Thread: Thank you Mr. Gehry - New box WIP

That is thinking outside the box!

Alex.....I'm looking forward to your Möbius Strip box

Just take the Gehry and add a twist; I mean, how hard can it be?

The fairing wasn't as difficult as I thought it might be. A lot of it could be started with pattern makers rasps, which leave a reasonably smooth finish. By smooth, I mean it doesn't have big grooves in it. However, some parts, especially on the inside, could only be reached by riffler rasps. These have to be used lightly, or the teeth will leave grooves that will be difficult to remove.

After the rasps, I smoothed the surfaces using a kidney-shaped scraper. Many people have never used a scraper, but for my money they are one of the most useful tools around.

After scraping, the inside and outside were sanded. I started on the inside with 80 grit, which was really the last part of the fairing, to remove any remaining rough or high spots. I then sanded the inside using medium and fine flapper wheels. this was much easier than hand sanding the inside with 120 & 240 grit. From 240 to 800 grit, I hand sanded inside & out, using a firm foam rubber sanding block.

I then routed rebates for the lid and bottom, using a bearing-guided cutter (CMT 835-501-11) , gave everything a coat of shellac and lightly sanded with 800 grit again.

GB6.jpg

GB5.jpg

I cut a 5mm bottom panel from southern silky oak, to the shape traced from the carcass. This was also sanded, shellacked and re-sanded.

To hold the bottom panel in place, I glued up a single row of blocks to fit the base of the carcass. This was carefully put through the drum sander, and the inside was smoothed, before gluing it to the carcass.

GB7.jpg

When the glue is dry, I'll smooth and fair the bottom to the sides. Next, I'll have to make a lid, but I haven't come up with a final design yet. I'll be away for a couple of days, so perhaps I'll be inspired while I'm away.

Complete 2.jpgCpmplete 10.jpgComplete 1.jpgCompleter 4.jpgComplete 12.jpgWell, it's been a while since I posted anything about this box, because I couldn't work out the best way to treat the lid. Fortunately, when I was having a bit of a clean out, I came across a laminated block that I'd used when I made some heels for a shoemaker.
A few scratches with a pencil and I came up with this idea.
I know it won't be everyone's cup of tea - I'm not even sure if it's mine, yet - but here it is, and I think I'm happy.

Thanks for posting this Alex....As you said, it may not be everyone's cup of tea but for me, I always like to see something different from the usual rectangular style.This is where you test the boundaries and you certainly have with this box. As always inspirational work.

Thanks Ruddy, I was trying to do something a bit different, and think I succeeded.

Fascinating design. Although for some reason it makes me want to store lego in it.

I can appreciate the amount of time and skill to make this.
But I am not a lover of it.
The same for me with the cubism art.
Thanks however for your photos and wip details.
It does make me go hmmm.
So that is good.
Thanks
Lyle.

Like Lyle, I'm not a fan of Frank Gehry's work.
To me it's too much like "let's see if I can design a facade that the engineers can't build so that I get to laugh at them"

Which in no way is to detract from Alex's skill, especially in the way he arranged the different coloured blocks

Amazing job, Alex. I can't help thinking about all the work and precision in joining all those blocks at random angles.

It's not the most beautiful box in the world but then it's not meant to be. It challenges the brain because it's not what a box is supposed to look like.

I'd love to see and hear people's reactions when seeing it on display. Great work.

Peter

Thanks Peter, it's for an exhibition in February.
I made it because I saw the UTS building, which divided opinion, but which I really liked. I wondered how a wonky box would look, so made the carcass, but then it took a long while to come up with the lid. I want people to argue about it.

no argument
I really appreciate the work and craftmanship that went into the box , a masterful piece of work - but it's not me
on the other hand I think the UTS building is rather interesting

and I did wonder whether you may have been block deprived as a child?

btw do you have an item or two at the soon to open Lane Cove showing?

Thanks Nick. I have a couple of small boxes in the Lane Cove exhibition, didn't have time to make anything special.