| Project by Joe Brumley | posted 306 days ago | 934 views | 9 times favorited | 16 comments |  |
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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
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971 posts in 464 days
posted 306 days ago
Very nice and clean look, great job.
-- Dan Wiggins
woodworm
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7821 posts in 468 days
posted 306 days ago
Beautiful.
You look professional woodworker too – not only as a photographer.
-- masrol, kuala lumpur, MY.
pashley
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495 posts in 595 days
posted 305 days ago
Very nice. You used a nice proportion of dark wood to light wood as well.
-- http://newmissionworkshop.com
CharlieM1958
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7459 posts in 1096 days
posted 305 days ago
Nice looking box, and that black velvet sets it off wonderfully.
-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"
SPalm
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921 posts in 760 days
posted 305 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
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921 posts in 760 days
posted 305 days ago
Questions: Did you veneer the endgrain of the top too? What is the substrate?
-- Stevethepeeve -- I'm no rocket surgeon
Douglas Bordner
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3415 posts in 942 days
posted 305 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
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504 posts in 747 days
posted 305 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
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55 posts in 590 days
posted 305 days ago
Great Box
-- Make every day the best day of your life. Chips, Mississippi
Les Hastings
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948 posts in 651 days
posted 305 days ago
Awesome job Joe!
-- Les, Wichita, Ks. (I'd rather be covered in saw dust!)
Dennis Zongker
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1005 posts in 470 days
posted 305 days ago
Great looking box!
-- Dennis Zongker
Blake
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2715 posts in 752 days
posted 304 days ago
Beautiful!
-- Check out my new website! http://www.blakeweberwoodworking.com
Joe Brumley
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63 posts in 660 days
posted 301 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
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3415 posts in 942 days
posted 301 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
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11338 posts in 752 days
posted 300 days ago
It’s a beautiful box. The crack in the veneer is not evident in the photo.
sry
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137 posts in 486 days
posted 285 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 -- University Heights, Ohio