Thread: Madrone Burr Veneered Box

Brian.
That’s absolutely fantastic,love it.

Cheers Matt.

That's one of the nicest looking boxes I've seen, Homey. Well worth the effort that you've obviously put in.

I think I posted some pics of a Madrone tree on one of your other box threads didn't I?

Matt - thanks so much for the very kind comments. I’m thoroughly enjoying your plane build and all the great banter. Working metal - now THAT’S a real skill!

Regards,

Brian

Hi Alex,

Wow! Thank you! Coming from the master that’s a huge compliment! Part of the inspiration for this box came from Andrew C and part from the late Roger Bean. Roger's projects can still be found on the Lumberjocks site - his work was really beautiful. Roger was another who spent time with AC on several occasions.

You’re correct - you did post a pic of a Madrone in another post - difficult to believe such beautiful burr comes from such an odd tree, isn't it?.

Next up I think will be something in Ebony Macassar - another slender tree that produces lovely veneer.

Kind regards,

Brian

This is beautiful. An excellent box.

Where would one obtain Snakewood? I've looked everywhere for it.... but nay!

Also the ultrasuede, is it the Magelite? I've not found a reasonable supplier for it, but its such a silky smooth texture, the perfect choice for boxes.

(Also, Im keeping the top two pictures for reference )

It’s beautiful. Excellent craftsmanship. Well done.

cheers

ajw

Hi woodPixel,

Yes, snakewood is a bugger to find. I try hard to buy timber in Australia but for the exotics I usually go to the UK. Less expensive than the US and you don’t get robbed by Butch and Sundance aka the US Postal Service.

That said, snakewood is extortionately expensive so I keep it for special occasions. When I’m in the UK - every couple of years - I find the cars I rent always have GPS failures such that I end at timber or veneer suppliers. Can’t explain it........

Here are a few places (one with snakewood) just for interest, really:

Snakewood - Snakewood - Turners Retreat

Hardwood Woodshop - Exotic Hardwoods UK LTD

Products Archive - Woodwise UK

Veneer: Capital Crispin Veneer - Veneer

I agree Ultrasuede is difficult to find or at least without giving up a kidney. Right now I’m buying online from South Korea. It isn’t Ultrasuede brand (i.e. the Japanese original) but it is high quality, non-woven and available in various different thicknesses. I prefer 0.5mm or 0.6mm for box lining. Still not cheap, but the best I’ve found so far:

0.5MM ULTRASUEDE MICROFIBER FAUX SUEDE SHOE CLOTHES LINING FRINGE NON FRAY BLACK | eBay

About 25 colours in the 0.5 and a slightly different range in the 0.6

Cheers,

Brian

Hi Brian, a lovely box, very nice indeed. I always admire how you get your linings so perfect.

Paul

Another beautiful box Brian. So neat and classy with all those high end components and you should be well proud of what you have produced.
I might have to invest in some of that NC. Do you get it from the Ebay seller?

Hi Dallas,

Thanks! Yes, I usually buy the Mohawk Nitrocellulose laquer off eBay. There are several sellers in Australia. Mostly I use from the seller lmtc14 (I think this stands for Luthiers Mercantile) or Guitar Australia. Shop around, there can be differences in price. Also worth checking “luthiers supplies” in your search engine.

I use Mohawk MC lacquer over Mohawk Vinyl Sealer. Don’t get put off by the work vinyl - I believe it just refers to a type of resin. Overall the finish comes up well. Touch dry in about a minute.

Mohawk produce lots of products in similar cans so it is worth looking at Mohawk’s site (US) Mohawk | Mohawk Aerosol Systems

Avoid the gloss unless your timber is perfectly grain sealed. On deep grain woods it looks ‘orrible!
Semi-gloss or satin are more forgiving.

Regards,

Brian

Absolutely amazing box with an equally amazing finish.