Project Information
I'm a retired school teacher and have been for many years. When your old principal calls and asks you to build some boxes for his grandsons you still consider that an order. Just kidding, my old principal is one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. I was lucky to have been a staff member in his school. So, I considered it an honor to build the 3 boxes for the boys. Several years ago I purchased the wood from his family farm. I suggested he might think about building something from the wood. As years went by the farm sold. His wife of 59 years recently passed away and he was heart broken. It was early fall and he remembered my offer about the wood. He called and asked about making boxes for his 3 grandsons for Christmas. I new he was hurting, I new COVID 19 was a huge concern, but decided to take the risk. I suggested we build the boxes together. He stated, "But I no nothing about woodworking and not sure about using power tools". So, week after week he came over. We would reminisce for an hour or so and then go down to the shop. As I cut parts; he'd watch, sand or practice using the wood burner to write the boys names. Then I'd send him home. We spent a lot more time talking and little time building; that was okay. It was therapeutic for both of us. In between each visit, I'd work on the boxes.
The first box was made of worm ridden Ash using Walnut splines and inlays. The top has 2 dado-ed splines as place holders on the under side. The inlays on the top are thin strips of walnut placed between boards cut on the bandsaw and glued together (Squiggles I call them). 4 1/4' x 9 3/4" x 12 1/4' x 5/8" Finished in a hand rubbed poly method taught by Linda Cook.
The first box was made of worm ridden Ash using Walnut splines and inlays. The top has 2 dado-ed splines as place holders on the under side. The inlays on the top are thin strips of walnut placed between boards cut on the bandsaw and glued together (Squiggles I call them). 4 1/4' x 9 3/4" x 12 1/4' x 5/8" Finished in a hand rubbed poly method taught by Linda Cook.