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i've made a number of boxes for friends' ashes over the years. i always find it an honor, a time to reflect, and a time to appreciate the person and the relationship we had. the boxes shown here were all made in the last 7 years, and i expect as time goes by i'll be making a few more each year. our friends are getting older and so am i. to see more versions of the boxes above as well as dimensions and step by step instructions for making them visit these two links on my dorset custom furniture blog.

more on the boxes above

and step by step instructions and dimensions, including instructions for 'table saw dovetails shown in the photo above'

jump at the chance to make one if it comes your way. you won't regret it. it's wonderful thing to do.

Gallery

Comments

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I usually make it a point to never comment on funerary items. But Dan happens to make what I feel are some of the finest solid wood boxes to be found anywhere. The proportions are right on, and the dovetails look just right, both in sizing, spacing and workmanship. And the finish process is also another favorite. So, urn or not, I'm compelled to admit that I'm an admirer.
Roger
 

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Dan, Thank you for sharing this project and your blog. I especially like the finish on the box in the main picture ("MKM"). I built an urn for may dad's ashes a couple years ago. That was before I learned how to cut dovetails. I just used a simple box joint.

Anyway, I enjoyed looking at the pictures, and reading about your process.

Do you use a panel-raising router bit for the top? How are the initials cut?
 

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I agree with you 100% Dan.
It may be a hard thing to think about but so well worth doing. When I made my mom's a couple of years ago it was like having an opportunity to spend last few cherished hours with her.
Your work here is of course excellent but I know that's not the focus of the post.
 

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I have never made an urn. But yours is beautiful. Such a piece needs to be perfect for such a duty. Great work.
 

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Dan,

I think it's a way to say goodbye from your hands and heart.
 

· In Loving Memory
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Very nice workmanship and a nice tribute to our dead friends and family, well done. regards Alistair
 

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Beautiful and heart warming boxes. It must be a mixed blessing to have the honor of making such a box and yet sad in knowing a good friend is no longer around. I commend you for taking on such a difficult task that you obviously do so well. Great craftsmanship!

Is the art work on the blue box painted or engraved, or both?
 

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awesome work as usual. How do you know they are big enough?
 

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Very Nice Project Indeed Dan! Great Workmanship! Thanks For Sharing!

Rick
 

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The "Machine" Did A Double Posting. Sorry.

Rick
 

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thank you all for your comments. it is indeed a 'mixed blessing' as ron points out, but i am always glad i did it when it is done .. regarding the question of 'how big?', there is a standard formula 1 pound of weight requires 1 cubic inch of box. 5" x 10" x 5" will work in most instances. good luck all .. dan
 
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