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Long time no see Lumberjocks! I took a part time job… what the heck was I thinking? Since I retired, I forgot how early 9AM is. :)

I have been working in the shop sporadically, and am always trying to find new designs that will intrigue me and are within my limited skill set. On a recent trip to see my newest grandchild, I saw some Asian style boxes at an art store. I liked the look, and tried to remember some details to incorporate into my boxes when I got home.

This box is called "Yin Yang". In Chinese philosophy, yin and yang describes how opposite or contrary forces are actually complementary, interconnected, and interdependent in the natural world, and how they give rise to each other as they interrelate to one another.

Here I have utilized a pair of frolicking fish to demonstrate the concept. I lasered them with a CNC machine.


The box is roughly 6" x 6" made of Cherry, with 9" legs of solid Afromosia. The lid is curly Maple with an Afromosia pull. Since the box is square, the lid will fit in any direction, but fits best on one side. To point that out I added a walnut circle on one side to show how to place the lid facing front.


I put rails inside to hold a tray, perhaps for earrings, rings, etc. The tray matches the box, and has decorative and structural splines. It, like the box itself is lined with suede leather.


I beveled the lid to give it an Asian feel, and hope that the overall appearance is pleasing. I think I pretty well achieved what I was trying to do. The legs were a first for me. I did a partial rip on two sides to make the "L" shape to wrap around the box corners, then beveled one side on the band saw… followed by lots of sanding.


I found it difficult to get a perfect fit on the corners after sanding. I glued the legs and dowelled them on one side to ensure contact and stability. I was please with the end result. I will try to sell it at a future sale.


I learn something with every box. Once in a while I get stuck, and I still make mistakes. That's why I have Boxguy on speed-dial. :) I hope you like it, and I will try to work less and play (post) more. Thanks for looking!

Gallery

Comments

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looks great, Jerry. the engraving on the front adds a real nice appeal
 

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Al would be proud.

Did the part time job cover the cost of the CNC? LOL!
 

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Nice project. I like the 2 fish.
 

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Jerry, this is really beautiful. I like the tapered legs. The curves at the bottom and the angle on the top really help to sell this look.

Thanks for the "shout out" in the post. The photography is wonderful, as always. The story was fun to read. I made a jig for the table saw that cuts tapered legs out of one piece of wood. I'll show it to you when we find time to do some shop stuff together.

Lumberjocks is a little short on articles about Oriental Philosophy. I am glad you are helping to fill that gap. Wabi-Sabi was my addition in this category.
Did you do the laser work? Keep boxing and keep posting.
 

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WOW !!!

Small world. I'm working on an animated Yin-Yang meditation lamp.
Should be up and running on LumberJocks in a couple weeks.

Too bad that your box just sits there. :)
 

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Love everything about it, has a Zen quality.
 

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Thanks everyone. When I sit in my easy chair and look at the many boxes decorating my family room, I like to see variety. I try to never repeat a box exactly. Sizes differ, materials differ, and interiors differ. I like making trays and building in dividers. I think they make a box more useful.

Al, I pulled a design off of the Web, saved it to a thumb drive, sized it to the box front and pushed the button. :)

Thomas, it is better to have friends with good equipment than to buy high dollar electronic tools. ;-)

John, If you design a box that will bring me a drink and a snack may I borrow the plans?
 

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That's a great looking box! I like the Asian look of it, the tapered legs, and the fish carving!
 

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Gorgeous work, Jerry! Very, very nice!
 

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Beautiful design with those corner legs.
 

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What a unique and creative nice looking box.
 

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Beautiful box, your attempt at an Asian design theme was highly successful - from the overall design to the Yin-Yang "Koi" fishes. Don't be surprised if you have requests for more after this one sells. Thanks for sharing
 

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Neat little box.

Happened across this pic while surfing the 'net the other day. Maybe it fits. maybe not? LOL
.
.
 

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That's purdee cool Jerry
 
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