Finally, a box

[andersonec]

I am relatively new to the forums and have been following others work and after a few failed attempts have finally finished my first (semi) decent box, I usd some Mahogany with some 5mm Ash inlaid, the splines and trays are also from Ash and the top is ply with Lacewood veneer. The box was made as one piece and the top was separated on the table saw. Any helpful critique would be greatly appreciated. (Hope the photo's work)
Andy. ccasion5:

 

[mailee]

That is a beautiful box you have made there. Looks like you have the knack for it then. Well done. :wink:

 

[woodbloke]

If I could offer one or two personal observations. This is a nicely executed piece but for me, there's simply too much 'going on' as you've too many colours and detailing in a relatively small piece. For timbers you've got mahogany, ash and lacewood on the outside, with the inlay and splines in ash...too much here. I'd have made the top out a decent piece of well figured mahogany veneer and just had ash splines...no inlaid banding. When it's opened up you appear to have a different timber again on the underside of the lid (maybe it's the lighting) and then what immediately hits the viewer is the purple lining, followed by the ash inlay and then the mahogany of the carcass work...again, far too much going on IMO.
In a small piece like this, I think two primary materials are all that's needed with maybe a different one on the inside for the lining. I'd also go for a muted colour for the bottom of the box and tray, I usually always use a green baize, which seems to go with most timbers. One final point...the handle or lack of. A routed 'lift' will always be just a 'routed lift'...I'd go the extra mile to make the handle detailing just a little bit special, this looks like it's been done as an afterthought.
In a small job like this, everything becomes 'concentrated' so simplicity and constrained detailing always (for me anyway) works better. Remember, less is more :wink: - Rob

 

[andersonec]

Hi Rob, Thanks for the comments, they have all been taken on board and will put your advice to good use. I started the box with only a plan of how I was going to build it but no actual design, just made it up as I went along and obviously got carried away, the Ash inlays to the carcass was done when the Mahogany was one strip and the splines obviously added after construction, the Lacewood veneer was all I had and I don't really think it sit's right, I had planned to do only an Ash inlay to the lid but after glue-up there were gaps around the panel so to hide them I added the dark inlay. The velvet is not all that bright, it is a very dark colour but the camera flash has made it look a lot brighter than it actually is, I have searched for baize but no luck so far. The execution also leaves a little to be desired and on closer inspection there are a few faults which do not show up on the photo's but I will persevere and try to improve the finer details.
It is good to have some feedback from people who know what they are talking about and I think it is very useful to have your efforts appraised, it is the way to improve otherwise I might just carry on regardless making mistakes, hopefully the next will be a big improvement.
Andy :ho2

 

[motownmartin]

I like this box, es it is busy but some people like that, I think its good to adopt your own style which should make it more unique.

 

[woodbloke]

It is good to have some feedback from people who know what they are talking about and I think it is very useful to have your efforts appraised, it is the way to improve otherwise I might just carry on regardless making mistakes, hopefully the next will be a big improvement.
Andy :ho2

Andy, you're very welcome. My view is that we all strive to do the very best we can (inc moi :roll: ) and constructive feedback on a piece is one way that we can move on and hopefully put the 'mistakes' (not sure if that's the right word :duno: ) into context and apply the lessons learned to the next job. Whenever I post projects on the forum, I always ask for feedback which is invariably very helpful, so if you can find an old one of mine, fire away :lol: - Rob

 

[barkwindjammer]

I think your box looks amazing Andy, and very well made, only thing sore on the eyes is the veneer on the inside of the lid :ho2

 

[Shane]

You should be proud, it looks beautifully made. It is also a little busy for me, if it were me I'd lose the wide and narrow band around the outside, the veneer on the inside of the lid would match the ash, and I'd also go for the green baize, everything else I like very much. This is only my opinion and don't let it detract from what is a lovely piece 8)

 

[brianhabby]

I think it looks quite nice in the photos. You say it has defects that are not showing up in the photos but you've identified those yourself and will endeavor to avoid the same next time.

It's good to be our own worst critic, that way we will (should) constantly improve. Some people aim for perfection every time, some aim more for functionality - each to their own.

As for the piece being busy, I suppose it might be but it doesn't bother me.

regards

Brian

 

[Sportique]

Hi Andy,

keep up the good work, looks to be very well made to me, and the proportions are good. =D> =D>

You say you could not find any suitable baize, well you could try adhesive felt - this is readily available on t'net and can be stuck to card inserts quite easily. Prices on t'net seem reasonable to me. For example great service from Strand Wools/Hook and Eye (http://www.strandwools.co.uk)

Dave

 

[jumps]

I rather like it, but as others find the inside of the top looking out of place.

The external look is, whilst busy, still clean.

What did you use as your finish?

Nice pictures too =D>

 

[JonnyD]

if you can find an old one of mine, fire away :lol: - Rob

A bit too busy for me but nicely made

Nice box by the way and nicely executed for a first attempt

cheers

Jon

 

[andersonec]

I rather like it, but as others find the inside of the top looking out of place.

The external look is, whilst busy, still clean.

What did you use as your finish?

Nice pictures too =D>

The finish was three coats of Danish oil followed by a couple of Finishing Wax. The first coat of oil was laid on thick and the excess wiped off after an hour or so, the next two were applied with wire wool, to smooth the last coat and then wiped off straight away with a cloth dabbed in oil, when dry a light coat of wax was applied and buffed after half an hour or so. The pictures stem from when Photography was another hobby but that was in another life, too expensive now and I don't like the digital thing where all your photo's are stored on a PC and to print them off costs an arm and a leg, you can't really get folks to gather round your PC to have a look at some piccies, ok for printing off a picture when somebody sends you one but the modern way now revolves around Photoshop.

It is really good to be able to 'talk' to others and get some feedback and all the comments are greatly appreciated, thanks to all whe replied, it encourages me to carry on and do some more. With reference to there being too much going on with the box, I have just been searching for Quadrant Casement Hinges and it led me back to an earlier posting from 'Frugal' showing a box he had made on a Andrew Crawford course, the classic 'one wood' (Walnut) box brings home to me what most seem to think and I reckon that is what I am going to try next (I still like the mitred corners better though)

By the way, the cheapest Quadrant Casement Hinges I could find were on restoration-materials.co.uk at just under £16. does anybody know of any cheaper? The Quadrant hinges were a b****r to fit and I think the casement type must be just as strong and a lot easier to install.

 

[flounder]

Ian, from this parish sells hinge and lock sets for £20 as can be seen here http://www.hawthornecrafts.com/HC/hardware.html

 

[jumps]

The finish was three coats of Danish oil followed by a couple of Finishing Wax. The first coat of oil was laid on thick and the excess wiped off after an hour or so, the next two were applied with wire wool, to smooth the last coat and then wiped off straight away with a cloth dabbed in oil, when dry a light coat of wax was applied and buffed after half an hour or so.


The pictures stem from when Photography was another hobby but that was in another life, too expensive now and I don't like the digital thing where all your photo's are stored on a PC and to print them off costs an arm and a leg, you can't really get folks to gather round your PC to have a look at some piccies, ok for printing off a picture when somebody sends you one but the modern way now revolves around Photoshop.

[/quote]

thanks re finish - heading the same way with my first box ie second coat DO currently drying (very slowly due to temp and I can't bring it in the house for obvious reasons)

I understand you digital photog point - however I actually find it cheaper and tend to get small albums put together rather than a packet of prints (which does put up the price but it's more long term).

 

[woodbloke]

if you can find an old one of mine, fire away :lol: - Rob

A bit too busy for me but nicely made

Fair enough, but why? If you're going to offer a critique of a piece, then you need to offer some justifications for your comment. I don't have a problem with criticism either way, but I'd like to know why?..or were you jesting :duno: ? - Rob