Thread: Mother's letter box

I reckon it turned out pretty well. You can be proud of your work and if your mom lives it then its a job well done.

Where did you source the hinges and clasp from and what's your feedback on them?

Cheers
Jacques

Nice job. It's one thing to be able to make a nice box, but it's really the finish that brings it to life. As you say, you just can't stop touching it! I've only ever seen those hinges inset from the box sides, placing them as you have on the outside edge would never have occurred to me. You should have lined the bottom, it would have brought an extra level of WOW when you opened the box.

Sounds like you've got a new favourite finish.

Looks great Lance.

Originally Posted by botesmj1

Where did you source the hinges and clasp from and what's your feedback on them?

I got them from McJing, the 95 deg strap hinges at https://mcjing.com.au/categorybrowse...categoryid=138.
As for my feedback, hmmmm, there's a reason they cost $3, and the ones a bit up the page cost $20 a set. Of the three sets I ordered, three or four hinges are bent, so would need to be straightened, but expect they would just break instead. Plus the finish is a little rough and the plating thin (on one the plating wore through from the steel wool). But again, $3 per set.

Originally Posted by aldav

I've only ever seen those hinges inset from the box sides, placing them as you have on the outside edge would never have occurred to me. You should have lined the bottom, it would have brought an extra level of WOW when you opened the box.

Hinges on the edge... . The intention was to inset them from the edge, but when it came to actually do it, I realised I never had a chisel thin enough (or is there another method I'm not aware of?). So this was my solution, and actually adds a bit of interest to the sides I think. If only I'd not put a square ended rebate when the hinge end is round. In hind sight, I could have filed the end of the hinge square too. Oh well. And regarding the lining of the base, yes, you're right. I did think of it, and watched Derek's thread several weeks ago about sourcing leather, but with so many options, I ended up more confused than where I started, so considered this was still a lovely box, and could stand on its own (plus her birthday was in September last year, and with all the oopses and delays, I really wanted to give it to her).

Lance

Very nice box X, great work, totally impressed.

Paul

You should be proud of that effort as it looks smooth and shiny as you have realised. All the joints and fits look very neat.
I think most people do the sockets for those hinges on the Router table so doing them on the side with a chisel is thinking outside the square.
Might have to get myself one of Neil's books if it helps in producing finishes of that level.

Well done with the shellac, looks like you have mastered it.

Regards
Keith

Stunning box, in my eyes you've nailed so many aspects here - timber selection, proportions, definitely finish, one question though, how did you create this detail with the mitre keys (If you don't mind me asking)

2019-04-30 08_16_00-Clipboard01 - IrfanView.jpg

Regards, Jeff

Originally Posted by Jeffen

Stunning box, in my eyes you've nailed so many aspects here - timber selection, proportions, definitely finish, one question though, how did you create this detail with the mitre keys (If you don't mind me asking)

2019-04-30 08_16_00-Clipboard01 - IrfanView.jpg

Regards, Jeff

Thanks Jeff. I did spend a fair bit of time working out the proportions.

Regarding the spline ends, to be honest it's a little like "The Elves and the Shoemaker". I do some basic prep, glue up and the magic happens without my input. That's not helpful though, so let me explain.

I don't have a flat toothed blade for my table saw, so when cutting the spline slot I end up with the wedge featured end. When using a soft wood for the splines, like pine, as long as you push them hard into the corner, the glue will actually swell the edge to fill the wedges!

In this case though, as hard timbers don't swell as much, once I've cut my splines (not the slots), I take a chisel corner and scratch a groove down the back. Naturally it's not going to be a perfect fit, but as long as it's close enough, the swelling of the timber with glue will fill it out nicely. I hope that's clear. If not, I'll take some photos in the workshop for you.

Lance

Thanks Lance, that explains it perfectly.

It's a very nice touch. Even if it's out of necessity

Regards, Jeff

Gee that's come up beautifully, Lance!

I can't recall, but was it at this stage at the 'get together'? The French polishing looks beautiful and really brings out the timber - even 'plain old' Tas oak... Exquisite detail in that.

Well done mate! You've a lucky MIL. Does she get to keep the marking gauge?

Regards Adam

A lucky mother Adam (my MIL isn't that lucky) And no, the marking gauge is still new to me so I certainly kept it! It was just to give an idea of scale.

The box was built, but still needed a couple of coats of French Polish at the get together. No hardware was installed at the time either.

I am very happy with it.

P.S. look out for another post from me, probably tomorrow, showing off my wall hanging shelf project which I just finished this evening. It's hard work trying to stay in your wake

D'oh! It appears my reading skills were not up to par last night

Great stuff, Lance - I look forward to that. Will keep my eye out (and practise my reading in the meantime )

Regards Adam