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I built this comissioned piece for an old high school friend Shawndee. Tragically, both of her husband's parents passed recently within 1 month of each other. Jeff wanted me to build a very nice box that would respectfully house both of his parents' ashes during their burial at sea. He wants to keep it to remember them by after the ceremony. I worked hard to make the piece as nice as possible. Originally, he wanted a burl box, but when he didn't want veneers and learned the true cost of burl, he said to do my best. So I combed thru all of the wood I had laying around and put together this.

I used figured Pacific Maple for the front & back. The sides, base, and dividers are figured mahogany. The bottom is solid 5/16" walnut. The top frame I believe is ribbon Sepele with a beautifully beeswing-like figured hard maple panel. The corner wedges are wenge, and the latch is ebony. That makes 7 different woods.
Finished in Deft lacquer, except the Ebony which I used an B.L. oil + turpentine blend.

I am especially happy with the ebony flexi-latch which works superbly. I have about 35 hours into it.

He saw emailed pics last night and loved it.

I only hope this project will, in some small way, lessen their pain in this difficult time.

Here is a youtube video showing the latch in action;

Thanks for looking all.

Gallery

Comments

· Registered
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1 Posts
Nice box, sad story. The video on the latch is great.It really shows how solid it locks.

Bott. Ca.
 

· Registered
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48 Posts
Beautiful box. I hope it brings them comfort.

Like the video of the latch.
 

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2,088 Posts
Beautiful! I like the latch- will file it for future reference. Thanks for sharing.
 

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2,577 Posts
Great box for your friend during this sad times. He will remember it forever.
 

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1,466 Posts
The simple elegance of your box is outstanding! Your use of wood and grain is excellent! Sad use for it but a beautiful keepsake.
 

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1,575 Posts
Wonderful Work, my Friend…
That latch is a terrific idea… very well done
 

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156 Posts
A very nice rememberance for your friends husband. Fantastic job, and that latch is awsome!
 

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1 Posts
What a beautiful box, and that latch is Brilliant!!
 

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513 Posts
Great work to help a friend through a tough time. BTKS
 

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1,517 Posts
A really nice box.
Sadly I'm sitting with my Mums ashes as my Dad wants his to be put together with hers.
This looks a great solution.
What are the dimensions?

Jamie
 
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