| Project by Joe Brumley | posted 179 days ago | 801 views | 8 times favorited | 16 comments |  |
 |
In August of 2008, just before I started my new job, I took a weekend veneer class with Bill Hull at the Marc Adams School of woodworking. The course focused on veneering techniques by applying them to this little jewelry box. We used veneer bags so while I learned that veneering is tricky the bags make it a lot easier. The class was great and Bill is a great instructor and super nice person. Even in the hectic weekend class he still had time to field each question.
I finally got around to putting a finish on it and attaching the lid this past weekend. I was going to shellac it and try a french polish but I found this really nice wax that has a lavender scent and just couldn’t resist. I have also never used wax and since this was a little box I thought it would be easier. It took about an hour and a half to apply the finish and buff it out. I used a heat gun to melt the wax into the wood. That worked really well for getting it in the corners too. I am pretty pleased with how the finish worked out so now I will see how well it stands up to use.
The only noticeable flaw is in the top. I had the piece of veneer sitting under one of the veneer covers that we were using and one of the helpers grabbed and ripped the piece of veneer. I could have gotten a new piece but since it was learning situation I tried to use veneer tape and pull up the rip. Well that worked initially but as the glue dried the crack opened up and that is how it stayed. I tried to fill it with some sawdust and epoxy but that did not work either. I know what to do next time though.
For the photos I decided to try Blake’s technique of using a piece of dark velvet for the photo background. Thanks, Blake. I look all professional now.
-- Joe, Indiana, http://www.crookedshack.com
16 comments so far
savannah505
home | projects | blog
893 posts in 338 days
posted 179 days ago
Very nice and clean look, great job.
-- Dan Wiggins
woodworm
home | projects | blog
5811 posts in 342 days
posted 179 days ago
Beautiful.
You look professional woodworker too – not only as a photographer.
-- Regards, Woodworm - KL, MY.
pashley
home | projects | blog
448 posts in 469 days
posted 179 days ago
Very nice. You used a nice proportion of dark wood to light wood as well.
-- http://newmissionworkshop.com
CharlieM1958
home | projects | blog
6680 posts in 970 days
posted 179 days ago
Nice looking box, and that black velvet sets it off wonderfully.
-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"
SPalm
home | projects | blog
833 posts in 633 days
posted 179 days ago
My my, that is just stunning. Beautiful design.
Note to self: Learn to veneer.
Thanks,
Steve
-- Stevethepeeve -- I'm no rocket surgeon
SPalm
home | projects | blog
833 posts in 633 days
posted 179 days ago
Questions: Did you veneer the endgrain of the top too? What is the substrate?
-- Stevethepeeve -- I'm no rocket surgeon
Douglas Bordner
home | projects | blog
3316 posts in 815 days
posted 179 days ago
I love it! Like Savannah said it has a clean line to it and exudes simple elegance. Did you through-pin the lid for your hinging? Is it possible to take a side shot?
Anyway, congratulations on an awesome box. I hope the wax alone will serve you well.
-- "Bordnerizing" perfectly good lumber for over a decade.
Dominic Vanacora
home | projects | blog
502 posts in 621 days
posted 179 days ago
The frist thing I noticed was the carved handle, it really stands out for me. And the Veneering, If you didn’t tell me that it was veneered I would not have believed it. You did a great job.
-- Dominic, Trinity, Florida...Lets be safe out there.
Chips
home | projects | blog
50 posts in 464 days
posted 179 days ago
Great Box
-- Make every day the best day of your life. Chips, Mississippi
Les Hastings
home | projects | blog
866 posts in 525 days
posted 179 days ago
Awesome job Joe!
-- Les, Wichita, Ks. (I'd rather be covered in saw dust!)
Dennis Zongker
home | projects | blog
774 posts in 343 days
posted 178 days ago
Great looking box!
-- Dennis Zongker
Blake
home | projects | blog
2560 posts in 626 days
posted 178 days ago
Beautiful!
-- Check out my new website! http://www.blakeweberwoodworking.com
Joe Brumley
home | projects | blog
62 posts in 533 days
posted 174 days ago
Thanks everyone. I can’t take all of the credit though because this is a project from a weekend class and the instructor came up with the design and the wood. Spalm the lid is veneered on both faces and both ends. The substrate for the top is 1/2” birch plywood and the substrate for the front and back is maple. The maple was used so that we did not have to veneer the visible edge. Yes, Douglas, it is through-pinned using a brass pin. Here are a couple of shots:
-- Joe, Indiana, http://www.crookedshack.com
Douglas Bordner
home | projects | blog
3316 posts in 815 days
posted 174 days ago
Thanks for the follow up Joe. I am currently favoring this style of box lid, and that shot was very helpful.
-- "Bordnerizing" perfectly good lumber for over a decade.
rikkor
home | projects | blog
11345 posts in 626 days
posted 174 days ago
It’s a beautiful box. The crack in the veneer is not evident in the photo.
sry
home | projects | blog
89 posts in 359 days
posted 158 days ago
Great work Joe. I’m planning a jewelry box project right now, and will definitely have to borrow some inspiration from this box.
Just out of curiosity, what did you think of your class at Marc Adams?
-- Steve -- Cleveland area, Ohio