Design ideas wanted for ring box....

[durango dude]

GETTING BACK TO WOODWORKING

Here's the scoop ----

My son got engaged, and he asked me to try my hand at making a ring box for him.......

I went to my scrap wood bin and found 20" of 3/4 x 4 walnut, and 20" of 3/4 x 4 hickory. I figure ebony and ivory live together in perfect harmony --- so hopefully, walnut and hickory can, too.

I cut the boards in half, then laminated everything - creating a 3x3x10 block of laminated hickory and walnut.

Trying to figure out what to do, next.

I don't likely need the full 10" of the wood ----- so there's a little room for trial and error.

I was thinking about slicing the block up into 3/4" thick and using that to make a box. I also thought about a band saw box.

In any event - if you have ideas - either sketches, or photos of prior projects ---- please let me know.

[Bill in Buena Park]

Lots of interesting concepts on Etsy, including that in the attached photo (not mine) - appears to be a style of bandsaw box. I like this, and would consider chamfering the corners.

[durango dude]

thanks! Wish the photo was at a better angle!

[chopnhack]

What style of box are you going for? Is this a ring box for him to store his ring in or more as a jewelry box for both? Most ladies don't like their men running around without their rings on ;-) I am new to the bandsaw myself, but over at the other forum, there is a wealth of projects posted that you might want to have a look at.

[durango dude]

Here's what the order ended up being

http://www.woodlinksusa.org/wp-conte...0/99928091.pdf

Now practicing -----

Never knew it was so darn hard to make a square box.

Built two (2) practice boxes - but am having challenges with the miter cuts.

They've got to be spot-on.

Not sure if my problem is the thickness of the kerf or just bad cutting technique ---- number two was still lopsided by a mm or two.

[JR]

Never knew it was so darn hard to make a square box.

Yes it is!

I presume you're using the choice to angle the blade at 45 degrees. This would be a good time to make sure the stop on your saw is set correctly for 45. Then make sure you have a push stick that allows you to keep the stock firmly planted firmly on the table as you cut the stock. I have a little sacrificial push block that I use - it's a 6" piece of 2-by stock with a handle on it and piece of 1/4" plywood screwed to the trailing edge. The plywood has a reveal of ~1/8" so it provides a solid push on the stock.

If you think you'll be making a lot of boxes in the future you may want to look into building a cross-cut sled. This is what I finally did when I decided to focus my work on boxes. You still have to have the blade properly adjusted, but I find it is easier to get consistent results. Beware: this is a rat-hole of cross-cut sled designs and options!

BTW - using rubber bands, as suggested in the article, is a very good idea. I have a set including a variety of sizes, but for this project the ones that hold together heads of broccoli will do nicely.

HTH,

[durango dude]

Mission accomplished - had no idea a simple box was so hard!

The top is rabetted 1/4" ---- and has that fantastic "click" when you fit it to the box.

[JR]

It looks great! So how did you solve your problem making the miters?

[chopnhack]

Awesome dude, hope they treasure it!