Thread: First box for about 45 years!

nice box Driver have to spread the love around a bit before I cn give you any more

Studley

Col, I like the box. You've taken a minimalist approach and done it well. I particularly like the handle in the recessed hole. (I'm sensitive to handles after showing my "Dunny Brush" handle.)

The long feet are unusual, and for that I give you marks for originality. But for my taste, I would prefer that you either repeated the gaps shown in the ends on the sides, or not had those gaps. I guess what I am saying is that IMHO there is an inconsistency of design here.

Did you pin the joints? It looks like you did on the sides but not the ends. I like the alternate use of the joints. It creates interest and gives each side wall an identical balanced look where each side shows the end grain of the adjacent panels in diagonally opposite corners - interesting and unusual.

I am surprised that you say the box has been finished. The picture doesn't seem to show this. I know Danish Oil is a very subtle finish, but I would have thought that the Ubeaut Traditional Wax would have given more glow to the box. (I'll put it all down to the picture which sometimes doesn't faithfully show off a project.)

Great project. I'm sure it will do well in the auction.

Originally Posted by Driver

Ian - I'll send this first box tomorrow. You can expect a couple more in the next week.

Col

Cool, I wonder if postage might be cheaper if you sent them together?
I can wait.

Cheers Ian

Nice one Col, it's good to see boxes without straight lines all round, and going to a good cause.

Don

Thanks for the detailed reply. I appreciate the time you've taken to give me some useful feedback.

Originally Posted by DPB

You've taken a minimalist approach and done it well. I particularly like the handle in the recessed hole. (I'm sensitive to handles after showing my "Dunny Brush" handle.)

I'm glad you picked up on the minimalist approach. That was very much the intention (along the lines of the KISS principle!). In another thread, I commented on how making this box has shown me how much more accuracy and delicate touch is required in small-box making compared to furniture. Something else it has taught me is that making unique wooden handles is very satisfying and worthwhile. I intend to use them much more in future on any cabinet work.

Originally Posted by DPB

The long feet are unusual, and for that I give you marks for originality. But for my taste, I would prefer that you either repeated the gaps shown in the ends on the sides, or not had those gaps. I guess what I am saying is that IMHO there is an inconsistency of design here.

Yes - I agree about the design inconsistency. The feet help to secure the bottom because they create a lip for it to rest on. This did away with the need to rebate the side and end panels. However, long feet were not necessary and I would choose a different arrangement for a second attempt.

Originally Posted by DPB

Did you pin the joints? It looks like you did on the sides but not the ends. I like the alternate use of the joints. It creates interest and gives each side wall an identical balanced look where each side shows the end grain of the adjacent panels in diagonally opposite corners - interesting and unusual.

Yes - the joints are pinned on the sides only. This was more for embellishment than for structural integrity - which runs contra to the minimalist approach! The joints are easily strong enough on such a small box - I used Titebond III to glue them. I would leave out the pins on another attempt - or perhaps use wooden ones.

Originally Posted by DPB

I am surprised that you say the box has been finished. The picture doesn't seem to show this. I know Danish Oil is a very subtle finish, but I would have thought that the Ubeaut Traditional Wax would have given more glow to the box. (I'll put it all down to the picture which sometimes doesn't faithfully show off a project.)

Minimalism again. I sanded the box - but only to 120 grit - and then applied a single coat of Danish Oil and a single coat of Trad Wax. The photo is a reasonably accurate representation of reality. Personal taste, of course, but I wanted this box to look as raw and natural as possible. The finish is there simply to provide basic protection from fingermarks and dirt. Hopefully, if its eventual owner applies a judicious waxing every now and then, it will develop a patina over time.

Col

Ian - you're probably right about the postage. I'll send them together!

One of the nicest little boxes ive seen for ages. Well done on a superb job

Like the style,
bet Wendy has a ball when she see's it.


"I wanted this box to look as raw and natural as possible."

waiting for the next ones.

Nice work bro. I cant imagine doing it entirely by hand. Hey have I seen the idea of the uneven joints somewhere?

Well done mate.

Originally Posted by Wongo

Hey have I seen the idea of the uneven joints somewhere?

Thanks for the comments, fellas.

Scott - yes you've definitely seen the uneven joints somewhere. The end half-lap joint is a common feature on, amongst other things, those little sushi boxes you see in Japanese food stalls.

I actually pinched the basic design for this box from a FWW article that I found on the FWW website.

Col

Sweet little box Col !

"First box for about 45 years! "

Just be gentle, and don't expect too much on the first night!

Nice Box Col!

Hey, why not make a large box, and then a few successively smaller ones so that each can fit inside the other in turn - rather like the Russian (?) dolls.

Hi Col, What a lovely box! Very simple, and I feel, nicely elegant in its own way.

I have to agree that using the feet to help secure the base is a good, easy way of not having to rebate it, an idea I've used myself about 4 times lately.

Definitely worth a greenie!



PTC - You know me so well

cheers
Wendy

I suppose it helps if your Australian timber suppliers supply timber already formed like that

Only joking.

Nice box.