My first bandsaw box

[Fiddler]

Decided to make a bandsaw box to try out my newly acquired bandsaw. I pruned a dangerous Silver Birch last year, so I decided to use one of the branches as my project. I cut a 4" length from a 4" log and went to work. Here it is being glued up.

After this I decided that the waste from the drawer was big enough to make another box. Sadly my 1/4" bandsaw blade wouldn't turn sharp enough so I finished it off on my scroll saw. Forgot to take pics of this 'cos the grandkids turned up! 8)

 

[devonwoody]

Interested to see further progress and workshop working details.

 

[monkeybiter]

Looking forward to seeing progress on this, it's something I mean to have a go at. Some that I've seen can be quite impressive.

DW have you got a bandsaw?

 

[devonwoody]

Looking forward to seeing progress on this, it's something I mean to have a go at. Some that I've seen can be quite impressive.

DW have you got a bandsaw?

Yes I purchased a large Axminster one last year. ( the 450)

 

[Brian Henry]

Pretty nice so far, I love to see what other people are up to!

 

[Fiddler]

Well, it's been a disaster! It seems that the temperature was to cold when I glued up, both boxes fell apart when I removed the clamps after 2 days

 

[monkeybiter]

Maybe the wood wasn't dry enough? Worth another try though, bandsawn boxes look great fun. DW will you be having a go, seeing as you're the local box expert [including the new beige box on the computer desk ]?

 

[Fiddler]

Got new glue today and re-glued the parts. Used elastic bands instead of those big clamps I used last time; looks better on the dining table! :twisted:

 

[Fiddler]

This evening the two boxes are glued up and ready for sanding. When I see the pics of items that you guys have have made I am in awe of your skills, yet I am so excited about these two little boxes made from a rough log!

 

[monkeybiter]

When I see the pics of items that you guys have have made I am in awe of your skills

You and me both! You've just got to keep telling yourself that they had to learn too.

Looking forward to seeing your boxes when done.

 

[devonwoody]

Please dont take any offence, but the one with the bark on would make an exotic bird box. The other one looks to be a good design in the making as well. =D>

 

[Fiddler]

Please dont take any offence, but the one with the bark on would make an exotic bird box. The other one looks to be a good design in the making as well. =D>

No offense taken! My missus has already suggested I make a bird box and fix it to the tree that the branch came from. The bark of that box is like paper and starting to peel off, I may remove it and sand down the box with an oil finish.

 

[Fiddler]

Started sanding down the larger of my two boxes this afternoon. I started on my brand new bench top belt sander which made light work of the first stage, then switched to hand sanding with course paper. I was beginning to think I was making a mess of things until I got down to extra fine sand paper, the grain started to appear and beautiful markings became clear and focused. I sat out in the sun marveling at this small chunk of Birch that contained such amazing patterns.

Here's a few pics that really don't do justice to the wood

 

[bodge]

This evening the two boxes are glued up and ready for sanding. When I see the pics of items that you guys have have made I am in awe of your skills, yet I am so excited about these two little boxes made from a rough log!

I know what you mean Fiddler, I look around the forum at others work and feel very, very humble. But the pride I had at finishing a couple of quite basic bandsaw boxes was immense. I only hope I can one day have half the talent of some of the guys on this forum.
Your boxes are looking good btw. I do love to see them made from a solid piece of log. Has so much more charm. 8)

 

[Richard T]

Hi Fiddler, looking good.

I think it is always a good idea to take the bark off Birch, a shame to loose the rustic look maybe, but that bark is completely waterproof and will keep moisture in very effectively. Could be why your first glue up came unstuck?

 

[Fiddler]

Glued a little knob on the front of the small box drawer, a final fine sanding and a first coat of oil. I was going to use Danish oil but I can't find my tin anywhere, I did find a tin of Teak oil left over from the garden furniture so I used that instead.

 

[devonwoody]

Going to cut some more branches of the tree then?

Interesting project, I liked the colour better myself without the teak oil.

Perhaps you could try shellac plain and wax on another piece?

 

[Fiddler]

I've saved a few branches that were destined for the log burner, hopefully to make more boxes.

I found my tin of Danish Oil so I'll give that a try on the larger box. If my understanding is right, clear Danish oil will keep the natural colour whilst adding a bit of lustre and protection.

 

[Fiddler]

Two finished boxes from one log

 

[monkeybiter]

Wow, much nicer than I anticipated [no offence] they are attractive little boxes. Well worth the making. Will there be more?