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A box of drawers

gkemper, member

104 users recommend

View of opened box

Completely opened box showing bottom drawer fully open in full extension dovetailed drawer slides. Also shows the pin joinery on smaller drawers.

All drawers have full extension dovetailed drawer slides.

View of box comletely closed showing design on face.

The design is made from a quilted maple background with Gabon Ebony and quilted Sapele .

View of box showing just one wing open.

Closeup view of drawer faces showing details. Faces were made from one continuous piece of maple.

View of opened box

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My wife has been after me to make a box to keep all her cross stitching supplies in. The box
is a cube 17" square with the feet height of 7/8" and extending beyond the cube 3/8" on each side. It will fit into an 18" cube.

I made it as compact as I could and still hold all her supplies.

The drawers use my own brand of pin joints and all drawers have full extension walnut dovetailed slides.

The mahogany box was dyed with a waterbased aniline dye. The last thing is the finish on the quilted maple drawer fronts. To get the quilted figure to really stand out I used a brown water based dye very diluted to about the color of a weak tea. The dye really soaks into the wood especially the quilt pattern. Then I sanded off just enough to leave the dye in the quilted pattern. Then applied a oil poly for durability. The face of the box has no finish other than the same oil poly.

I didn't want any handles on the box so to keep the doors closed I embeded small magnets in the case and door. The lower drawer is opened using the notch above it.

The feet are made from wenge, and I tried to make it look like the box was floating.

Materials:
Case:  mahogany
Front: Quilted maple, ebony and quilted sapele.
Drawer sides, bottoms and dividers: maple.
Drawer front and back: Peruvian walnut
Drawer face: quilted maple, Peruvian walnut, poplar
Feet: Wenge

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Tea Chest

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Keeping Chest

Comments (25)

ScubaSkeeter writes: Incredible detail, congratulations!
Posted: 10:30 pm on June 28th

gkemper writes: To see this and more than 15,000 other projects visit Lumberjocks.
.
http://lumberjocks.com
.
Join more than 8,900 other woodworkers that have posted more than 660 product reviews with more than 15,000 blogs and forum posts on every aspect of woodworking.
Posted: 5:46 pm on March 26th

big_mike writes: This has to be one of the most detailed and fantastic boxes I have ever seen. A Masterpiece to say the least.
Posted: 6:51 pm on March 25th

Joe_F writes: What can I say that hasn't already been said? Nice work, Gary. Good Luck!
Posted: 2:12 pm on March 24th

gkemper writes: Thanks for all the kind words from all of you. I really means something coming from fellow woodworkers.

May your edges always stay sharp.

Gary
Posted: 11:04 pm on March 23rd

Sacratez writes: This is an extraordinary piece of work! It is simple yet complex. The woods are absolutely beautiful. It's a maze and a puzzle all put into a box for storage. Beautiful and practical.
MMH757,I used alot of what you said just because I couldn't describe it any better.

Sac

http://www.lumberjocks.com
Posted: 10:45 am on March 23rd

mmh757 writes: What an extraordinary piece of work! It is simple yet complex in construction and the woods are absolutely beautiful. It's a maze and a puzzle all put into a box for storage. Beautiful and practical.

I hope to see you at the Wood Workering Show in Chantilly, VA this coming weekend. (3/27-3/29)

Please share more information on the construction as one of your projects on http://www.lumberjocks.com.
Posted: 9:51 pm on March 22nd

Howyudoin writes: This is an incredible box that deserves a full article about its construction - absolutely stunning!
Posted: 9:38 pm on March 22nd

woodjock writes: I've followed Gary's work for at least 3 years now and must admit his knowledge of woodworking is on par with that of Norm Abrams of "The New Yankee Workshop". His work has been exacting, influential, unique, and he offers suggestions and help graciously and makes some of the most amazing jigs I've come across in a long time. I have quit entering contests he's in because it's a waste of my time, I'm not in his league. I don't say any of this to demean Gary in any way, he's a great guy and has a brilliant mind. I envy his talent. Good luck buddy. jockmike2
Posted: 8:17 pm on March 22nd

woodjock writes: I've been privileged to see many of Gary's designs and finished projects. He is very clever when it comes to designing things including jigs and wood projects. He is right up there with Norm Abrams. I quit entering the contests he was in because I just was not in his league. He is a Master Carpenter. Mike W. AKA Jockmike2.
Posted: 7:04 pm on March 22nd

daveknipfer writes: I have to give you a thumbs-up on this piece ..... very well done I say.

I could just imagine spening hours exploring her ...... best wishes from me to you.

Knipfer
Posted: 6:56 pm on March 22nd

AMPSURGE writes: I used to be so fond of Birds Eye Maple but after looking as so many projects like yours the Quilted Maple is where it is at! Great job on this project. Wonderful balance of color and wood use.
Posted: 6:45 pm on March 22nd

rhayes06 writes: That is one sweet looking box. I would like to see the steps involved in the construction of that.
Grizzly Man
Posted: 5:36 pm on March 22nd

adeptr writes: If there ever was a box that had details, you would have to look far and long to find one with any more details than this one! Fine job!

Dave
Ol' Dave's Woodshop
http://www.oldaveswoodshop.com
Posted: 4:19 pm on March 22nd

bowyer writes: Awsome work of art! This box definatly deserves a full photo layout with step by step on the build.
Posted: 1:37 pm on March 22nd

Sandtazam writes: Exquisite Gary. you have a wonderful imagination.
Posted: 1:33 pm on March 22nd

lewiek writes: Beautiful workmanship and designing!
Posted: 1:32 pm on March 22nd

PlanerMill writes: Note the engineering aspects, then workmanship of this box.
Simply stunning!
Posted: 1:01 pm on March 22nd

DennisZongker writes: Great Job Gary!!! This box is incredible,
Posted: 12:41 pm on March 22nd

nonnirobbi writes: Beautiful, this needs to be in your magazine, this is the sort of useful, beautiful items most appealing to me.
Posted: 12:21 pm on March 22nd

ScottBryan writes: I think that it is wonderful that you entered this box, Gary. As I have said before it looks like a real winner to me.
Posted: 12:11 pm on March 22nd

_Max_ writes: This box is a treasure and will be around for generations to come. The workmanship is exquisite and the porportions are perfect. A wonderful piece of craftsmanship. This box should be a feature in the Fine Woodworking Magazine.
Posted: 11:47 am on March 22nd

RusselTrojan writes: Absolutely beautiful. The design and detail are remarkable.
Posted: 11:30 am on March 22nd

Heron writes: What a magnificent piece of art - cetainly will become treasured item over many generations to come.

As Napaman suggested, it would be worthy of a detailed plan and explanation on the building process - well done
Posted: 11:29 am on March 22nd

napaman writes: This is a museum piece...I hope that it is in a viewable room in your house!!! This "box" deserves a full magazine layout and step by step layout because your creativity and craftsmanship are superb...I would love it!
Posted: 11:14 am on March 22nd

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