Special Project Walnut Box or two!!

Andy White · July 17, 2015, 03:19:02 PM

Have an occasion to build a Walnut Keepsake box! Haven't done a jig cut thru dovetail in a while, and had to go to the book. After a little study, I prepped some pine for a test joint before cutting up this pretty Walnut!

After getting the setups dialed in on the jig, I got the side pieces for cutting the tails first, and started the process with the 7° dovetail bit.

Next was to install the straight bit and 5/8" bushing in router, and flip the finger plate on the jig.
This is a tedious process, so I cut all the tails first, then all the pins for all boxes that I need at one time.

Next is pick some pretty figured grain for the top, and for the bottom. Set up the router table, and cut a 1/4" deep rebate around the perimeter of the top and bottom for the sides to fit to when assembled.
Next take the edge profile bit and shape the top and bottom to suit the style.

Now the sanding and sealing grain and all the detail work to make this thing really smooth. After all finishing is done, I'll install hinges and get ready for another project!! :P :P

Andy

WmFritz · July 17, 2015, 04:33:52 PM

Most excellent!
I like the contrast of the sapwood.

Brian_Weekley · July 17, 2015, 04:51:34 PM

Very nice. I've only tried half-blind dovetails with my router jig--not through dovetails. Looks like it worked quite well.

POSTON WIDEHEAD · July 17, 2015, 05:08:35 PM

Your work is amazing as always Andy. Keep it up.
Goat

Magicman · July 17, 2015, 06:43:47 PM

Nice. Do I recognize that Walnut?

Bill Gaiche · July 17, 2015, 06:51:39 PM

Nice Andy. At least you didn't use that hot cedar from Mississippi. bg

LUV2MILL · July 17, 2015, 07:20:21 PM

Nice

Andy White · July 17, 2015, 07:40:42 PM

Bill,
The hot Cedar from Mississippi has all been spoken for! I will saw three more logs, then build planters from the rest. That gator in Louisiana may let me get my other two logs now, if I need them. Lynn told me to come get some more if needed.
Lynn,
Yes you do!! That is some of that Boomerang Walnut. Looking back at the sawing pictures, I think it was the first one after the slab. The grain was really spectacular. Andy

WDH · July 17, 2015, 09:27:13 PM

Very nice craftsmanship, Andy.

Ocklawahaboy · July 18, 2015, 03:18:01 PM

Beautiful work.
I was just given a Rockler version of that dovetail jig, along with a Craftsman Table saw, outfeed/work table etc. Seeing your work makes me want to try it all out.

hackberry jake · July 25, 2015, 02:26:09 AM

I am envious of the dovetail joint... I have never moved past box joint. Dovetails definitely add some class.

Magicman · July 25, 2015, 07:37:02 AM

Andy has a way of pushing the envelope.

yukon cornelius · July 26, 2015, 01:01:28 AM

dovetails are certainly on my learn how to do list. they are just classy! also I like finger joints. hackberry jake had made some awesome crates or boxes with them.

yukon cornelius · July 26, 2015, 01:03:42 AM

dovetails are certainly on my learn how to do list. they are just classy! also I like finger joints. hackberry jake had made some awesome crates or boxes with them.

lowpolyjoe · July 26, 2015, 08:19:30 AM

Beautiful work

LeeB · July 26, 2015, 08:29:49 AM

I bought a dovetail jig from someone on the forum years ago. It's still siting on the same shelf in the same spot where I put it down. Never tried it.

GAmillworker · July 26, 2015, 09:50:14 AM

Very nice

Thanks for sharing

WDH · July 26, 2015, 08:35:16 PM

I use my dovetail jig a lot.

Dan_Shade · July 26, 2015, 10:00:04 PM

I think dovetails are easier than finger joints. tolerances cumulatively work against you with finger joints

POSTON WIDEHEAD · August 03, 2015, 04:42:53 PM

I am glad to say I got to actually hold this box in my hands at the Pig Roast.
The details and wood grain is more beautiful in person than these pictures will ever show.

Magicman · August 03, 2015, 08:10:14 PM

But, what Andy White's secret was during the entire building was that he was actually building two. One as a door prize and another to be presented to Jeff & Tammy as a 35th Wedding Anniversary. Go Andy !!!

WDH · August 03, 2015, 09:15:03 PM

The boxes were exceptionally nice.

Gadrock · September 05, 2015, 10:04:20 PM

when i grow up I want to be jus like my friend Andy White...but maybe a little bit lighter on my ladder.

david G

49er · September 10, 2015, 04:37:01 PM

Very nice box Andy. When I make a box with a lid I usually use a gold chain
as a stop for the lid. I have mixed feelings about doing it this way. I was wondering what supports the lid on your box when in the open position?
I have been wanting to make my own wooden hinges on a box. I like the looks of them.

Andy White · September 10, 2015, 05:15:01 PM

49er,
The lids have a rabbet around the bottom, and the hinge is morticed into the back. The rim of the lid stops against the back. That one would need a really small chain to look right with the size of the box. I built a large Cherry wood box and a Walnut box for things in the shop, and I used chain stops on them. They were much larger than these were. Andy

POSTON WIDEHEAD · September 10, 2015, 06:06:13 PM

The way Andy built these Walnut boxes were spot on.
In fact.....when Andy wasn't looking smiley_curtain_peek, I gave the Walnut box a very good inspection. I have to admit, I learned a few things and his craftsmanship is extraordinary.