Apart from reading just about every magazine that hit the newsstands since we bought our house several years back, I’m basically a self-taught woodworker. I’ve only taken two classes. One a 5-week lathe class (spindle turning), the other a ten-week intro class – where I designed and built my pub table. (The first project I posted here). I finished those classes a little over a year ago, and my wife and I agreed that I could continue to take classes as time and budget allowed. Consequently, I haven’t. Partially due to the fact that there aren’t any places offering classes less than an hours drive (oneway).
I’ve tried to stick to my projects list, and try to fit in regular time at the lathe to keep my skills sharp and try to learn new things. As you can no doubt imagine, not having a structured environment and a dedicated block of time is not conducive to such things.
A couple weekends ago, I stumbled across Box by Box by Jim Stack. In this book, the author essentially teaches woodworking through a series of 21 projects increasing in challenge and scope.
Following the premise that just about everything is a box (your house, your desk, your TV), I think this will be a nice, “get back to basics” and class all rolled into one. Something I’ll be able to translate into my other projects. Yes, this is adding to my List, but I think I’ll end up ahead of where I would have been had I kept plugging along doing things randomly.
The first is a small and simple box with butt joinery. The final is veneered chest for your finest silverware. In between there’s a bandsaw box, a shaker style box, a locking safe (which really appeals to me), and even a 20 sided one.
I really liked the layout of this book. Step by step pictures, a little bit of editorial, illustrations, and a cut list. I was impressed that most of these can be built with a modest set of tools (or less). I came home thinking that I’d try to complete these 21 boxes in 21 weeks, but as the projects increase in scope I may not be able to stick to that schedule… but I’m going to do the best I can.
Yesterday I started the first one, and apart from waiting for glue to dry, this box took no more than a few hours. While the box is complete, I have yet to finish it – that process may take longer than all the construction did! If I had the lumber ready, I could have jumped right onto the second project, so we’ll see how the timing goes.
Having completed the first project, I found a couple minor issues with the book, but none to make it worth not recommending. There is a list of tools needed. Most are optional, at least at first. Part of why I bought the book was because I already had most, if not all the tools listed in each project. For the first project, random orbit or stationary sanders are listed as optional, planes are optional, only a hand saw with a miterbox and sandpaper is required. However, for some of the later projects a router is neccessary, but never seems to be mentioned anywhere except in the step by step. It’s obvious in the pictures… an oversight in the proofing process? Probably.
The other thing is that there is a cut list, but never a mention of how much lumber you actually need. Frustrating for a first timer I’d say (go down to the lumberyard and ask for some yellow pine. How much? I dunno, the book doesn’t say.) Granted I’d be one to doublecheck a cut list against the bill of materials anyway. I can also figure out some ways to get around not having a router for the time being. Being my own “teacher” in this “class” I can certainly do projects out of order!
As I mentioned, I do think the book is laid out very well, and I also like that it has a spiral binding (cleverly disquised as a hardcover book) so it lies flat on the workbench. The author intends this book for all levels of woodworkers, and I think it would appeal to all but the most green (who might need a little more hand-holding), and the master level furniture makers who can make a 20 sided box half asleep.
The first project:
The first box is a small cherry box made from 1/4 inch stock. I thought I’d have to make my own, perhaps resaw some oak or maple instead, or use some 1/4” aspen I already had on hand – so I could get started right away.
Fortunately for this project, I remembered already buying some 1/4 inch cherry (for another project (a much more complex box) I still haven’t got around to making. So with that in hand I headed on down to the shop, cut up the pieces for a 5” x 1 1/2” x 3” box. (I told you it was small). I had 4 pieces approx 5×12, and I only needed slightly more than one of them… Something neat, and challenging about making a box of such little material! Glue up was a pain, ended up using tape for clamping, which worked much better than any clamps I had available.
I used my disc sander attachment for my shopsmith to square up the sides, and when I tried fitting the lid, it rocked a bit. Turns out I had 1/32 high spots, which surprisingly only took a little bit of sanding to get everything all nice and even. The only other challenge was getting the glue out of the corners inside the box. I did the best I could during clamp up, and with a chisel after. After assembly, there were two small areas where the sides didn’t meet tightly. A tiny bit of glue and a little sanding fixed that problem perfectly. I had to do something. Such a small mistake looms large on such a tiny piece.
Once I finish the box, I’ll add some new pictures, with something to help give a sense of scale.
Since this ended up taking way less time than I thought it would, I managed to get two other projects done, and off my list! Well, nearly. But that’s another blog.
-- 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/
27 comments so far
Karson
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25274 posts in 1279 days
posted 972 days ago
Very nice Scott
-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †
WayneC
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5855 posts in 976 days
posted 972 days ago
Excellent. Another project to put on my to do someday list.
-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov
David
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1982 posts in 1017 days
posted 972 days ago
Nice work Scott! I like the cherry and clean lines. Looks like this might be a good book to add to my list.
-- http://foldingrule.blogspot.com
scottb
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3391 posts in 1206 days
posted 972 days ago
Yeah, sorry about that… I signed myself up for 21 more for the list…. One down! but I’ll consider it a “body of work” so as to not impact The List (yes with capital letters) too greatly, at least visually. :)
Tomorrow, I’ll be updating said list. Just about have 2 items crossed off! (just a quick bip out to the HD for less than $1 worth of hardware!)
-- 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/
scottb
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3391 posts in 1206 days
posted 972 days ago
Oh, we were posting at the same time David…
Yeah I like the book. I’m happy I stumbed across it. Most of the other ones I was looking at at the time had some nice projects with little in the “how-to”. Or had about 1 project in 10 that appealed.
I think the locking box was what sealed the deal, as it gave me some good insights into something I’ve been trying to work out for about 1 year now (off/on in my head). Gave me an idea of how to simplify it. I’ll either swap that out for the project in the book, or will make that #22! (formerly #2 in my puzzle box series!) I’m surprised nobody has P.M.’d me with the answer to the first one yet.
-- 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/
Dick, & Barb Cain
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6991 posts in 1178 days
posted 972 days ago
By the time you get all of them boxes made, you should be a master box builder, keep it up
-- -** 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
MsDebbieP
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14096 posts in 1039 days
posted 972 days ago
might have to find this book—and actually make myself a box!!!
isn’t this little box beautiful??? !!! I love it.
and am looking forward to the progress
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
oscorner
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4572 posts in 1189 days
posted 972 days ago
I wonder what you are going to be giving as Christmas presents this year? I can’t hardly wait to see all 22 finished, but I will.
-- Jesus is Lord!
RobS
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1231 posts in 1185 days
posted 972 days ago
A professional boxer in my family…how cool is that?! Go Rocky 21!
-- Rob (A) Waxahachie,TX
dennis mitchell
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3785 posts in 1193 days
posted 972 days ago
If you can build one little box you can build a kitchen…if you had a router.
-- http://www.woodsongsfurniture.com
scottb
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3391 posts in 1206 days
posted 972 days ago
Funny you should say that Dennis, a relative just picked up a bunch at a clearance sale, I may have one or two real soon, and real cheap! (If only he was able to get a bunch of bits thrown in! :)
So Rob, you’ll be up for Christmas this year then, or perhaps, more importantly, Boxing Day? :)
-- 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/
scottb
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3391 posts in 1206 days
posted 968 days ago
Ok after re-reading the steps for the second box, I have another issue with the editing, which a beginner might not notice, but may cause major probs for them. The second project calls for 5/8ths stock, but makes no reference to planing, resawing or anything to take the 1x they suggest you go ask for at the lumberyard. I thought the pix were out of order, as there is reference made to planing the top and bottom piece, which were glue-ups, but nothing about the sides. It looks like a few steps are overlooked.
However, having realized this, there’s no prob, I can proceed as I want to. Was probably going to have to change the dimensions a bit anyhow. Just surprised at the inconsistant editing I’ve noticed so far. Instruction books, cookbooks, and so forth really require more than just simple editing, they need people triplechecking the facts, the ingredients against the prep. My friend published a cookbook, and had about a dozen of us test recipes. Amazing the difference a typo can make!
-- 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/
MsDebbieP
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14096 posts in 1039 days
posted 968 days ago
Yes, you’d think that they would have given the book to a newbie and said, OK.. make some boxes. Then they would have found all the missed steps and missed-takes.
But, you now have more information for when YOU make YOUR book for us beginners!!! :)
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
MsDebbieP
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14096 posts in 1039 days
posted 968 days ago
oh wait
I see a section in the L.J. magazine. Each issue presents the next box level. Oh yah. A series!!
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Dick, & Barb Cain
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6991 posts in 1178 days
posted 968 days ago
Scott, the router is the cheap part. Then come the bits, which can cost you a bundle.
-- -** 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
scottb
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3391 posts in 1206 days
posted 968 days ago
Hoping that a pair of cheap (but good) routers will help me in the Bits dept. Just got an email for ROUTERMANIA at rockler!
save some cash, help martin make 10%, oh yeah!
-- 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/
scottb
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3391 posts in 1206 days
posted 966 days ago
Ok, my bad, in the intro to the second project, there is mention of planing his found wood to the proper thickness, before proceeding with the project as documented. I still think this might be a little off-putting to a newbie. Who probably doesn’t have a planer, or experience with a hand plane – let alone a flattening jig for the router… Just wanted to admit to that oversight, before I steer anyone away from this book/author erroneously.
Ok, now back to plugging along. I’ve finished the glue up for the top and bottom, should have somthing ”unfinished” to show tonight!... Box number two coming right up!
-- 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/
MsDebbieP
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14096 posts in 1039 days
posted 966 days ago
looking forward to it!!
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Drew1House
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425 posts in 966 days
posted 963 days ago
As far as router bits go… I bought a set of chinese ones on ebay for literally $35 bucks… Now I wont argue with anyone… I am sure they are junk… but the thing is I have used my router for window sills in houses and a mantle or 2… I think the most exciting routing I have ever done is some flutes in MDF for a fireplace mantle… so getting these will be to give me an idea of what my router can do and what it cant… The bits I wear out… Ill replace with good ones.l
Drew
-- Drew, Pleasant Grove, Utah
woodspar
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705 posts in 978 days
posted 935 days ago
I jumped over to the link about the book and sure enough the first reviewer thought that: “The text seems to leave out steps and requirements. It seems that the book was edited by someone who didn’t understand everything involved to complete the projects.”
So Scott I guess you are not crazy after all… :-) I am still going to check out the book. By the way I think your plan to work your way through all of the boxes is great. Bon Voyage!
-- John
scottb
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3391 posts in 1206 days
posted 934 days ago
Thanks Woodspar, that’s a little reassuring (for me) but as this author has more books out there… I’ll be careful to read things through and make sure everything seems alright, (with this and ANY book here on out).... of course so many things become obvious once your in the thick of things!
-- 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/
WayneC
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5855 posts in 976 days
posted 866 days ago
Are you going to pick this up again? I belive you still owe us 17ish boxes.
: ^)
-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov
scottb
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3391 posts in 1206 days
posted 866 days ago
Yeah, thanks for the nudge… I was just about to blog how hard it is to get any shop time now that the weather is so nice (or too hot). Yard (and outside house) work seems to trump everything lately – spending lots of time to rebuild the retaining walls the (unseasonably horrible) rains destroyed a couple years back… (I guess I’m recovering from being a (part-time) latch-key kid… got pretty used to being inside… now 5 hours shoveling dirt on a 90 degree Sunday is my kinda fun? Thankfully, there is an end in sight to that project (again!)
Also doing some residing to the house – just as soon as I finish my inlaws porch – which, thankfully is nearly done.
I’ll be cutting into that Walnut for board number four soon enough. J’espere….
-- 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/
WayneC
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5855 posts in 976 days
posted 865 days ago
Great to hear it. I’m struggeling with the same issues. 10-12 hour workdays and lots to do at home.
-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov
woodspar
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705 posts in 978 days
posted 865 days ago
I just started on some walnut today. I hope your tools are sharp! :-)
-- John
scottb
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3391 posts in 1206 days
posted 865 days ago
Yeah, those 12 hour days (some of mine are are 15 :( – two jobs with a “break” to drive to the other one inbetween!) are brutal. So is the weather (I hear) tomorrow.
Funny you mention that John… I just finally broke down are ordered the Veritas Mark II after struggling with my diamond stones freehand. I really dinged up my chisels (Nice set of Marples) something aweful working on my in-laws porch. Needed to “undo” some things after everything was in place. Everything is turning out nicely – (and Oh, am I learning a lot about planning ahead vs. just reacting) except for my chisels!
-- 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/
woodspar
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705 posts in 978 days
posted 865 days ago
I got the basic honing guide from woodcraft ($15-$20) I guess. I made two little blocks 25 degrees and 30 degrees respectively out of some left over 5/4 pine to sent the primary and secondary bevels quickly. I use a 220 DMT diamond block a 600 DMT diamond block and a Norton 1000/4000 combination block to work my sharps. I also use a 3x magnifier set of glasses to check my progress.
I do not think you can go wrong with a honing guide, (but then, what do I know?)
I have an old set of “Servess” chisels, (do they still sell them?) for my grunt work and save the blue handles for niceties.
Hey take it easy tomorrow. Wish the weather could be like it was last week!
When are you coming down this way?
-- John