edge,before I put it all together
I clamp stops on the router fence to stop the groove 5mm before the end
I may look at buying the slot cutter some time soon but for now I don't mind using this method

I bought A10,B10 and H10 templates and cutters some S/H some new (long story) I've only really used the A10 for this sized project
so I would recommend A10 kit for a start and the spacers which are invaluable if you want to cut the lid off and for other decorative stuff later on
you will need a clamp or two as well,

Col Hosie's youtube video's are worth watching too

hope this helps
Hodgo

Thank you very much for your reply and advice Hodgo (I got the name right this time). My other hobby is golf so the name Hacker fitted both.
I have been watching Col Hosie’s videos and they are excellent. I intend to order the basic jig with the A10 after your very helpful advice. I think I will also get the spiral cutter to cut the top off the box. I have a bandsaw but don’t think the results would be very good. I will get the the spacers as you suggest and I have plenty of clamps from a kitchen rebuild I recently completed ( which turned out beautifully). Once again Hodgo thank you very much.
Regards Hacker. (Both with wood and a golf club)🤣

I use the slot cutter for the grooves in the bottom and lid and find it a fool proof way of cutting the slots. No measuring of where to stop the slot so it doesn't show through the end. I brought mine with the large and small bearing and cut the slot the same way that Col does using the 2 different sized bearings. I don't have the spacers for enlarging the dovetail where the lid is separated and just use a 1.6mm slot cutter to do this operation and it's not easy to tell there is a difference in the spacings unless you look closely.

Hi Treecycle. Thank you very much for your advice. I was thinking about getting the slot cutter and your advice has convinced me. I’ll will be ordering everything after the public holiday. ��

Originally Posted by Hodgo

Hemp and Soap mate, I'm old school

cheers
Hodgo

That is old school! Lead & a kero blow torch, too. I spent a number of weeks of a vacation prac just making water meter stands etc at the local council using a 1970's Rigid thread cutter. Hemp and some sort of red wax emulsion sealer iirc? Well that was the good job, then there was the replacement of old GI 3" & 4" water mains & lead services, meter stands etc with PVC and the clearing of tree roots from o-ring sealed earthern ware drainage, sewerage overflows, shovelling out sludge from water reservoirs ....... you guys earn your money!

Nice work on the box, will have to look out for the next lot to roll off the production line.