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Project Information

African Blackwood is a very dense and very heavy wood, weighing in at 79lbs/ft dried weight. It has quite a dulling effect on router bits but, is excellent to work using card scrapers and sandpaper. I attempted to get the dimensions of these blocks as close to .4375×1.31255×2.625 as possible. They will stack up to 8 blocks high, end on end, so I probably got pretty close.

The proportions I used on these, thickness x 3 = width x 2 = height, I got from an article by Scott Wunder. Ideal proportions for stacking, lining up to tip over like dominos, etc. Made from blackwood they feel good in the fingers and have a great sound when clinked together.

The Bloodwood box, I made specifically for 45 of these blocks. It took a while to figure out ways to get the blocks and the box sized for an ideal fit. The box lid will fit upside down to create a flat platform for stacking blocks on top.

Edit. picture quality went south after posting.

Gallery

Comments

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Gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous.
 

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Please upload larger pictues, this appears to be a really stunning box, but I just can't tell.
 

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+1 Jerry, bigger is better!
 

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I wanted the box to last for a long time so I cut the bloodwood into strips and laminated for stability. Except for the posts. Mortice and tenon joinery.
 

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585 Posts
Extremely neat project.

Very pretty.

Someone will have many hours of enjoyment just stacking and changing the stacks too.
 

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5,826 Posts
This is a magnificent box and I love the design.
 

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Thanks Ralph, they are fun to play around with. I hope whoever gets it enjoys it.

Thanks for the kind words Charles.
 

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This box looks great and was well thought out Dan. Thanks for the extra pictures, it really shows off now.
 

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44 Posts
Nicely done.
 

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Thanks, that size of picture is much better and we can see all the mistakes, .... I mean how good it really is.
 

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Nice design and choice of wood. I'm glad you posted new picks, it shows the quality of your work.
 

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Thanks ruddy, looked at your gallery, again. you sure make some nice boxes.

oldnovice, they're "innovations" ha ha

Thanks John, I'm going to look closer at your puzzle boxes, quite interesting.
 

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Thanks for the bigger pictures. I really like the design and the wood selection. I'm curious what you used for a finish on the box and on the blocks.
 

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Thanks Earl. The blocks I used Howard Feed-N-Wax sanded in with 600 grit wet dry sandpaper. The box I used Watco Danish Oil natural.
 

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I really like your Blackwood box. The design is very creative and the proportions are excellent. I just wish I understood the reason for the blocks. Don't get me wrong, the blocks are aesthetically pleasing, precisely made and finished and certainly add to the beauty of the box. I just wondered..?? Thanks for inspiring
 

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Thanks Joe. My starting idea was to make blocks for my grandson. I wanted something heavy and durable. I visit Gilmer Wood a lot and rummage through their remnant bins. They have a lot of pieces of this blackwood (10s of thousands of pieces) so I thought I would try it and if it worked out they have excellent prices on larger quantities. Better than anywhere else. Now I'm thinking of buying some in a larger quantity.

The size was a bigger than what I thought optimal for say "adult" blocks but, I don't want my grandson to be thinking they are cookies. A smaller size also might be more optimal for the block/box combination and I will soon find that out.

I chose Bloodwood for the box because it is a beautiful wood and I think goes with black. It can be somewhat unstable and that's why I cut it into strips and glued. The grain patterns on Bloodwood are such that this method can add to the appeal. (my opinion).

Anyway, thanks again for your questions, it is what makes this forum worthwhile.
 

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Thanks Dan, for taking the time to answer my question. I certainly agree about this forum. I learn so much from artisans like yourself who are truly talented. Your exciting projects and helpful attitude give those of us who aspire to be better hope. Your family is fortunate too, I'm sure you are an inspiration to them as well. Look forward to seeing your next originative project.

Take Care, Joe.

PS…My world is going to change, my wife is retiring. She'll be home all day and see just how little I really do.
 
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