Teak Box

[poolhound]

Having spent most of my time with larger projects I have been meaning to turn my hand to the more delicate and creative aspects of box making. Here is the result of my first experiment. I used this project to try various techniques e.g. inlaying the maple strips and tapering the legs and I am pretty happy with the results.

The main body of the box and lid are made from some old veneered teak shelves that technically were my first WWing project 26 years ago and I have been moving the boards with me ever since meaning to find a good use for them. The legs and trim of the lid are Padauk and the inlay is maple.

I didnt have time to get all my photo gear out for these pics but had to get some shots quickly as I am giving this as a present to some friends who have just had a baby (keepsake box) and we are now heading over there for 4th July festivities.

All critique and other ideas for future projects in a similar vain are welcome. Depending on the size I probably have enough of the veneered teak for 4 more boxes.

[JR]

Very nice!

I have been avoiding using tropical hardwood for boxes. I may have to rethink that plan! You did well to find the interesting grain. the detail on the legs is - taper, knocked down corner - is excellent.

DId you get a pic of the open box? I'd be interested in how you did the hinge(s).

JR

[GPA61]

Beautiful work.

[cgallery]

I would also like to see the inside of the box.

[jer]

beautiful work

[chopnhack]

Sweet work, John. The colors go great together and the style if very modern! Really love the color and grain on the teak. Did you stain it or just went with a clear top coat?

[pelligrini]

That is pretty sharp. Looks like a good ending for the old shelving.

The proportions work really well. If it weren't for the large grain patterns, it could be passed off as a large chest in those photos. What's the actual size? Something like 8x12x6? The legs were around 6", I think.

[Uncle Cracker]

Righteous!

[poolhound]

Very nice!

I have been avoiding using tropical hardwood for boxes. I may have to rethink that plan! You did well to find the interesting grain. the detail on the legs is - taper, knocked down corner - is excellent.

DId you get a pic of the open box? I'd be interested in how you did the hinge(s).

JR

I have quite a stash of various tropicals which I intend to build more boxes from. I didnt get a pic of the inside and its actually not that intertesting. The reverse veneer was much plainer.

For the lid I elected to use a fitted rabbet so it centers it over the main body and simply lifts off.

[poolhound]

Sweet work, John. The colors go great together and the style if very modern! Really love the color and grain on the teak. Did you stain it or just went with a clear top coat?

No stain involved its all natural. I first used a couple of seal coats of shellac followed by 3 top coats of tung/BLO/Poly mix and then a final coat of tung/BLO/wax mix and then a couple of applications of paste wax and buff

[poolhound]

That is pretty sharp. Looks like a good ending for the old shelving.

The proportions work really well. If it weren't for the large grain patterns, it could be passed off as a large chest in those photos. What's the actual size? Something like 8x12x6? The legs were around 6", I think.

Pretty close 13x8x6. I still have more of the same and am working on some designs so more to come.

[John Hunter]

Very nice.

[SARGE..g-47]

Very well done, Jon. Given the variations of teak grain you did a nice job of wrapping yours on the box carcass. I totally agree with not hiding teak (or many other stand alone woods) with stain. BLO or some other oil is sufficient with a clear coat as shellac or salad bowl finish optional.

Perhaps you could use the remaining teak to build and out-rigger to sail to the Polynesian Islands.....?

[footprintsinconc]

sweet looking box! you work sure is exceptionally beautiful!

[jgrobler]

That is a very beautiful box. Teak can be hard to work with, but the results are well worth it.