LumberJocks Woodworking Forum banner

Project Information

I love boxes with unique grains and features. This one is made with maple. It has eye catching designs throughout. The wood is referred to as "Ambrosia Maple."


Now you might think ambrosia is a type of maple. Maybe even a type of wood… but it's not. Ambrosia is a beetle that burrows into a tree leaving a trail of color and tiny holes behind.


The color comes from a fungus that enters with the beetle. Sometimes they call it a bark beetle. Whatever the name, he produces some fantastic work with his travels. I recently began this box as a cremation urn or box. When I got it roughed out it occurred to me that people might not like their loved ones remains in a box riddled with holes. After all would you like a salt shaker full of Uncle Bob's ashes? So I ditched that idea and created this box.

I have tried to bring my box making a step further by paying attention to the little details. My friend Greg that every detail of one's work must be excellent (sorry Greg, couldn't remember it all.) So that's what I'm shooting for.

This box is 12" x 8" x6" and has a matching tray with dividers.

Both have a beige suede lined bottom and brass hinge and chain. It came out pretty well. If everything in this world lines up correctly I hope to sell this box for around $200. Most of my woodworking is done for fun, but I need to get some of my boxes to good homes so I can fund my habit.


So that's my lesson on the Ambrosia Beetle and the result of his travels. The colors and designs he leaves are among my very favorites!

Gallery

Comments

· Registered
Joined
·
215 Posts
beautiful box. You found a beautiful piece of wood and used it very effectively.
 

· Banned
Joined
·
2,577 Posts
That is a great looking box Jerry. The Ambrosia Maple is some really nice looking wood. I just learned something new about the bug that gives it the grain color it has… Unique how all the bug holes show up in the darker part of the grain…
It is interesting how so many woods are more prevalent and popular in some areas than in others. No lumberyards around here carry it…even with the ease of shipping.
Hope you sell it easily. Are you planning on participating in any more shows? I remember that you and Al were not satisfied with the results of the show yall" did a while back…Persistence pays off…!
 

· Registered
Joined
·
20,030 Posts
Great looking boxes.

Mugs made with ambrosia maple are my best sellers.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
434 Posts
Jerry, this is great work. I like everything about it…the wood, the overall design, the arches at the bottom, the finish, the tray, the dividers, the cloth liners, the way the grain wraps around the box, the proportions. Beautiful stuff. The salt shaker image made me laugh out loud. Keep boxing and keep posting.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
2,584 Posts
You can't beat the beauty of ambrosia lumber. Great job on the build. The splines look like zebra wood.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
60 Posts
Thanks for the lesson on the beetles. The arches on the feet are a great touch that makes this box really stand out.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
2 Posts
This is one great looking box. Love the wood/patter/grain/finish. Great job
 

· Registered
Joined
·
380 Posts
Love the box…design, wood and detail. If you can't get more than $200 for this box then you must have some mighty poor buyers around you.

We have a local mill about 40 miles from here that mills a lot of this kind of Maple but they call it "Bark Pocket Maple". Do you think it is the same wood? They don't sell it for as much as the clear Maple. I guess not everyone sees the beauty of the pockets and staining from the fungus. I gotta get up there soon and pick up some more.

Does this beetle attack other trees and how much is this beetle like the one killing all the pines in the Rockies?
 

· Registered
Joined
·
5 Posts
Nicely done box. Ambrosia Maple is one of my favorite woods.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
756 Posts
Beautiful! You did an outstanding job matching up the corners. It's that kind of detail that really takes a box from nice to spectacular!

I really appreciate the ambrosia explanation.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
189 Posts
just fabulous, love the ambrosia maple
 

· Registered
Joined
·
32 Posts
Very nice box.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
87 Posts
Thanks everyone! Your nice words keep me going!

Greg,I don't think I will do more shows. Of course I'd like to sell boxes, and shows are a way to cut out the middleman, but I HATE the waiting. I am a type A with a capital A. My wife would be happy to sit at a booth all weekend, so maybe we will, with me escaping from time to time.

Al, I don't have to tell you how instrumental you are in my box building evolution. Not many people have such a helpful and sharing mentor. Thanks for everything.

Dave, those splines are Zebrawood. Another of my favorites. Thanks!

OldWrangler, I don't know, but I'd bet it is the same type of wood. Maybe a different variety, but the same effect. I bought mine in Virginia and brought it home in suitcases. I would say it is similar to Monte's beetle kill pine, but I don't think these guys kill the trees. I am not sure though.

I appreciate all of your comments very much.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
522 Posts
beautiful box Jerry, the grain pattern on that wood is awesome.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
7,502 Posts
It is a beautiful site.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
12 Posts
How can I get some Ambrosia Beetles into my wood pile? Love the wood coloration. Nice box. Good eye for choosing it. Thanks for sharing your project and the information on Ambrosia Beetles.
 
Top