Band Saw Boxes (2004, 2006)
I got my first exposure to band saw boxes from another local woodworker when he showed off his work at a local gathering. After having built a series of Mission pieces with rigid perpendicular joints, I was taken by the free-form nature of these boxes. I had to try one, and here's my first attempt.
The book I used to guide me though the process is "Building Beautiful Boxes with your Band Saw" by Lois Keener Ventura. This book is excellent – lots of full color pictures and clear, well-written instructions taking you through every step of the process. You can check it out at this link.
I wanted to make my first box out of scrap, so I used cedar for the box body and padauk for the drawer pulls. I'm pleased with the way this turned out for my first attempt, so I plan to make several more of these for gifts.
Finally, I flocked the insides of the drawers with red flock. This was my first attempting at flocking, and I'm very happy with the results. The drawer interiors now have a nice plush feel. This technique provides much better results than other lining attempts I've made with fabric. It also adheres well in the corners and curves. We'll be using this on future gift boxes.
Update 6/3/2006:
I finally completed a couple more bandsaw boxes that I had laying around the shop partially shaped for over a year. Cutting them out is a blast, but I really can't stand sanding these things so it took me a while to get the motivation to complete them. The patterns are from Lois Keener Ventura's book. Her boxes have become quite ubiquitous, but my daughters should get good use out of them storing their misc doodads.
The woods are maple and walnut. Finish is orange shellac and wax. The drawer interiors are flocked.
© Copyright 2006 Chris Billman