Thread: 21st Birthday Present

Very nice work. You seem to have done a nice job with the flocking, too - something that's always eluded me. Great timbers and design, and I'm sure your friend's daughter will appreciate it.

That looks awesome Nev, congratulations.

It is elegant and precision workmanship, so well done. I like the contrast in the timbers used and it is lovely to have that depth of meaning embedded in the choice of timbers, that I something I also try to do.

the design seems to be influenced by early 20th century Deco - is that intentional?

I do not have any criticisms to make but I note your request for critique, and although I do not consider myself expert I'm happy to make a couple of suggestions for minor improvement if you really want them. My the first question is about the photographs, which seem washed out. If I use an iPhone 6 with flash I get the same sort of effect whereas an iPhone 6 without flash gives a much better result even in less than full light - I don't know if that is the issue here? If it is another camera you may just need less (flash) light or shorter exposure time. Another solution is to use the free program Google Picasa to edit the photos and improve the contrast etc. Picasa is also an easy way to resize the photos for easy upload to the forums.

I also wonder if some clear bumper pads for the lid would be less obtrusive than the round black pads - you can get small, clear soft plastic domed pads - and put them on the underside of the lid rather than the edge of the box so they aren't the first thing that you see when you open the box. I am pretty lazy and do not fit any pads, but then I also usually have just a little spring in how I fit the hinges so that, without the lock being closed there is a slight gap along the front edge. Press down, turn the key and the fit is perfect, unlock and the lid springs up slightly. You could get the same effect with those clear pads placed close to the hinges.

I hope that this helps

David

hi Nev, that is very nice, and very well built and a great selection of beautiful timbers - congratulations! Pretty good for a first box, eh?

A suggestion for your next one. The feet. I would suggest that you either not use them, or reduce them in size so that only a few mm project from each of the corners.

Another design suggestion. Put some runners in, just below the opening of the box, and sit the trays on these runners. That will give you a lot of additional space under the trays

I am pretty interested in the lock. Can you tell us a bit about it, and how you fitted it? Looks great!

The time you take to build it is not unusual. Takes me about 6 -8 months, so usually it is 6 months late for their birthday, or 6 months early

Thanks for the feedback regarding the feet, photographs and the internals of the box. The actual layout of the internals was at the request of the recipient but will explore other options in future designs.
The lock is a half mortice and is simply chiselled out from the backside of the front wall. Took me a few goes to get the fit exactly the way I wanted it but was worth the effort.
I like the idea of the clear pads on the lid rather than the body of the box and will probably go down that road before I hand it over.
Your right about the photographs as I did use a flash so will keep that in mind next time.

Appreciate all your comments and looking forward to creating my next one.

Cheers,

Nev

An exceptional result. Always good to see a box like this fitted with a lock. The joints look tight and the finish looks great. You will have a very happy recipient!
I personally would have fitted smaller less obtrusive feet but that is a very minor preference.

Excellent !. I am another one who would make the feet just protrude about 3mm and roundover the edges. A beautiful job. What finish did you use.

Thanks Hungry,

Yes I forgot to mention the finish. The Yarran is a very dense timer and sands very well. I sanded the entire box to 400 grit and gave it 4 coats of 50% lacquer while wet sanding to 600 between coats.

Cheers,

Nev

Hi,
I think the feet would look better if they stuck out less, more than being smaller, if the flat before the round over was showing half or a bit less than you have. That is all I would change. Feet like that need messing about with for effect before fixing them on. When they look right to you fix them and they will look right to most others or not even be noticed.
My opinion for what its worth.
Regards

I love the contrast between the two woods. The insert gives me a feeling of calmness.

I agree that the feet reveal from the corner of the box needs slightly less visually from the top. Great job with selection of timber to have the top and feet made from the same wood.