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This project was all about learning a new skill (Dovetails). The bins will not doubt be very useful but I really wanted to make a full box with dovetailed corners. If they looked terrible well there in the cupboard who cares. I am happy to say that they are very nice. There is a scrap box in the shed full of practice pieces dovetailed together with various degrees of success. I watched many videos and read a lot of articles that explained how to fix them when they are less than perfect (most of mine were). You can see in picture six some of the repair work. I finally picked out some Maple and Mahogany and started on this simple project and was very happy with my success. It was really time consuming to make all those dovetails but the result is square and very solid.

Even my son with his one year of high school wood shop is impressed. The second box is me finishing a jig I started long ago to make box joints. It was more accurate and way faster than the dovetails. This is a great learning project, I highly recommend it.

Maple and African Mahogany, Birch 1/4 bottom. Finish is whip on poly (4 coats) with 1 coat of wax.

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Comments

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89 Posts
Excellent box joints and dovetails. Especially, for taters and onions. Every time you reach for one, you'll feel you're making a high quality meal. Beautiful work. Thanks
 

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232 Posts
Wow! If this is your first attempt at hand-cut dovetails you have NOTHING to be ashamed about! These are really good.

I also like the box joints - to me they look better on a box than dovetails since all four sides are balanced better.

The wood used is really nice as well - nice contrast. I would be proud to display these boxes in the open and not closed up inside of a closet. :)

If I may make one note apart from the joints - if you would have used a smaller hand-hole or even an external handle you could have fit more in each box. The hand holes look really large.

Great job!

-bob
 

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19 Posts
Good choice of lumber, and nicely done!
 

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11,346 Posts
Bob,
In looking at picture three, the one showing them in the pantry, and judging the size next to that package of buns, it appears that the holes sized for a comfortable hand fit. They look big cuz the boxes are small.
 

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19 Posts
Like 'em. Nice to both get practice at a new skill and create something useful and beautiful. Enjoy!
 

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I think they look fantastic. If these are your first, I'd hate to see you in a few years. Excellent job.
 

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3,487 Posts
I have several different small boxes made with Maple and Mahogany. I really like the contrast of those two woods.. Nice work!
 

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1,833 Posts
Well done the joints look great!
 

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18 Posts
Maybe the degree of success varies but overall it's excellent.
Next one would be really sharp.
 

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100 Posts
Very nice, practice makes perfect, we are all practicing, for some first attempts those are some good looking joints, I like your box designs and wood combination, thanks for sharing
 

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24 Posts
These bins are awesome! Nice work on the joinery! Keep up the good work!

-Will
 
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