Thread: First ever box, first ever handcut dovetails ...

Satisfying isn't it, and even when you know there are faults others don't and appreciate your effort. Well done

It is a great start.

Yep! you are now officially addicted! Keep this box for comparison in a few years - it's an interesting process

great work mate. everyone starts somewhere so dont underestimate your own abilities. what sort of hand plane did you get?

We all must start somewhere. I haven't been game to make a hand dovetailed box, so you are way in front. Well done, and thanks for sharing. It must be most satisfying to do this. Onya!

I agree with the comment to keep it for future comparisons, to show just how far you have progressed in skill level.

what plane did you buy, and how did you tune it to give such great shavings?

Originally Posted by Dengue

We all must start somewhere. I haven't been game to make a hand dovetailed box, so you are way in front. Well done, and thanks for sharing. It must be most satisfying to do this. Onya!

I agree with the comment to keep it for future comparisons, to show just how far you have progressed in skill level.

what plane did you buy, and how did you tune it to give such great shavings?

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm really surprising myself at what can be done with some patience and some sharp tools (not to mention researching on here for tips & ideas).

I bought a LV LA Jack plane and invested in some waterstones. I've only ever had a cheap hand-me-down plane which has been difficult. I've certainly never managed transparent shavings before.

Still deciding on how to progress with the box. Will post some more pics tonight.

Coming together. Certainly learning a heap of things about box making, of the least of when to assemble and in what order. The myriad of various finishes , the list goes on.

The beginnings of the lid.
Scott's phone photos 2 001.jpg

Found some pine in my offcuts bin which gave me an idea.
Scott's phone photos 2 003.jpg

The legs also from the scrap pine (the idea was to tie in with the pine lid insert). Still may leave them off.
Scott's phone photos 2 005.jpg

Box with first coat of finish.
Scott's phone photos 2 006.jpg

Still have no idea about inside the box. This is being made strictly by hand so no ripping of stock on bandsaws or tablesaws. I am very open to ideas from experienced box makers !!!

Thanks.

Hope to have this all put together in the next couple of days.