Mahogany and Tiger Maple Box

Looks great to me! Every project is an opportunity to learn (at least that is my experience).

I agree it looks great. I’m also learning something new with almost every project. Only wish I had someone to pass it onto.

Oooo! Nice little box Duff! I like it!

Hey Duff .. Have you seen the box clamps that Klaus posted. You might like to make a set of his clamps; they work great! He also posted free plans. I made a set and they are very helpful holding every thing square when gluing up your box.

http://lumberjocks.com/projects/303162

-- St Augustine FL, Experience is the sum of our mistakes!

Nice box!

-- Ron, Northern Illinois

Well made box and appealing.

I like the wood combinations.

-- Wood rescue is good for the environment and me! just rjR

This is a beautiful box and so nicely done

helluvawreck aka Charles
http://woodworkingexpo.wordpress.com

-- helluvawreck aka Charles, http://woodworkingexpo.wordpress.com

That’s a great looking box—my advice is to just keep doing what you’re doing!

-- Dean -- "Don't give up the ship -- fight her 'till she sinks!" Capt James Lawrence USN

Thanks everybody. Tony, thanks for the link to the box clamps! I’m still curious as to if I should use sanding sealer prior to applying finish.

-- You have to go on and be crazy. Craziness is like heaven - Jimi Hendrix

Duff, I use a lacquer base sanding sealer if I want a fine finish. It seals the wood so the finish levels out better. It also coats the fine wood fiber so they sand off easier for a smoother base finish. A very light sanding careful not to sand through the sealer.
Have fun! Work safe!

-- St Augustine FL, Experience is the sum of our mistakes!

Thanks again Tony.

-- You have to go on and be crazy. Craziness is like heaven - Jimi Hendrix

Nice box. Pre stain conditioner works good to level out stain to keep it from getting blotchy like you get on birch.

Jim

-- Jim Jakosh.....Practical Wood Products...........Learn something new every day!! Variety is the Spice of Life!!

Another beaut Duff!
Lately I’ve been avoiding any stain/dye coloring on my projects simply due to how different woods can react and ruin my day. When I use maple, It’s typically the color I’m after so nothing more than oil, if any, then followed by a clear topcoat. In the cases where I don’t use oil, I’ll apply a sealer for the effects Woodshaver espouses. Oil does a wonderful job popping any special grain you use and it is dead simple to apply.