And another Jewelry box is born

[Bruce Cohen]

This box is really special. I made it for my Niece's wedding in Australia. She is marrying a member of the Oz contentment.

Considering the joining of two cultures and countries, and because I wanted a reason to buy some more exotic wood, I used stock from the two countries.

The sides are Australian Sassafras and the base is Australian Black Wood

The lid(s) are American Walnut and the Drawer front and dividers are Spalted Maple (yup, I got a bunch of scraps of that).

This was the box I had asked the question about concerning how to radius the top of the lid and whether it looked too much like a coffin.

I think it still has a "casket" feel to it, but it's probably not all that visual.

I'd like to thank all the responses I got from you about my questions, it kind of made it feel like a group project, with Cab giving all the orders and me doing all the work .

Again, thanks guys, hope you enjoy this one.

BTW, this and the last one posted were made about six months apart, I just never got around to steal back my camera from #2 daughter.

Bruce

[Bill in Buena Park]

Very cool Bruce. The woods play together well, and I like the design - not coffin-esque as you were concerned.

[pelligrini]

Very slick looking. Lots of interesting details. The beveled top is a pretty cool. Even the differing grains are intriguing. I'm sure the prospective couple will treasure it for years.

There's something wrong with displaying the larger sized images though. I tried it at the office, and then here at home. These thumbnails are quite impressive.

Are those barrel hinges? Is that walnut for the pull and lower corners, looks like ebony? What was the finish?

[Bruce Cohen]

Erik.

Many thanks for the kind words. To answer your questions:

While the larger images do take a bit of time to load, they do come up. I don't know if that's the site or your bandwidth. I'm on a cable modem and even I have to wait about 5-7 seconds for the larger images to appear.

The pull is the same Walnut as the top, the corner plugs are Wenge, I forgot to mention it when I posted the photos. As the groom is originally from South Africa, and Wenge is found there, I used that also to further integrate their backgrounds into the box.

And yes, they are barrel hinges, Lee Valley sells them in either brass or stainless steel. A quirk I did find in the installation, it's simple as pie, but when they suggest a 5mm hole, they ain't kidding. Even though 5mm converts to 3/16", it close but no cigar. Ya gotta use a 5mm bit. And the back of the lid and the back of the box itself have got to be beveled at a 45 degree angle. But you also get the benefit of a "built in" stop.

The finish is 3 coats of Watco and 2 coats of Liberon Black Bison Clear polish. (See my other box, the thread is named "this one's for me". I go into more detail as to the finish techniques.

Bruce

[pelligrini]

Doubt it's the bandwidth, we've got a pair of T1s at the office and I've got a 20Mbit cable connection at home. I even let the pop up windows run for a few minutes.

Impressive work. What are the two round objects on the lids, and the pull? Metal tack/stud thingys? They tie in togeather nicely.

[Turaj]

Very impressive Bruce and a lovely gift (especially with different type of wood)!

[Ed62]

WOW Bruce! Beautiful box!!!

Ed

[cabinetman]

You outdid yourself this time. You're definitely hooked. That's a real looker...nicely done.

.

[RAFlorida]

Bruce, that is one spectacular jewelry box!

There's lots of contrast and that's what sets it apart from a store bought jewelry box. I am sure your niece will treasure the box more than her gold and diamonds! It's a work of art Bruce, so congratulations are in order for your work sir!

[Pappy]

Beautiful. The use of woods from 3 continents is novel. My eyes keep going to the flowing grain of the Australian Sassafras. Is this common or was that an unusual piece of wood?

[big tim]

By golly wood is beautiful, isn't it.
And you sure used it to show of its beauty.
Gorgeous piece of craftsmanship, Bruce!
Congratulations!

Tim

[herb fellows]

I get the coffin reference, but as far as beautiful goes, all I can say is 'wow'!

Fantastic job!

[Bruce Cohen]

Doubt it's the bandwidth, we've got a pair of T1s at the office and I've got a 20Mbit cable connection at home. I even let the pop up windows run for a few minutes.

Impressive work. What are the two round objects on the lids, and the pull? Metal tack/stud thingys? They tie in togeather nicely.

Erik,

I realized that I uploaded the images in high-res form. I've reduced the file sizes and they should work now.

The pins are stainless steel 1/8" diameter rod used instead of dowels.

Bruce

[smorris]

That box is beautiful. I really like the way the grain flows across the piece.

[Bruce Cohen]

Beautiful. The use of woods from 3 continents is novel. My eyes keep going to the flowing grain of the Australian Sassafras. Is this common or was that an unusual piece of wood?

Don,

I think that most of Australian Sassafras has this much figure. Check this site out.
http://www.woodworkerssource.com/black_heart.html

BTW Happy Turkey Day and Semper Fi

Bruce