My first commission box

[sunnybob]

A friend asked me to make a box for her friend.
This is made from Maple, mahogany, and Padauk on the lid.
I'm quite pleased with it for a newbie of course.

 

[memzey]

Very nice re gombare!

 

[monkeybiter]

You should be chuffed with that. Very attractive and may win more commissions. My only criticism [constructive I hope] would be regarding the joints, and then only aesthetic.
The Padauk lid is an absolute winner!

 

[sunnybob]

Question asked in the spirit of learning because I am very new to this. what is the criticism regarding the joints? c'mon, dont leave me suspended.

 

[monkeybiter]

I didn't want to come over as a bit of a git, after all I'd be very pleased if I'd achieved that.. however as you asked..
the joints at the opening on the mahogany lining [which I love as a feature] don't all follow the same directions as the outer, i.e. the outers flow in a clockwise direction but the inner front is in contrast symmetrically jointed.
And [you're right, I am being a git now] I would hazard a guess that you made the body and the lid separately, which has lead to the finger koints running slightly out of line across the join when the lid is closed.
This is me shutting up.
Sorry.

 

[rafezetter]

It is a lovely box, definitely one to be proud of, but to be fair Monkeybiter - I don't think any of those points are unfair and aren't detrimental to Sunnybobs obvious skill, and with those small changes would allow Sunnybob to ask higher prices for his commissions, plus making the box whole an cutting the lid off is far simpler anyway.

 

[sunnybob]

You must have one hell of a magnifying glass. I cant even see that from these pics. but you are correct on both points.

the inner lining is a point I hadnt thought of. I made the first one full width and then went around the box fitting one to the next. Its a pure fluke that particular panel ended up as the front. if i do this again that shall be rectified.

Yes, the top was made after the base. But strangely, the pic distorts this aspect and they are actually in line across the joints, but because of the way the combs are cut, the sides of each panel are offset. I have already thought about the next box having the combs equal, i.e. both sides starting with male at the bottom. This would need another jig made as I run the pieces past a Trend comb joint cutter on the router table at a 45 degree angle. On this box i just flipped each panel. To achieve symmetry i will have to make a mirror image jig.

All constructive criticism is always accepted.

 

[monkeybiter]

I hope you understand I am in no way wishing to detract from your efforts or the result. It's a very nice looking piece, certainly one I'd be proud of [not that that in it's self is saying much].

 

[custard]

Good work!

It's always a pleasure to see someone take up woodworking, and then show something significant and substantial that they've created with their own hands.

Don't stop now, keep making and keep improving!

=D>

 

[galleywood]

Sunnybob

Nice box!

How are you getting on with the new bandsaw?

 

[Alexam]

Well done, that's a real winner and exceptionally good for your first box. Something to be proud of that will always be with you.

Malcolm

 

[sunnybob]

The new bandsaw is worlds apart from that old one. This will do me for many years to come i think.

 

[Rhyolith]

I like the box Good work!