Lincolnman

Beautiful work: very clever design, useful and functional! How did you do the "pages" effect, if I might ask?

Great job!

I've read most of the comments. I've been woodworking for a great many years, but have only fairly recently gotten to the point of calling myself a "fine woodworker." I just recently built a grandfather clock that took me 17 months. On the base, I joined the sides to the front with hand-cut dovetails. I did it because I thought it wood be a nice touch aesthically. They turned out great - actually much better than I anticipated and it was the first time I ever made dovetails. I also have to admit I have no idea how to make machine cut dovetails, so my only options were hand cut them or use some other joint.

For those who are in my situation, i.e., amateurs, and never made hand-cut dovetails before - go for it. I'm sure other joints would have accomplished the same strength (albeit without the same look), but the sheer satisfaction I got - feeling like I've made it to the Big League in woodworking - was worth it personally to me. I don't care about the strength; any joint at that point would have sufficed, but I always knew the hallmark of a fine woodworker is his joinery, so the satisfaction to me when I step back and the admiring comments I receive (admittedly from people who wouldn't know a Phillips head screwdriver from a hack saw) are worth the time and effort for making hand-cut dovetails.

Ultimately, except for professionals, doing all this is for the enjoyment. Do what enhances your hours of enjoyment in your shop, but always strive to learn and do something one step better.

Gets my vote. Traditional, yet creative. Workmanship beautiful. Great job.

I understand what he's showing and the two tactile points to stabilize. I wish he showed actually doing it. Also, using a hone stone, I don't understand how to get a flat bevel. Once you use the stone, the stone gets its own rut where the sharpening takes place and then it, in and of itself, is no longer flat and able to give a flat bevel. That is a conundrum and I feel very unconfident using a plane.

Matt's shop is a riot. Only a true lover of woodworking (like me) would understand why anyone would do that. But then I looked at the picture of the boxes! Enviable work! I hope you'll be able to progress onto a bigger bathroon soon!