| Project by Don | posted 582 days ago | 972 views | 4 times favorited | 11 comments |  |
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Here’s one more box made from a recycled River Red-gum fence post. In Australia, this wood is still used for that purpose because of the wood’s resistant to rot and insect infestation. Whenever I see old fences being torn down, I ask for the fence posts. They are usually free for the taking. However, it is necessary to allow the wood to dry out for at least six months before milling.
This one is designed with simplicity in mind. It features hand-made wooden hinges, and Tasmanian Oak trim. Because the original fence post was only 90mm in width and I needed a piece 140mm wide to make the top, I edge-glued the top from two pieces. On one side the match is fairly good on the underside it is less so.
I love to feature wood with natural ‘flaws’. It’s a matter of letting the wood do the talking. However, if the flaw threatens the integrity of the piece, I tend to use an epoxy mix to fill and strengthen the wood. You can see this on the underside of the lid.
The joinery in this small box, one of my design, is half-blind dovetail. The top trim piece is mitered to cover the ‘butt-joint’ effect of the joint. I now use 4mm birch ply for the bases of all my boxes. I find it easy to match the color of the bottom panel to the primary wood using a water-based tint.
CCA
-- CanuckDon "I just love small wooden boxes!" http://www.canterburybaptist.org/
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11 comments so far
dennis mitchell
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2826 posts in 720 days
posted 581 days ago
Your work is beautiful! I’m envious of all your native wood.
-- http://www.woodsongsfurniture.com
stoffer
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4 posts in 546 days
posted 538 days ago
Nice box and I like the idea of reclaimed wood with more “soul” than the stuff from the lumber yard. The wooden hinges are interesting. Ever thought about making them intergal to the lid and back as opposed to separate pieces glued in?
Don
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2586 posts in 582 days
posted 538 days ago
Stoffer, I’m not sure how you would do that. If you do, please explain.
-- CanuckDon "I just love small wooden boxes!" http://www.canterburybaptist.org/
WayneC
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5690 posts in 503 days
posted 469 days ago
This is a really wonderful box Don. I love the wood.
-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov
Jeff
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945 posts in 499 days
posted 465 days ago
Very nice Don. I’m a fan of the wooden hinge. I have not tried those yet. Nice contrast with the Tasmanian Oak.
-- Jeff, St. Paul, MN
Obi
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2141 posts in 642 days
posted 465 days ago
I’m really gonna have to buy one of them Hinge Jig thingies…
-- http://ye-olde-cabinet-shoppe.com/
bkhop
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55 posts in 473 days
posted 465 days ago
I’ve been wondering about one of the hinge-making jigs, too. What I’ve really been curious about, though, is does one really need to have the jig? Could it be done with a little bit of ingenuity without the jig?
-- † Hops †
Chip
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1058 posts in 498 days
posted 465 days ago
Obi & Hops – made mine without the jig (see my projects). Look the system over and then you can piece together everything for much less money.
-- Better to say nothing and be thought the fool... then to speak and erase all doubt.
Bill
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2508 posts in 567 days
posted 465 days ago
Such a great looking box Don. I like the nice woodgrain, the color, and those wonderful hinges.
-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com
oscorner
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4576 posts in 716 days
posted 451 days ago
Beautiful and rot and insect resistant too!
-- Jesus is Lord!
Dick Cain
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4413 posts in 705 days
posted 451 days ago
Thanks Don,
Someday I’m going to try some box making. It’s a good way to use up some small wood pieces.
-- Dick Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1