Thread: Embellishment for simple boxes

Hello Danny,
It is often difficult to know how much embellishment is just right ...

I use full size drawings of special boxes I intend making ... helps to get the look right before cutting.

I have now adopted the use of internal splines (used to do corner splines) when doing mitred joints ... IMHO splines are essential in mitre joints.

So to add interest I use corner legs with internal splines.

I also find that are combinations of contrasting timbers add greatly to the appeal

Oh, and the internal finish is very important ... I use french velvet (at $45 per M it goes a long way) as it adds the finishing touch and is eye popping when the box is opened.

Mitre framed tops are also nice ... but you do need to have a good setup to ensure accuracy ... I use the Incra SE 1000 and after fine tuning it is perfect for making frames for tops and side panels.

Here is an example of how all the above features come together.

https://www.woodworkforums.com/attach...4&d=1466673483

https://www.woodworkforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=387643&d=1468584079

Gorgeous box Tahlee!

It may be a while before I get that intricate. I'm a turner more than anything else and all this work with things that aren't round is a bit of a trial! To the point that I'm considering doing a matched set of round feet and round lifts for the corners of a lid next time I do a box...

Splines are an excellent idea - I think I'm going to aim for a bit of a bigger box next, and will think about building/buying a spline jig for that. Now that I'm thinking about, I might even try to put some (decorative) ones in the lid to match corner splines...

Cheers,

Danny

Nice boxes Danny. Im all for a simply designed box with clean sharp lines and perfect joins.

The only two bits of advice i would give is, don't use a turned knob, make a handle that is unique to you, and rebate the base into the box.

I used a different approach to the same problemDSCN0124.jpgDSCN0126.jpg

I think that if you start putting things on top of the box, or the sides for that matter, you will lose the beauty of the timbers.

Stand back and look at it and honestly tell yourself "It's got to have more on it." Perhaps all it needs are two small dimples (one on each side) at the front of the side panels to help open the lid. These you would make with a countersink router bit.

Regards,

Rob

I agree with what has basically been said: the appeal in those boxes is the simplicity letting the timber speak for itself.

Personally I like to rebate the bottom into the sides so it's not visible, but with these boxes it balances the lid.

If I was to add any embellishment at all, it would be simple stringing around the joint at the bottom of the box to minimise the contrast between boards there... and, to balance it, a similar piece inlaid around the top lip.

Then a nice, simple handle made from a timber to colour match the stringing.

I like your idea for dimples Rob! I can open these easily enough, but it might be tough for someone with smaller hands who can't bridge across the whole box, without a handle or dimples to help.

Skew, I was thinking about stringing but I wonder if it'd make them look unbalanced - I intentionally rabbeted the base and lid to the same depth so they match. I wonder now if the symmetry is a bit too much!

Originally Posted by rtyuiop

I intentionally rabbeted the base and lid to the same depth so they match. I wonder now if the symmetry is a bit too much!

This is a personal choice only but i would only rebate the lid and base as you have done if the two timbers are contrasting solid colours.