Thread: Heart-Shaped QLD Maple+Blackwood Jewellery Box - WIP

The top really does blend in well.

The lid routing is done. Just a little sanding to clean up. The lid's a very tight fit, but that will loosen when I sand.
The centre divider in the box is 7mm lower than the perimeter, so I made the lid recess 6.5mm deep. Will be about 6mm after sanding.

I cut some Blackwood for the feet today, too, to match the already-finished knob. (Last pic)
(There will be 3 x 2-piece feet - one in each 'corner'.)

I really love the project haha. I'm interested in how you are getting everything so accurate. Are you doing it all by hand and by eye? I don't see any templates or tracing...

Originally Posted by Evanism

I really love the project haha. I'm interested in how you are getting everything so accurate. Are you doing it all by hand and by eye? I don't see any templates or tracing...

Hello Evanism.

All freehand routing. I thought about making a template, but since I only plan to make one of these in this exact size and shape I didn't bother.

In the case of the lid routing, for instance, I marked the outline, then cut along the line with a craft knife to about 0.5mm depth, then routed in to the knife line, going down about 0.75mm each pass. Nice and shallow passes so the router was easy to steer. (It's one of those 'fingers crossed' operations.)
After the first few passes it gets easier - the router bit can ride (very) lightly along the already-cut edge.

You can see the knife cut line here. It's relatively easy to route in to it.: https://www.woodworkforums.com/attach...erside-lid.jpg

its really great to take the time and read some of these longer threads. I really enjoy reading about the hassles and triumphs youve had and how you hacked through the issues... such as the cracks and CA.

Its also nice to read the thread you had with the band saw. Believe it or not they are incredibly instructive.

Thanks for your effort in detailing your travails (from a relative newbie).

(I like the plunge router component for the dremel, Ive ordered one)

Originally Posted by Evanism

(I like the plunge router component for the dremel, Ive ordered one)

They're really good for fine detail and light work. The Dremel router/shaper table is well worthwhile, too.

That's a really nice box, your work has paid off. I bet the next one is a lot easier. It's good to see attention to detail pay off.

Originally Posted by AlexS

That's a really nice box, your work has paid off. I bet the next one is a lot easier. It's good to see attention to detail pay off.

G'day Alex. Thanks.
It's taking longer than evolution itself, but I'm gradually getting there.

I got the lid pretty well banged into shape tonight.
I was originally planning an inlay on the lid, but have decided to leave it plain, with just the knob for a feature. No point in over-doing it.
Also sanded a bit off the knob to make it shorter and more in proportion with the rest of the box.
I'll do the bottom tomorrow.

That has turned out looking incredible. Love the work in progress.

Originally Posted by Christos

That has turned out looking incredible. Love the work in progress.

G'day Christos. It's starting to look like the box I pictured when I started out. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Ready for glue-up.
I whacked some 1/2" brads around the perimeter of the base, then cut them off just proud of the surface, to avoid slippage during gluing/clamping: -
Attachment 217501


Clamped up: -
Attachment 217502

Front after gluing.
I just need to carefully sand the edges of the base flush with the body tomorrow: -
Attachment 217503

Inside after gluing.
When I wiped off the excess glue with a damp sponge it raised the grain of the QLD Maple quite a bit, so I'll have to sand it smooth again tomorrow: -
Attachment 217504

I started on the feet, too, and got them roughed out.
Leaving them in a strip for now for easier handling, then I'll cut it into the individual bits, (2 per foot), last: -

This has been a great WIP post. Great result.

Originally Posted by Ruddy

This has been a great WIP post. Great result.

Thanks Ruddy. I've tried to show all of the steps along the way.

(Won't be a WIP for much longer, all being well.)