What type of wood for my first box?

Paduak finishes to a lovely deep red if you can get your hands on some.

-- Brian in Arlington, TX - Laziness is the foundation of efficiency.

How about Sapele. Works pretty nice and has that tint youre lookin for. Wont break the bank either.

-- "there aren’t many hand tools as awe-inspiring as the #8 jointer. I mean, it just reeks of cast iron heft and hubris" - Smitty

so reddish tint like Red oak, or reddish tint like purple heart?

-- There is nothing like the sound of a well tuned hand plane. - http://timetestedtools.wordpress.com (timetestedtools at hotmail dot c0m)

I can get paduak I have never used it before and I am not familiar with it. It does seem like it would have a nice natural finish with some oil and wax or wax by itself.

I will look for sapele. I am not familiarbwitu it either.

I am trying to stay away from red oak just to expand my wood knowledge.

-- -Sam - West Virginia -

Your very first box? If so, practice on something easy like pine, or practice on something that you have an abundance of. Then when you are “done” practicing, use something nicer!

What about cherry?

-- There is nothing like the sound of a well tuned hand plane. - http://timetestedtools.wordpress.com (timetestedtools at hotmail dot c0m)

Cherry!
It looks beautiful, finishes beautiful, and is worked with hand tools beautifully.

-- He who dies with the most tools... dies with the emptiest wallet.

Red?
..................... Eastern red cedar. (Aromatic Cedar) I make a lot of cedar boxes. Glues up well, cuts easy, pretty soft though. Has a nice smell and cost no more than Oak does.

-- In God We Trust

Thank you.

-- -Sam - West Virginia -

Mohagany, cherry, padauk, sapele all excellent choices Sam.

Sapele is a personal favorite (see here for a jewelry box I made from Sapele) but I will warn you that the interlocking grain that gives it a ribbon appearance can also make it a little challenging to work without tear out. Paduak will start out reddish orange but will go to a red-brown or purple-brown over time. Mahogany and Cherry will also darken with age. I think that cherry will work easier than any of the other species unless you get true mahogany but that will cost a lot more than cherry

-- Greg, Severn MD