and one for Don

the black is the natural colour of the wood?? – thus called blackwood? neat-o.

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (https://www.facebook.com/DebbiePribele, Young Living Wellness )

Nice! Is it hinged?, lift off lid? Finish. Details please. Other box-hounds need to know!

-- "Bordnerizing" perfectly good lumber for over two decades.

Nice boxwork Rob. It looks like Don’s teachings are rubbing off on folks here!

I agree with Doug, details details.

-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com

Hi all,

This box was a collaborative effort by myself and three other wood workers. One from Tasmania. The box was to have strap hinges, the blanks for which can be seen in the third pic. We ran out of time so my Tasmanian friend took it with him and was going to add internal concealed hinges. I really would have preffered to finish the straps. I like the idea of no metal involved in my box construction.
I can tell you, however, how it was constructed and the finish used.
The box was made using resawn and planed Red Gum and Blackwood at a depth of 15mm. The finger joints were made using a Leigh D4R 1/4” finger joint comb. In retospect, I’d rather have made 1/8” fingers, which are done on the same comb, but with a slightly different set up. I always use spiral upcut bits for finger joints. You get cleaner more accurate cuts. As I was limited in just how much timber I could take off the blackwood, the fingers are cut as asymmetrical and my intention was to plane off the extra very thin fingers after finishing.
The finish was Scandinavian oil and the process was the same as detailed at;

http://www.burrellcustomcarpentry.com/gpage1.html

The blackwood showed the sander swirlies prominently, so I changed to Random Orbital at 240g and slowed the speed to mark 4 on the speed adjustment. Worked like a dream.

I think that’s all. If you want more just ask, I am always happy to spread my limited skills and knowledge about.

Regards,

Rob

-- http://www.damnfinefurniture.com

Great box. A nice job.

I noticed the finger joints on the end panel seem to be reversed from the front to the back. Real small and middle small and full size.

-- I've been blessed with a father who liked to tinker in wood, and a wife who lets me tinker in wood. Appomattox Virginia [email protected] †

Thanks, Mate! This is a superbly executed example of simplicity at its best. What a treat to start out the week, Rob, because I just love small wooden boxes.

-- CanuckDon "I just love small wooden boxes!" http://www.dpb-photos.com/

Nice work! Something very appealing about a well mad small box. I like the wood, finish and construction details!

-- http://foldingrule.blogspot.com

Outstanding box Rob. Well executed. Don, is that you?? You look different – actually MUCH BETTER :-)).

-- Bill - "Suit yourself and let the rest be pleased." http://www.cajunpen.com/

Hi Karson,
Yes there is some variation in size at the top and bottom of the panels. This is due to the following.
When using a box jointing jig, because the spacing is rigid, you can only work with set timber widths. e.g. 6 joints may require a 4” width for symmetrical and 4.5” for assymetrical. (example only) So if you happen to have a piece that doesn’t meet the required spec, you have to trim it to size. The M’Bimbi was at neither of the required widths and given that I only had three pieces and it’s worth $$$, I decided to play inventor and let my creative juices have a go. It would have been possible to plane the top edges to eliminate the wafers of blackwood, but we just didn’t get around to it this would have matched the bottom of one panel with the top of its neighbour. The guy from Tassie was so blown away by the mirror finish, I had to prise the box out of his hands to take the photos!!! I think it has actually come out looking reasonable, but I can assure you, it does not meet my usual standards. Very well spotted sir!

Regards,

Rob

-- http://www.damnfinefurniture.com

As with Don, I really enjoy the simplicity of a box like this. It makes you focus on the wood grain and the joinery. Nice Rob and thanks for posting.

-- Better to say nothing and be thought the fool... then to speak and erase all doubt!

Nothing weird about little boxes. I make spectacles cases, now that’s pretty small- about 6” by 3” by 1.5”. Variations, thereon. I’ll have to post some, soon. I really like the looks of this box. What are the dimensions, please?

-- Steven.......Random Orbital Nailer

Hi AtomJack,

The dimensions of the box are approx 300mm long x 150mm wide x 65mm high.

Regards,
Rob

-- http://www.damnfinefurniture.com