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These are my most recent bandsaw boxes. These boxes are both made from
the same 8/4 walnut stock. Walnut is a great wood for this project. It
is very attractive but it is also very easy to work. The only problem
with walnut is the dust. I highly recommend using a good dust collector
when creating walnut dust. These boxes take a lot of sanding so be prepared.
Although commonly called "bandsaw boxes" my good friend Terry
more accurately coined the phrase "sanding boxes" to describe
these boxes.
I've use a router to do most of the rounding of the edges. However, the
edges of these boxes often require some type of hand shaping because a
router can't reach every part of the boxes. In the past I've used hand
sanding to shape the rest of the box. I can say now that method isn't
efficient or enjoyable. I've since learned that this is a great task for
a spokeshave, rasp and a file. These tools create a lot less dust and
actually do the job more quickly. On curves, a good spokeshave works well.
I used a Lie-Nielsen small bronze spokeshave. This diminutive spokeshave
is perfect for the job because the handles are small enough to allow access
to most of the box. I used a rasp and a file to work the tight corners
that the spokeshave couldn't reach. Looking back, I think it would have
been better had I skipped the router altogether and just used the spokeshave.
In competent hands a spokeshave can make quick work of a project this
small. Even in my hands it goes quickly.
This box is finished with blonde shellac. This was my first project using
shellac. While my technique isn't yet perfected I really like using shellac.
My earliest projects were always finished with some type of varnish blend.
No thanks! My house smells terrible after using that stuff. With shellac,
I would even feel comfortable applying the finish on the kitchen table.
Notice I said I would feel comfortable, I'm not so sure the wife would
feel the same way so I apply finish down in the shop.
To learn how to make boxes like this, I suggest you purchase the book
Building Beautiful Boxes With Your Band Saw
by Lois Keener Ventura.
It has a number of different designs from very simple to very complex.
These designs are from her book.
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