A few boxes, and what I learned making them

[jamie]

OK, so these aren’t necessarily the fanciest things in the world, but I did accomplish the few things that I had hoped to in making them.


I am basically trying to answer one basic question: “Can I do this”? This time I decided to try my hand (or, more precisely, my table saw) at a making a “box joint”. I had some maple left over from the picture frames that I made a while back, so I planed that down to about 3/8″ (the thickest consistent size that I could get from the scraps). I made a few different sizes, and in the process, learned a few things.


First, and foremost, I learned that, Yes, I can do this!


A few other things that I learned:

• My dado blade isn’t the best in the world for making box joints.
  • It left a little wing at the back of each piece.
  • It left somewhat visible bat-man ears.
  • My dado blade (just the outside ones) isn’t quite 1/4″
• I think that I would like 3/8″ better, more visually appealing.
• If I had to do a lot, I would prefer to use a router with a jig
• I don’t actually have an 1/8″ straight router bit, so I had to make-do with two passes with a smaller one (the bottom is held in with a stopped dado).
• I actually CAN fasten two pieces of wood without using way too much glue
• General Finishes Gel products work VERY well, and are easy enough for idiots like me

I also found that I need to seriously consider getting a jointer, and that I should probably replace the router lift in my table saw with a real router table. I haven’t used one that much, mostly because it is kind of a pain the way it is set up.

What should I try next?

Unfinished:

After the poly has been wiped on

 

[TracyP]

Well I think you did an excellent job on the boxes. :thumbs_up

 

[farmerbw]

Looks like good work to me and great use of "scraps" as well.:eusa_clap:eusa_clap

They look like they would nest/stack inside of each other. Got any shots of the insides or bottoms?

Brian.

 

[jamie]

Looks like good work to me and great use of "scraps" as well.:eusa_clap:eusa_clap

They look like they would nest/stack inside of each other. Got any shots of the insides or bottoms?

Brian.

Thanks!

The bottoms are decidedly un-glamorous, just 1/8" Masonite, since they will likely end up storing markers and whatnot. I didn't want to get too fancy.

Interesting that you ask about the nesting, I thought about it. The next batch will likely have that feature. I want to make LOML a storage/transport mechanism for the dog collars that she makes.

Disclaimer: I picked the best inside corner for the picture:wink_smil

 

[farmerbw]

I think the bottoms look good and provide some interesting contrast. :icon_thum
Not to mention marker and marks from other writing/drawing utensils won't show up as boldly on that.

Brian.