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1 Box of Drawers

Project by GaryK posted 662 days ago 140570 views 67 times favorited 161 comments Add to Favorites Watch

1 BOX OF DRAWERS

This project took 4 days of thinking and 4 weeks of work. My wife has been after me to make a box to
keep all her cross stitching supplies in. Then the “Not just any Box” contest came up. I figured that
I would kill two birds with one stone. The box is a cube 17” square with the feet height of 7/8” and
extending beyond the cube 3/8” on each side. It will fit into an 18” cube. I made it as compact as
I could and still hold all her supplies.

Materials:
Case: mahogany
Front: Quilted maple, ebony and quilted sapel.
Drawer sides, bottoms and dividers: maple plywood.
Drawer front and back: Peruvian walnut
Drawer face: quilted maple, Peruvian walnut, poplar
Feet: Wenge

It’s kind a lot to take in, in just a few pictures so I have included these showing more angles.
For any of the pictures that don’t show up in full you can view them at

http://www.arealnice.com/box2

Here it shows all the drawers open displaying the pin joinery. All drawers have full extension wood
dovetailed slides. Like something that has 24 of anything it gets real boring after a while. After applying
336 pins in the drawers, I hope not to see any for a long time. The ends were dyed and dried before
inserting them into the drawers to avoid any bleeding into the maple sides.
.

.
Here is a closeup showing continuous quilted pattern across all drawer faces and the details
of the corners. The corners were cut 1/8” deep and inlayed with walnut. Then 3 holes were drilled
part way through and filled with poplar dowels. The endgrain on the dowels surprised me with how good
they looked once flushed.
.

.
The following two show the back with and without the doors open. Here I tried to made the
back copy the front as far as the drawer layout was concerned.
.

.

I have included some construction details that I felt might be of interest.

I don’t think I will ever make anything with so many drawers ever again. The full extension dovetailed
drawer slides seemed to take forever!

Here is one
.

.
A close up view
.

.
How the slide stop was done with a peg
.

.
Here is part of it installed in the box:
.

.
And the other part installed on the drawer bottoms
.

.
For the front and back of the drawers I also used walnut. For the fronts it allowed
me to drill through the maple to expose the darker walnut.
.

.

For the drawer handles I drilled through the maple surface into the walnut behind it for a great
contrast. The handles presented another problem. At first I was just going to put little knobs in
the holes, but my wife was going to keep hundreds if different colored thread in there and I wanted
to have it organized so that she could find it easily. The solution was name tags built into the
handles. The slot was the hard part. I started by putting a groove down the length of wood as
seen here:
.

.
Then after cutting it into handle sized pieces I glued a thin 1/16” piece of Laotian Boxwood
on it creating the slot for the label to slide into. The boxbood is great because it is strong
machines great, and is splinter free.
.

.
Here it is completed and the fixture I used to route the window.
.

.
The last thing is the finish on the quilted maple drawer fronts. To get the quilted figure to
really stand out I used a brown water based dye very diluted to about the color of a weak tea.
The dye really soaks into the wood especially the quilt pattern. Then I sanded off just enough
to leave the dye in the quilted pattern. Then applied a oil poly.

I didn’t want any handles on the box so to keep the doors closed I embeded small magnets in
the case and door. The lower drawer is opened using the notch above it.

The feet are made from wenge, and I tried to make it look like the box was floating.

I am leaving for California tomorrow so I will answer any questions when I can get online.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.


161 comments so far

View Paul's profile

Paul

607 posts in 983 days


posted 662 days ago

O my goodness man!

That’s just crazy beautiful and skillfully made!

Wow! Congratulations.

-- Paul, Texas

View dennis mitchell's profile

dennis mitchell

3791 posts in 1205 days


posted 662 days ago

I’m floored. Beautiful…just breathtaking.

-- http://www.woodsongsfurniture.com

View TonyWard's profile

TonyWard

284 posts in 1219 days


posted 662 days ago

Gary

Amazing, I’ve no doubt this will become a heirloom for generations to come! Well done.

Good Health
Tony Ward

-- Bandsaw Box Plans

View JC's profile

JC

127 posts in 689 days


posted 662 days ago

Man that is incredible – those full extension dovetail slides are genius!

-- JC - Central PA - www.affyx.com

View JonJ's profile

JonJ

105 posts in 731 days


posted 662 days ago

Daaang! Do you ever sleep? That is awesome!
I am overwhelmed by not only the detail involved here, but the AMOUNT of it…
I would have been burned out after making ONE drawer.

-- Jon

View Douglas Bordner's profile

Douglas Bordner

3424 posts in 955 days


posted 662 days ago

jeez…

-- "Bordnerizing" perfectly good lumber for over a decade.

View Russel's profile

Russel

2054 posts in 830 days


posted 662 days ago

That is fantastic. The detail, the wood, the engineering. A most impressive box, although calling it a box is like calling a Picaso a drawing.

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

View rpmurphy509's profile

rpmurphy509

290 posts in 745 days


posted 662 days ago

Very beautiful box.

-- Still learning everything

View Grumpy's profile

Grumpy

14914 posts in 742 days


posted 662 days ago

That is one hell of a project Gary. Beautiful job.

-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python

View chamoruboy's profile

chamoruboy

128 posts in 899 days


posted 662 days ago

WOW!

-- Greatness is not found in possessions, power, position, or prestige. It is discovered in goodness, humility, service, and love.

View DAN 's profile

DAN

6435 posts in 874 days


posted 662 days ago

one heck of a box !

amazing work.

-- work from your heart and your spirit will live forever

View CharlieM1958's profile

CharlieM1958

7591 posts in 1109 days


posted 662 days ago

That is just ridiculously amazing. ((((shaking head))))

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

View YorkshireStewart's profile

YorkshireStewart

782 posts in 792 days


posted 662 days ago

Beautifully fitted inside the size rule of the competition Gary, and exquisite in its design and execution. A stunning piece of work!

-- Res severa verum gaudium - True pleasure is a serious business. http://www.folksy.com/shops/TreeGems

View Thos. Angle's profile

Thos. Angle

4015 posts in 853 days


posted 662 days ago

My word! Gary, I think you are up for a two-fer on these contests. This is just incredible. I am flabergasted!

-- Thos. Angle

View dalec's profile

dalec

581 posts in 779 days


posted 662 days ago

Gary,

Your box project blows me away. It must have been a long four weeks of work. Great design, beautiful work and finish.

I can only dream of this kind of project.

Congratulations,

Dalec

View Les Hastings's profile

Les Hastings

951 posts in 664 days


posted 662 days ago

Way to go Dude!! Makes all the wood in my wood rack all tingly wanting to be a part of something so incredible!!! Fantastic job Gary!!

-- Les, Wichita, Ks. (I'd rather be covered in saw dust!)

View ErsatzTom's profile

ErsatzTom

103 posts in 697 days


posted 662 days ago

Damn, that is cool! Now I just have to figure out if I want to show that to my wife or not.

-- Tom, Southwest Florida

View rikkor's profile

rikkor

11338 posts in 765 days


posted 662 days ago

Speechless. Words would minimize it.

View Karson's profile

Karson

25787 posts in 1291 days


posted 662 days ago

Gary. A fantastic box. A great job. Congratulation on finishing it.

-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †

View Scott Bryan's profile

Scott Bryan

20518 posts in 713 days


posted 662 days ago

This is simply amazing. I can’t imagine the imaginative effort and woodworking ability it takes to create a work of art like this. I will be honest with you though- to use it as a sewing center almost seems sacrilegious. This is akin to using the Hope Diamond to crack nuts.

By the way your photographic techniques are outstanding as well.

I hope your wife has a tool wish list from you because you certainly have earned anything on it.

thanks for sharing.

-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.

View cajunpen's profile

cajunpen

5970 posts in 957 days


posted 662 days ago

I think that we may have a winner here. Gary, this is absolutely incredible craftsmanship and design. I love the full extension dovetail drawers. The wood combinations and details are way over the top. Good for you – you are an incredibly talented craftsman- WOW!!!

-- Bill - "Suit yourself and let the rest be pleased." http://www.cajunpen.com/

View Blake's profile

Blake

2751 posts in 765 days


posted 662 days ago

This is Incredible!!! I’ve never seen anything like it! I don’t know what else to say. Just amazing.

-- Check out my new website! http://www.blakeweberwoodworking.com

View mrtrim's profile

mrtrim

1700 posts in 771 days


posted 662 days ago

YOU DAWG ! you buried the bone on that one ! wow your just an amazing talent ! incredible job !

View Patrick Jaromin's profile

Patrick Jaromin

284 posts in 723 days


posted 662 days ago

Incredible…and crazy amount of work…but well worth it! Truly inspirational.

-- Patrick, Chicago, IL http://www.TenonAndSpline.com/blog

View molarman's profile

molarman

37 posts in 709 days


posted 662 days ago

Ladies and Gentlemen…....We have a winner!!!!

-- Woodworking is not a destination....it's a joinery !!! http://smilesrus.com/pages/woodgallery.html

View Billp's profile

Billp

329 posts in 1091 days


posted 662 days ago

Gary it’s people like you that keep me comming back to this sight. You really inspire us all to strive for a fraction of your skills. Excellent Job.

-- Billp

View mot's profile

mot

4902 posts in 927 days


posted 662 days ago

Gary, you’re my hero!

-- You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. (Plato)

View Dick, & Barb Cain's profile

Dick, & Barb Cain

7034 posts in 1190 days


posted 662 days ago

WOW!

I don’t think anyone can top this.

Boy! you must’ve had an amazing dream, with this dream of a project.

Beautiful artistic craftsmanship.

-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

View TomFran's profile

TomFran

2509 posts in 885 days


posted 662 days ago

Gary,

I think you just “nuked” the competion with this one. I couldn’t even “imagine” this project, let alone build it. You are a very talented fellow.

It’s good to have you here on this site in case any of us ever get a little proud about the stuff we make. One look at this box, and it’s instant “HUMILITY.”

-- Tom, Surfside Beach, SC - Romans 8:28

View scottb's profile

scottb

3403 posts in 1218 days


posted 662 days ago

I think your math is wrong… don’t you mean 4 WEEKS of thinking, and MONTHS of building.

WOW.

NICE!

-- I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso -- http://blanchardcreative.etsy.com -- http://snbcreative.wordpress.com/

View Betsy's profile

Betsy

2388 posts in 787 days


posted 662 days ago

DANG!

-- You can't get a hug from Facebook.

View Jimthecarver's profile

Jimthecarver

426 posts in 676 days


posted 662 days ago

Wow! Gary I’ll go with rikkor “Speachless”

-- Can't never could do anything, to try is to advance.

View Lee A. Jesberger's profile

Lee A. Jesberger

3710 posts in 870 days


posted 662 days ago

Hi Gary;

Once again I’m forced to hate you! LOL

Spectacular. From the looks of some of your projects I see you follow the same guide lines as I. If it isn’t almost impossible you’re not interested.

Great work.

Lee

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com

View toyguy's profile

toyguy

712 posts in 728 days


posted 662 days ago

WOW… Just plain WOW…. that’s cool

-- Brian's Table Top Toys http://home.mountaincable.net/~bgraham/

View CedarFreakCarl's profile

CedarFreakCarl

565 posts in 944 days


posted 662 days ago

Gary, me thinks you’ve got too much time on your hands. When I grow up I want to be just like ya…lol. Simply amazing!!! What you need is a house full of kids.

-- Carl Rast, Pelion, SC

View Napaman's profile

Napaman

3482 posts in 968 days


posted 662 days ago

wow…gray…just amazing…its going in the favorites for sure!!!

-- Matt, Napa, CA...fun is beautiful...just trying to have some fun...

View Partridge's profile

Partridge

221 posts in 847 days


posted 662 days ago

it looks functional. woow

-- Do it right the first time. Becuase fixing it is a wast of time.

View GaryK's profile

GaryK

9518 posts in 879 days


posted 662 days ago

Thank you for all your kind comments. I appreciate them.

It really means something coming from all of you!

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

View Zuki's profile

Zuki

1232 posts in 968 days


posted 662 days ago

U da man G.

-- The significant problems we face cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them

View molarman's profile

molarman

37 posts in 709 days


posted 662 days ago

To quote the dialog from a popular television commercial…....”DUDE!!!!

-- Woodworking is not a destination....it's a joinery !!! http://smilesrus.com/pages/woodgallery.html

View Don's profile

Don

2590 posts in 1068 days


posted 662 days ago

I wouldn’t believe it unless I saw it – even then… Terrific!

-- CanuckDon "I just love small wooden boxes!" http://www.hilsbiblechurch.org/

View RobS's profile

RobS

1242 posts in 1197 days


posted 662 days ago

A cube! 3D! Yeah, like Dazzling, Diabolical and DY-NO-MITE!!! Great piece Gary!

-- Rob (A) Waxahachie,TX

View CharlieM1958's profile

CharlieM1958

7591 posts in 1109 days


posted 662 days ago

I just stopped back for another look, and I still can’t believe it!

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

View lclashley's profile

lclashley

243 posts in 1005 days


posted 662 days ago

Holy Crap! I think I just wet myself.

GREAT WORK!

View bryano's profile

bryano

546 posts in 824 days


posted 662 days ago

holy cow, man thats one nice box.

-- bryano

View dustynewt's profile

dustynewt

446 posts in 753 days


posted 662 days ago

You have my vote, Gary. Absolutely fabulous.

-- Please visit me at http://dustynewt.com

View darryl's profile

darryl

1392 posts in 1217 days


posted 662 days ago

I don’t know what to say that hasn’t been said already… that’s pretty dang impressive.
congrats on a job well done!

-- www.darrylmasterson.com ~ www.darrylmasterson.etsy.com

View woodup's profile

woodup

145 posts in 834 days


posted 662 days ago

Incredible use of the space criteria. Truely inspirational work! Thanks for sharing your skills and ideas!

-- Michael, Fort Worth, TX. "I wood if I could!"

View Popintraining's profile

Popintraining

109 posts in 729 days


posted 662 days ago

I’m blown away! That’s Awesome

-- Illegitimis nil carborundum - Don't let the bastards grind you down http://woodworkingtipsfrompop.com

View Dorje's profile

Dorje

1768 posts in 888 days


posted 662 days ago

All that, out of one 2×4! Amazing! You must have done a lot of dye work.

But seriously – what a great invention! All the woods really join forces in this piece…

But my favorite aspect in terms of the design of this piece is the pattern/s in the set of drawer fronts you created…

It’s really fantastic, in the true sense of the word. Mesmerizing!

If I may cut and paste (it’s lonely down here after 50 comments or so without any pictures):

-- Dorje (pronounced "door-jay"), Seattle, WA

View shiney5757's profile

shiney5757

79 posts in 662 days


posted 661 days ago

amazing work patience gets it done

-- I cut it twice & it was still too short

View cajunpen's profile

cajunpen

5970 posts in 957 days


posted 661 days ago

I couldn’t resist coming back for yet another look. It still looks great.

-- Bill - "Suit yourself and let the rest be pleased." http://www.cajunpen.com/

View Bob #2's profile

Bob #2

3031 posts in 912 days


posted 661 days ago

Gary, these works of yours are extraordinary! I have not seen this much talent rolled up into one person before.
I have to admire your patience and ability to see the finished piece in your head.
The crafstmanship is stunning.

Bob

-- A mind, like a home, is furnished by its owner

View SPalm's profile

SPalm

943 posts in 773 days


posted 661 days ago

HOLY MOLY! That is just FINE. Truly an insperational piece of work.
Didn’t you just build a birdcage that took like forever? Do you ever sleep?
I am humbled.

Steve

-- Stevethepeeve -- I'm no rocket surgeon

View miles125's profile

miles125

1417 posts in 896 days


posted 661 days ago

Thats an amazing box Gary! I figure you musta left out any gold leafing cause you didn’t wanna get too fancy? Heehee….Just awesome.

-- miles125, Alabama.."Architecture is frozen music""

View Jon3's profile

Jon3

439 posts in 996 days


posted 661 days ago

I love boxes with tons of drawers, but wow, are they a ton of work!

View Andy's profile

Andy

570 posts in 799 days


posted 661 days ago

Truly outstanding Gary!
That is an intimidating piece of work, but you did a wonderful job.I am sure your wife appreciates all your hard work.Very kind of you.

-- " If I can make it,so can you" Andy in Oregon

View romansfivefive's profile

romansfivefive

258 posts in 664 days


posted 661 days ago

That might just be one of the most beautiful pieces of furniture that I have ever seen. That is amazing. That is a piece of art!

-- www.robneves.com

View Brad_Nailor's profile

Brad_Nailor

1210 posts in 848 days


posted 661 days ago

Wow….that is skillfully engineered and beautifully executed. Tremendous craftsmanship and selection of materials. It is both functional and a true craftsman piece. Congrats on a museum quality project. Makes me want to Sketchup it!

-- David, South Windsor, CT "I love the smell of sawdust in the morning"

View Bob Babcock's profile

Bob Babcock

1808 posts in 977 days


posted 661 days ago

Holy $#@% Batman! Amazing Gary…..

-- Bob, Carver Massachusetts, Sawdust Maker http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

14152 posts in 1051 days


posted 661 days ago

ooooooh my goodness…....... that’s jaw-dropping amazing.
ditto to everything that has been said above!!!!!!!
Unbelievable

oh did I miss it: what does your wife think of it? Does it serve the purpose ?

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

View Rymann's profile

Rymann

11 posts in 669 days


posted 661 days ago

Simply beautiful. Amazing..really! GaryK’s got mad skillz.

View MrVee's profile

MrVee

4 posts in 692 days


posted 661 days ago

HEY…. YOU COPIED THAT FROM ME!!! Yeah Right….. ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!!

I agree with everyone… jaw dropping AND… it should not be commisioned for a sewing center!! Needs a better purpose to show it off… You definitely have my vote!!!! Great Job Gary…. you are extremely skilled.

View IowaWoodcrafter's profile

IowaWoodcrafter

256 posts in 967 days


posted 661 days ago

I can’t believe I missed this! I didn’t know about it until Dennis posted a a message in the forums. I, too, am simply in awe. A true masterpiece.

Did you use and Incra jig to make the drawer slides? I never would have thought of making slides like that, thanks for sharing that with us.

-- Owen Johnson - aka IowaWoodcrafter

View ben's profile

ben

158 posts in 761 days


posted 661 days ago

Damn that’s hot. Damn hot. Hot damn!

-b

View forkboy's profile

forkboy

48 posts in 666 days


posted 661 days ago

wow, thats an amazing box. impressive work.

-- Perth, Australia

View motthunter's profile

motthunter

2079 posts in 690 days


posted 661 days ago

once again, you have blown me away with your work.

-- making sawdust....

View Jeff's profile

Jeff

997 posts in 985 days


posted 661 days ago

Hey Gary.

Umm, yeah. Words escape me. I’m truly envious of the skill you possess that enables you to make such amazing work. Thanks for sharing (and inspiring all of us).

-- Jeff, St. Paul, MN

View Thos. Angle's profile

Thos. Angle

4015 posts in 853 days


posted 660 days ago

Gary, I think this has taken on a life all its own. Congratulations!!!!!

-- Thos. Angle

View mrtrim's profile

mrtrim

1700 posts in 771 days


posted 660 days ago

gary , do you want to sell your old bandsaw ?? lol

View Mark A. DeCou's profile

Mark A. DeCou

1537 posts in 1296 days


posted 660 days ago

Hey Gary. I usually don’t log onto LJ in the morning, as I find that I get caught up and then don’t get to the shop like I should. BUT, after reading Dennis’ blog praising this box, I had to go see it. If this box doesn’t make into a box book at some point, I’ll be a monkey’s uncle. And that doesn’t represent anything about my neice and nephew.

This is just too cool. Way slick engineering. Wonderful detailed inlay, and beautiful woods, all for the purpose of a gift to the wife. Can’t beat that in my book. This should clean your slate for a few days, maybe even get you breakfast in bed.

Well, I gotta get logged off before I get caught up again. Great work, just really great.

-- Mark DeCou - American Contemporary Craft Artisan - www.decoustudio.com

View NCWoodworker's profile

NCWoodworker

6 posts in 668 days


posted 660 days ago

OH, yah, I saw that in last month’s edition of “Simple Boxes for New Woodworkers” magazine. I was waiting for someone to try that…haha!

Man oh man, that is absolutely gorgeous! I can’t believe you came up with the design in 4 days…that in itself is incredible! Beautiful design…beautiful work! My mother does a lot of cross-stitch and embroidery and she WILL NOT see your pictures (yes, that is a compliment!)

Awesome!

Chris

-- Antiques made, while you wait

View GaryK's profile

GaryK

9518 posts in 879 days


posted 660 days ago

I don’t know what to say! I’m speechless and all I can say is thank you all for you comments.

I’ll think of something by the time I get home from California.

Gary

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

14152 posts in 1051 days


posted 660 days ago

yup—still stunning. Hasn’t changed any since yesterday :)

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

View Douglas Bordner's profile

Douglas Bordner

3424 posts in 955 days


posted 660 days ago

Okay, it took a day to get over speechless. This is too good for the Readers Gallery in FWW. This is feature article, back cover and Master Class and How They Did It good, and then Associate Editor good. I think you should consider granite countertops to match your new saw.

-- "Bordnerizing" perfectly good lumber for over a decade.

View Miket's profile

Miket

265 posts in 663 days


posted 660 days ago

What? I was going through the box entries and I came to this one and stopped dead!

How can someone compete with that! That has to be the most amazing thing I have ever
seen, even in the magazines. Still shaking my head.

-- It's better to have people think you're stupid rather than open your mouth and remove all doubt.

View Popintraining's profile

Popintraining

109 posts in 729 days


posted 660 days ago

Dude, I had to come back and look at this thing again. I think you have issues! Anybody that can come up with this can not be right! Just kidding, it’s just a beautiful piece and I wish I could see it in person. Again, Great job

-- Illegitimis nil carborundum - Don't let the bastards grind you down http://woodworkingtipsfrompop.com

View Russel's profile

Russel

2054 posts in 830 days


posted 660 days ago

Gary, I too have to keep coming back to look. Aside from the engineering accomplishments, it is just so pretty to look at. Once again, it is a beautiful box.

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

View CoreyLiepelt's profile

CoreyLiepelt

20 posts in 732 days


posted 660 days ago

I’ve been lurking for some time on LJ, and this is the first time I’ve wandered out of the shadows to comment on anything. But I could sit idly by no longer. I am awed by so many of the wonderful contest entries, but this one stopped me dead in my tracks. I can only hope that one day I have learned enough to execute craftsmanship like this. As for reaching the point where I could actually visualize such a project of my own design … well, that’s further away than I care to think about.

It’s posts like this that have me reticent to post my own meager projects. And yet I know I’ll learn tons from the many experts on this site. So I guess it’s time to take some photos of some old projects and get them posted.

Again, stunning work Gary!

-- Dublin, OH

View Scott Bryan's profile

Scott Bryan

20518 posts in 713 days


posted 659 days ago

Gary, I had to come back for another look. It still is as awesome as when I first looked. By the way my wife happened by, saw the box, and wanted to know if I could build her something like that. Needless to say I had no answer to give her.

-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.

View bfd's profile

bfd

418 posts in 698 days


posted 659 days ago

Gary,
Rikkor said it best. I hope you consider submitting this to FWW in their gallery section or perhaps an article on this piece.

-- Brian, Folsom, CA http://www.brianfullerdesigns.com

View Copperjock's profile

Copperjock

120 posts in 689 days


posted 658 days ago

Some projects excel so far beyond the norm that they define the concept. Your box definitely fits this category. Words don’t stand a chance of doing it justice. It’s as impressive an accomplishment as any. Congratulations on such a successful project. And thanks for sharing it with us.

-- All the test cuts in the world won't stop you from cutting the outside when you meant to cut the inside. doh!

View shaun's profile

shaun

361 posts in 796 days


posted 657 days ago

I’m not even going to embarrass myself by trying to put words to this project. I’m just going to bow reverently and pay homage to it’s creator.

-- I've cut that board three times and it's still too short!

View Tony Z's profile

Tony Z

173 posts in 681 days


posted 657 days ago

Man, that is frickin awesome! Nice work. I hope to do stuff that well some day.

-- Tony, Ohio

View GaryK's profile

GaryK

9518 posts in 879 days


posted 656 days ago

Thanks again for all your comments. You don’t know how much it means to me.

I am sitting at the airport waiting for my flight home. Reading this is a great sendoff.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

View Kerry's profile

Kerry

131 posts in 681 days


posted 656 days ago

Unbelievable. I can’t imagine the number of hours this must take. Congratulations on a masterpiece.

Kerry

-- Alberta, Canada

View Robb's profile

Robb

356 posts in 825 days


posted 654 days ago

Gary, this is some of the most amazing woodworking I’ve ever seen. You’re my hero! grin

-- Robb

View walnutter's profile

walnutter

8 posts in 653 days


posted 653 days ago

Gary – This is such a fantastic piece of woodworking. The design all the way down to the skill it took to create such an amazing piece. Congratulations on an incredible job. I can’t wait to see what you come up with next.

View sharad's profile

sharad

702 posts in 695 days


posted 651 days ago

Unbelievable piece of work.
Sharad

-- patanjali

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

14152 posts in 1051 days


posted 651 days ago

Congratulations Gary..
and what does the Mrs think of her famous storage unit?

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

View GaryK's profile

GaryK

9518 posts in 879 days


posted 651 days ago

Debbie – She is tickled about it. She keeps wanting to move it to different places until she finds one she likes.

It’s amazing how much wood there is in there. It weighs 57 pounds!
I had no idea it weighed that much when I was dealing with pieces, but when I went to pick the whole thing
up I got quite a surprise.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

14152 posts in 1051 days


posted 651 days ago

so you hope that she find “the” place soon.. so you can stop lugging it around :)

She might consider putting it at the front door for everyone to see )

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

View Karson's profile

Karson

25787 posts in 1291 days


posted 651 days ago

Gary Congratulation on the great piece and on the well deserved win.

Well done my man.

-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †

View schroeder's profile

schroeder

511 posts in 1016 days


posted 651 days ago

Truely a work of art Gary! – Absolutely stunning! – Congrates!

-- The Gnarly Wood Shoppe

View Harold's profile

Harold

313 posts in 738 days


posted 651 days ago

Gary! congratulations! Long after we are no longer here on this earth, people will still be amazed at what you have created. What a wonderful community to be associated with!

-- If knowledge is not shared, it is forgotten.

View MelvinKey's profile

MelvinKey

3 posts in 659 days


posted 651 days ago

I know that this is merely repeating the above comments, but I just had to say that it is a combination of art and craftsmanship I have never seen. How anyone could possibly design this project and then have the craftmanship to build it in four days is just unbelieveable. It is beautifully conceived and masterfully executed. I cannot even visualize how some of it was crafted. Congratualtions on winning the contest, you surely deserved it!

View Greg Salata's profile

Greg Salata

81 posts in 653 days


posted 651 days ago

Stunning….......................Simply Stunning!

View woodup's profile

woodup

145 posts in 834 days


posted 651 days ago

Congrats on your very deserving win! This project got my top vote! Way to go! Thanks for your input to the LJ community, Michael

-- Michael, Fort Worth, TX. "I wood if I could!"

View Bob A in NJ's profile

Bob A in NJ

521 posts in 890 days


posted 649 days ago

Wow, only 4 days to figure this out? It would take me forever. Very sophisticated design, flawless craftsmanship. I tip my hat to you. Excellent.

-- Bob A in NJ

View Joel Tille's profile

Joel Tille

214 posts in 1135 days


posted 649 days ago

Congrats Gary – Absolutely deserving of first place!!

-- Joel Tille

View Jeff's profile

Jeff

9 posts in 698 days


posted 648 days ago

Truly Awesome. Absolutely beautiful.

-- I think, therefore I am confused.

View ICTINSTRUCTOR's profile

ICTINSTRUCTOR

26 posts in 649 days


posted 648 days ago

That is awesome!!!!!!!!

-- "It's easier to get forgiveness than permission"

View Hawgnutz's profile

Hawgnutz

522 posts in 967 days


posted 647 days ago

WOW!!
You desreve to win the prize with that box. Totally awesome!

Congratulations. You worked hard for the accolades, to be sure!

God Bless,
Hawg

-- Saving barnwood from the scrapyards

View Donna Menke's profile

Donna Menke

103 posts in 1157 days


posted 647 days ago

There isn’t anything more I can add- just wanted to chime in with my appreciation of the skill involved both in the design and impeccable workmanship involved in making this wonderful box.

-- "So much wood. . .so little time!" www.woodworks-by-donna.com

View Danette Smith's profile

Danette Smith

126 posts in 1171 days


posted 645 days ago

Amazing box! Congrats on the win!! You do awesome work!

-- Dangee's Pyrography by Artist Danette Smith

View Joe Lyddon's profile

Joe Lyddon

480 posts in 943 days


posted 642 days ago

That is just plain AWESOME!!

Those dovetailed sliders sure look nice… is there a trick to making them?

Great project… and performance!

-- Have Fun! Joe Lyddon - Alta Loma, CA USA - Home: http://www.WoodworkStuff.net ... My Small Gallery: http://www.ncwoodworker.net/pp/showgallery.php?ppuser=1389&cat=500"

View Gareth's profile

Gareth

11 posts in 641 days


posted 638 days ago

I’ve only just joined, but I doubt I will see many projects better than this. A wonderful piece of craftsmanship

-- Gareth, Amlwch

View GaryK's profile

GaryK

9518 posts in 879 days


posted 635 days ago

Joe – Not much of a trick. I did use an Incra router fence and their templates to do it.
Just a double dovetail done along the length of the piece instead of on the end.

I got the idea at a woodworking show, watching them demo the fence.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

14152 posts in 1051 days


posted 633 days ago

it is amazing, isn’t it!!!!!!

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

View Thuan's profile

Thuan

203 posts in 709 days


posted 631 days ago

Thought I’d revisit this incredible box again to initiate the 3001st view. Still inspiring.

-- Thuan

View Miket's profile

Miket

265 posts in 663 days


posted 629 days ago

I just had to stop by again and say what a wonderful box this is. Congratulations on your well deserved win!

It’s still the most amazing thing I have ever seen!

-- It's better to have people think you're stupid rather than open your mouth and remove all doubt.

View rikkor's profile

rikkor

11338 posts in 765 days


posted 629 days ago

Even better the ninth time!

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

14152 posts in 1051 days


posted 628 days ago

definitely worth checking out again and again.

When I took the poster to the Steel City Tools display (at the wood show this weekend), Jim (VP of STC) asked me which projects were Gary’s. As soon as he saw the poster he said “oh yes,, yes… amazing stuff”. Amazing indeed.

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

View John's Woodshop's profile

John's Woodshop

126 posts in 907 days


posted 628 days ago

Gary,

What a tremendous project. I bet your wife is glad to have that! Great Job!

-- John -- Racine, WI -- Woodworking..."It's not just a Hobby, it's an Adventure"

View Woodshopfreak's profile

Woodshopfreak

390 posts in 633 days


posted 623 days ago

AMAZEING. How did you make that inlay on he front. Mad Skills.

-- Tyler, Illinois

View Mark E.'s profile

Mark E.

64 posts in 633 days


posted 623 days ago

This is an absolutely outstanding piece! PERFECT!

-- Mark

View Justin's profile

Justin

37 posts in 648 days


posted 623 days ago

Man Gary, Thats got to be the coolest box ever. Very Very nice job.

So how did you fair in the box build off?

Justin

View Jarrod Zion Murphree's profile

Jarrod Zion Murphree

348 posts in 614 days


posted 611 days ago

Sweeeeeeeeet Jesus.

-- Jarrod, Taos, NM http://jzmurphree.wordpress.com/

View Sparky977's profile

Sparky977

56 posts in 611 days


posted 609 days ago

Wow, just plain WOW! This really is one of the most impressive pieces I’ve ever seen. I suddenly feel very humbled! I definitely know that I will have to create something truly stunning if I plan on entering any of these contests. :)

-- I get payed to play with power tools! What could be better than that?

View yippee's profile

yippee

9 posts in 609 days


posted 608 days ago

how ingenious – I need one of those!!

-- Currently-from-Grand-Rapids-but-looking-to-move-to-beautiful-Traverse-City ... :)

View DAN 's profile

DAN

6435 posts in 874 days


posted 604 days ago

precision … what tolerance did you use for the sliding dovetails ?

-- work from your heart and your spirit will live forever

View GaryK's profile

GaryK

9518 posts in 879 days


posted 604 days ago

Nothing specific.

They were a little tight until I rubbed a candle on them. Wax is a great lubrication for wood.

Some I had to run through the router table twice to loosen them up.

Each drawer is fixed so that it won’t slide all the way out so basically each drawer slide is hand fit.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

View Earle Wright's profile

Earle Wright

123 posts in 611 days


posted 602 days ago

Gary,

The visual impact of your work in this box is breathtaking, to say the least, but I think I’m most impressed by the mental process you went through in designing the ‘box’. You’ve maintained great proportion from the smallest elements through their combination into the larger box. And, your choice of materials and the craftsmanship to incorporate them does justice to the excellent design.

Several people have published glossy books of exceptional and unusual boxes (i.e., “The Art of Making Elegant Wood Boxes”, by Tony Lydgate). Yours should be featured in the next compendium published!

-- Earle Wright, Lenoir City, Tennessee

View pappyjohn's profile

pappyjohn

138 posts in 604 days


posted 601 days ago

Gary,

I just checked out your box of drawers that you made for your wife. I’m totally new at this Site, and I say Hellava Job, I feel privelaged to be able to view your projects, and have the honor of your Comments on mine, just want to say there’s some Top woodworkers out there and Then there’s GARY, Trully Awesome Work Brother…..your brother in woodworking John

-- Your Brother in WoodWorking John, Pittsburgh , PA.

View pappyjohn's profile

pappyjohn

138 posts in 604 days


posted 601 days ago

Oh Gary, by the way, Tell me that you won the Contest, should have been a hands down win…...your brother in woodworking John

-- Your Brother in WoodWorking John, Pittsburgh , PA.

View Doug S.'s profile

Doug S.

305 posts in 599 days


posted 598 days ago

Gary
That is awesome good work. The full extension drawer slides are pretty similar to something I’ve been planning for quite a while (if I can ever stop working ON the shop instead of IN it). I’ve got a question on the stops. Are you able to remove the drawers or are they pretty much sealed in there? One poster on FWW’s Knots forum did something with spring loaded stops that would catch the drawer but a paperclip pushed through a pin hole in the sides of the slides would push it down into the DT slot so that you could slide them out of the case. I was mulling about a similar but slightly less complex idea but wondered how you handled it if they’re removable.

-- Use the fence Luke

View GaryK's profile

GaryK

9518 posts in 879 days


posted 598 days ago

Doug. The drawers are semi permament. There is a 1/8” peg press fit into the bottom of each
drawer that locks in the drawer. You just need something to push it out to remove the drawer.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

View SteveKorz's profile

SteveKorz

2030 posts in 605 days


posted 598 days ago

WOW!... GARY… I have no Idea what to say… I actually stopped breathing for a bit when I was looking at the pics… slobbered a little, I think…

Wow!... I just can’t get over the pics of it… over the top NICE!! You have some INCREDIBLE talent!... If I didn’t live 2000 miles away, I’d be in your shop BEGGING you to teach me… lol…

Great job…

-- As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17) †

View sIKE's profile

sIKE

1094 posts in 645 days


posted 598 days ago

GaryK,

Simply inspiring! This is the type of work that I would like to do. I hereby will refer to you as Master Woodworker GaryK.

-- //FC - Round Rock, TX - "Experience is what you get just after you need it"

View FJPetruso's profile

FJPetruso

163 posts in 601 days


posted 597 days ago

Bravo! Truely a work of art

-- Frank, Florissant, Missouri "The New Show-Me Woodshop"

View dickvn's profile

dickvn

8 posts in 608 days


posted 597 days ago

Gary, that is absolutely fabulous. I’m sure glad my needleworking wife isn’t looking over my shoulder right now—no way would I attempt something as complex as that. I’m in awe!.

-- dickvn,Virginia,vannierop@urgrad.rochester.edu

View USCJeff's profile

USCJeff

899 posts in 959 days


posted 588 days ago

Gary, Missed this when you posted it. WOW. Only 4 weeks, huh. That looks like a lifetime work in my shop. I’m with sIKE, Master Woodworker GaryK. The inlay must’ve been tedious, but obviously rewarding. Lacking the words, so simply, good job.

-- Jeff, South Carolina

View jeanmarc's profile

jeanmarc

1750 posts in 607 days


posted 585 days ago

hi gary Very beautiful box.

-- jeanmarc manosque france

View ejv's profile

ejv

28 posts in 574 days


posted 574 days ago

Man, this is a work of art! Truly outstanding craftsmanship.

-- Eric - Nashville, Tennessee

View Peter O's profile

Peter O

1015 posts in 765 days


posted 561 days ago

Gary, I came back to look again … needed some inspiration for full-extension wood drawer glides. This project is truly amazing.

-- http://www.north40custom.com -- http://north40studios.etsy.com --

View Rob 's profile

Rob

197 posts in 558 days


posted 555 days ago

This is a whole other realm of woodworking that I’m not ready to know exists. I thought for a second, “Hey, so did he win the contest?” But I just can’t even ask that. You’ve definitely won something special, even if only the admiration and respect of all the above.

View John Gray's profile

John Gray

1742 posts in 776 days


posted 555 days ago

To nice for words to describe. Please keep us informed on your projects?

-- Only the Shadow knows....................

View Dusty56's profile

Dusty56

3455 posts in 579 days


posted 505 days ago

I guess we won’t be seeing Norm build one of these any time soon on TV !!! I’m overwhelmed with the details you have put into this sweet invention of yours … Great job to say the least : ) I actually had to go get my ruler to look at 17” and I just can’t believe you were able to construct such an elaborate box on such a small scale ! Happy Fourth of July to you Gary : )

-- You know you're getting old when you know the difference between you're (you are) and your (belonging to you) AND how to use them in a sentence .

View GaryK's profile

GaryK

9518 posts in 879 days


posted 492 days ago

Well, it looks like Fine Woodworking is not interested in my box.

The following is the reply I got from them.

“This piece was a difficult one for us to evaluate because it is very complex. It’s very personal and not something we would do a project on, and it won’t work for the gallery because we’d have to show too many photos to get the point across. If we can squeeze in one detail shot with a piece we’re lucky.”

Oh, well.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

View Quixote's profile

Quixote

167 posts in 529 days


posted 492 days ago

How bittersweet.

On the bright side, if “Fine Woodworking” says you’re piece is too good for their readers to comprehend, that has to put the rest of us in especially elite company…

Q

-- I don't make sawdust...I produce vast quantities of "Micro Mulch."

View mcoyfrog's profile

mcoyfrog

809 posts in 485 days


posted 472 days ago

Holy crikie you are when heck of an engineer, planner, designer, whatever. This is awesome.. Dug

-- Wood and Glass they kick (well you know) Have a great day - Dug

View WhattheChuck's profile

WhattheChuck

83 posts in 451 days


posted 447 days ago

Hi Gary—I’m new around here—

That thing is awesome—kinda paradigm-breaking. Had me fooled from the first picture.

Don’t worry about FWW—I’m so tired of seeing that one reproduction secretary (Townshend, I think)—they’re not getting it like they used to.

-- Chuck, Pullman, WA

View alanealane's profile

alanealane

174 posts in 781 days


posted 437 days ago

I must add to the long list of compliments. I tried to navigate away from this page but my fingers typed this before I had time to react!! LOL

Keep it up!!

-- Lane Custom Guitars and Basses

View Miket's profile

Miket

265 posts in 663 days


posted 436 days ago

I forgot how cool looking this box is. I’m still amazed!

-- It's better to have people think you're stupid rather than open your mouth and remove all doubt.

View Wade Putnam's profile

Wade Putnam

63 posts in 620 days


posted 403 days ago

Gary, You have raised the bar on the quality and the coolness of projects on LumberJocks.
Absolutely beautiful work,

-- Wade, Nashville, www.casetn.com

View roman's profile

roman

1106 posts in 784 days


posted 308 days ago

I am definitly impressed and made the error of showing this to the wife.

Thats a LOT of dedication and perserverance, self dicsipline…......exceptional.

I’m not a fan of piano hinge but all the same, I could forgive it, in this example.

Cheers

-- http://www.furnituremann.ca/

View TopamaxSurvivor's profile

TopamaxSurvivor

2980 posts in 567 days


posted 271 days ago

WOW!! You must have the patience of Job!!

-- Debt is nothing more than the 21st Century's form of slavery.

View GaryK's profile

GaryK

9518 posts in 879 days


posted 262 days ago

Since Fine Woodworking doesn’t want to put this box in their magazine I am going to enter it into their Box contest they currently (3-2009) having.

We shall see how they judge it.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

View roman's profile

roman

1106 posts in 784 days


posted 262 days ago

TopamaxSurvivor…...............a client asked my name once not knowing my name nor did he know that the cheque he made out to me…...........was indeed me so I told him my name was “Job” and he asked me if that was like “Job”in the bible and spelt the same and I replied yes. He went on and asked if my name “Job” was like the same guy in the bible who got swallowed by a whale and again I replied “Yes”. He went on again and asked me if I believed in that biblical crap and I replied “When I die and go to heaven I’ll ask Job if its true” and he replied “What if Job went to hell” and I replied “Then you ask him”

GaryK…...................I hope you win and have always wondered why “some” pieces get into FWW and others dont. Gotta wonder about what judge is working what day and what they did the night before judgment!

-- http://www.furnituremann.ca/

View spanky46's profile

spanky46

736 posts in 281 days


posted 243 days ago

Your in a league of your own! To count you as a fellow jock is an honor!

-- spanky46 -- Never enough clamps...Never enough tools...Never enough time.

View Emeralds's profile

Emeralds

155 posts in 453 days


posted 243 days ago

Gary, you win “Joe’s” Creative Design Award, “Joe’s” Tedious Workmanship Award, “Joe’s” I Wish I Had Your Talent award and most of all…

“Joe’s” prestigeous WTF Were You Thinking trophy!... :)

A beautiful piece. Congratulations on the recognition which is obviously well deserved.

Joe

-- JMP

View Festool4's profile

Festool4

76 posts in 669 days


posted 242 days ago

Innovative, original, and extremely well executed… I think you have a winner there.

-- Festool4

View Grampa's profile

Grampa

19 posts in 325 days


posted 230 days ago

Totally incredible!!!!!!

-- -- Doug H, MI

View Pinsker's profile

Pinsker

7 posts in 185 days


posted 127 days ago

Unbelievable

View patron's profile

patron

2365 posts in 232 days


posted 127 days ago

straight to the top !
a beautifull and well designed piece .
into my favorites now .
thank you gary .

-- david ,new mexico ,allheart

View c1ro3m's profile

c1ro3m

12 posts in 126 days


posted 124 days ago

This is absolutly stunning

View Rick's profile

Rick

63 posts in 101 days


posted 100 days ago

That’s rediculous! It so quirky and cool. It doesn’t make sense but it does. You know? I love it.

View BHawk's profile

BHawk

24 posts in 102 days


posted 100 days ago

That is the coolest thing I have ever seen!

-- Why do you have to die with the most tools to win? I want to live with the most tools!

View RexMcKinnon's profile

RexMcKinnon

643 posts in 86 days


posted 72 days ago

I have been just killing time browsing LumberJocks looking at the most discussed. There’s a reason this is the most discussed. WOW.

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

View SCOTSMAN's profile

SCOTSMAN

2237 posts in 476 days


posted 72 days ago

Really very well made and incredibly beautiful great design and workmanship well done.Alistair

-- excuse my typing as I have a form of parkinsons disease

View GaryK's profile

GaryK

9518 posts in 879 days


posted 55 days ago

Well, it turns out that the wife is having trouble moving this around when she wants to use it, so I have decided to sell it. It does weigh about 60 pounds.

You can find it here if you are interested.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31607837

This is the first thing I have ever offered for sale and it saddens me, but I am just running of room for all my projects.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

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