First wood box

**Woodworks** · 18th June 2009, 09:06 AM

Hi All,

this forum is great and really inspired me a lot. So many great works and interesting threads where I can learn a lot.

After many doubts, I have decided to try my first wood box.
Well the idea was to make a gift for my wife, so I hope to get a nice result with this box.

I have selected some nice dry tilia wood for all the parts and some poplar plywood for the base. I would end with a box 30cm W x 20cm D x 10cm H.

First I have prepared the wood by using the plane and the miter saw:

Second step, add some design on the top realizing some cutting:

Now is time for a dry fit test:

All the items match properly and I can proceed to glue all of them.
After some nice rest for the glue (24 hours) I made a cut to get the

After this I have to use the hand saw to completely cut the top from the rest of the box.

Now the main concern is about the finishing and the color. What to do? Any idea, suggestion?

Thanks & regards,
Gio

**Rattrap** · 18th June 2009, 09:29 AM

Several coats of shellac then finish with wax is always my favorite when it comes to jewelery boxes. I'm not familiar with those timbers so i have no idea what colour they finish at after a good shellacking.

**Fencepost2** · 18th June 2009, 06:14 PM

Nice fitting mitres and nice proportions. It looks like a very close grained timber and several coats of shellac and wax would finish it nicely. Are you going to put hinges on it?

**Woodworks** · 19th June 2009, 07:05 AM

Hi Rattrap & Fencepost2,

thanks for your comments, really appreciated.

I like to get a finished product with a nice classical appearance so I have decided to use some walnut color for the box, after this I will use the shellac as suggested.

Cheers, Gio

**jow104** · 19th June 2009, 07:01 PM

Nice handwork there, watchout that the dye and shellac are compatible.

**Christos** · 19th June 2009, 07:21 PM

It looks good. Also good to hear that we have inspired you.

**Woodworks** · 19th June 2009, 08:53 PM

Hi jow104 & Christos,

thank you very much indeed for your comments & suggestion.

Chhers, Gio

**Woodworks** · 19th June 2009, 09:14 PM

Hi All,

some progresses with my project. Smoothing the surfaces with sandpaper with different grade and last with some fine steel wool 000. Here the result:

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p...5-DSC_2116.jpg
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p...6-DSC_2117.jpg
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p...7-DSC_2126.jpg

The idea was to get a box with a classic feeling something like antique wood, so I have decided to color it walnut tone.
The process I have used was to use the color pure (100%) for the first coat; as soon as it was dry i have used some stell wool extra fine 0000 to lightly polish the surfaces till I got back some natual pale color from the wood.
For the last coat I have used the same walnut color but diluted with water. In this way I got a natural walnut appearance. Here the picture:

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p...8-DSC_2134.jpg

After this stage I will install hinges and the lock before moving with the shellac. Hope it will turn out something nice.

Thanks & Regards,
Gio

**Christos** · 19th June 2009, 09:28 PM

I just took a look at your box and all I have to say is

Wow that looks great.

**Woodworks** · 20th June 2009, 09:53 AM

Originally Posted by Christos

I just took a look at your box and all I have to say is

Wow that looks great.

Thanks Christos, you are very kind.
I'll try hard to make this little box looks nice, hope my wife will like it.

Have a great week end,
Gio

**munruben** · 20th June 2009, 06:53 PM

Nice work Gio, I am sure your wife will love it.

**gwambygine** · 20th June 2009, 09:01 PM

Lovely box Gio, and thanks for the photo's. I found the cross section of the lid particularly helpful for a beginner. Could you post a shot when finished of the lid open as well?
Many thanks

**rightendup** · 20th June 2009, 10:29 PM

Woodworks,
Hmmm. Is that really your first box !?
Seems you really know your way around the wood shop.
That's a nice looking box. Do be sure to post the pics of the finished box -OK?

**Woodworks** · 21st June 2009, 12:18 AM

Hi munruben, gwambygine & rightendup,

thanks you very much indeed for your kind comments, really appreciated.

Well, I sincerely wish that my wife love this small box. I'm so anxious to see her expression.

No doubts, very soon I'll post more picture with the finished box. I really want to get feedback and comments so to improve.
You can believe me this is my first attempt to realize a wood box. Never try one before.

I'm totally a beginner in woodworking by really like it, I feel very calm & peacefull when working with wood. I don't know the reason behind but this is wat I like about woodworking. Perhaps is my zen therapy ...

I would wish all of you a great week end.

Cheers,
Gio

**Woodworks** · 22nd June 2009, 07:09 PM

Hi All,

I have completed my box and I really like to share the final result with all of you here.

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p...9-DSC_2136.jpg
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p...0-DSC_2140.jpg
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p...1-DSC_2143.jpg

I'm quite happy with the finishing.
After coloring the wood I have used 5 different coats of shellac and 3 coats of beeswax, I cannot believe my eyes. Here few pictures of some details that I like to share:

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p...2-DSC_2148.jpg
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p...2-DSC_2146.jpg
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p...2-DSC_2147.jpg

It was really nice & funny to buil this little box, I have learned a lot and enjoyed each single step of the process. But the most important reward has been the joy & the appreciation that my wife has shown in getting the gift.

Hope you like this too, and please feel free to let me comments and criticisms that help me to improve.

Cheers, Gio

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