My first box of sorts

That’s a great box. I find boxes aren’t that simple, this one definitely wouldn’t be. I guess the only minor criticism would be the grain pattern doesn’t line up as you go around the box (picture #5). If you cut all 4 sides from one long board, 3 of the 4 grain patterns in the corners would line up. I learned that from reading Andys Art box blog. Great post, thanks for sharing.

-- Alan, Prince George

Looks great. The wood for the lid looks great.

-- If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail!

Thanks Alan—I started with the rosewood which was a 3×3x12 turning blank then split it and added the maple and walnut and then resawed the slabs which after reading and listening to other stuff on box making I wish I had paid a bit more attention to.

-- Jeff - Dayton, OH

Very nice looking box. Maybe we can only see the 4th, or last side.

I like it, specially the walnut and maple insets in the side of the box, that really makes it unique.

-- Paul, La Center, Washington

Excellent box!

Alan’s comment has me wondering… Did you make your glue up from one long board and then cut it into four pieces to form the sides? If so it should have been easy to do as he said.

On the other hand, maybe three corners do match up, and the one unmatched corner is the one in the photos.

Inquiring minds want to know. :-)

Never mind… you answered while I was typing.

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

Charlie—the sides were taken from a glue up of a 12” turning blank—beginners mistakes—one of those lessons learned!!

-- Jeff - Dayton, OH

Jeff, Great job, no apologies necessary. There have been several good articles in “Fine Woodworking” just in the last few months. If you can get access to them they are great stimulaters. One good finish I use is from Sam Maloff’s writings. 1 part good varnish, 2 parts boiled linseed oil and 3 parts turpentine. Mix it up & let it set overnight. One or more coats make a nice finish.

-- Richard, Pennsylvania

Jeff, actually I frequently don’t even think about grain matching one side of a box to the next. Sometimes I do it, but I find it’s one of those things other woodworkers notice, but “normal” folks don’t.

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

Wonderful
box Jeff great first post keep them comming

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

I’ve been thinking of trying to make some boxes this winter—your work here is inspiring and far better than anything I’ve attempted to date!

-- Bret, Colorado

Jeff, that’s a great looking box, nice combination of woods. Thanks for posting.

-- John @ Myrtle Beach

A unique and very nice design. The contrasting woods also looked really good together. And last but not least you did a great build on it.

-- Mike, American in Norway

great box… be careful this are addicting

-- Paul , Calfornia

Jeff, very nice box….......... I like the design and the wood combination. Simple but elegant.
You chose wood with a really nice grain in it, beautiful.

Like Charlie said, it’s not “that” important” to match the grain all around. It’s the total box in the end that counts and you did a really nice job, thanks for sharing.

-- Gene, Majestic Eagle Woodworks, http://majesticeagleww.etsy.com/, http://www.flickr.com/photos/majesticeagle/

Very nice!

-- Brent Builds Fences in Georgia http://www.profenceworks.com http://www.profenceworks.com/wood_fencing/custom.html

Simple… Yes …Elegant ..Yes … Do we want to see more… Yes.

-- Drink once, cut twice. New website up.... lazylarrywoodworks.com.au

Great looking box Jeff, Beautiful grain . Very good build.

-- Mike, Bruce Mississippi = Jack of many trades master of none

Sorry Jeff, “My first box of sorts” is empty. Somebody left the lid off in those pictures and all the sorts got out. Just send me the empty box and I’ll dispose of it for you!

-- Dan-- Info for all @ http://www.hoistman.com

First off I want to thank everyone for the kind words and encouragement

Dan—It’s on the way!!—I don’t understand how that lid keeps coming off hopefully you’ll have better luck—Oh by the way I’ll need shipping and handling which I figure is about $85—just drop me a check and we’re good to go!!!

-- Jeff - Dayton, OH

Not worth a penny over 84 without the sorts!

-- Dan-- Info for all @ http://www.hoistman.com

Nice looking box…..especially like the wood choices.
If my “first box of sorts” is half as good as yours…...I will be elated!

.......where do you find sorts?

-- Doug, New Mexico.......the only stupid question is one that is never asked!........don't fix it, if it ain't broke!

Doug—Sorts can be bought at Woodcraft but you have to ask for them—they run about $.10 per pound

-- Jeff - Dayton, OH

Box making can be very addictive. On the surface it looks simple, but there are a lot of variations that get interesting real fast. If this is your first, then we’ll be expecting some really nice stuff down the road. The is a very nice box.

-- When you give someone a chance it may well be their last.

great looking box,

how do you like your JET jointer planer? I have a small shop and really small budget so keeping things inexpensive is the way to go for me…