neobassman

Really nice boxes. How much do the sides taper, and does the tray Jaleo taper and just rest as low as it falls in the taper?

Awesome piece. I like maple and walnut together. Grain matching across all the drawers is a really nice touch.

Awesome piece. I like maple and walnut together. Grain matching across all the drawers is a really nice touch.

Beautiful piece, Rob, and the kind of thing I hope to make in the near future.

Thanks for the positive comments - maybe there is big, classic tool chest in my future (a la the Anarchist's Tool Chest or Duncan Phyfe), but not for this purpose!

My concerns with your method would be grain match at the cross-grain cut, and producing a flat bottom in the excised area for the new patch to rest on. Running the patch the full length of the side, along the grain, would normally seem like a less visible patch, but with the binding at the edges that seems like that approach would invite a cascade of issues. If it were me, I might try johnogilvie's method first. If that did not result in a satisfactory outcome, then maybe you could still try stevefell's suggestions to make the patch less visible, seeking to grain-match the patch as best as possible. Let us know what you do and how it comes out. It's great to have people who are willing to share their challenges or mistakes so the rest of us can learn how to solve our own problems creatively!

Matt, this is an inspiring project. I admire your desire to use reclaimed wood, to see the knots and flaws as "beauty marks," and the attention to detail that makes such a simple design elegant. I'm just beginning to master fine boxmaking, and youre provided a great benchmark.

Question: Did you take any steps to strengthen your mitered corners - such as a hidden spline? Can't tell from the photos.

Tom, I also have struggled with table top glue-ups and have resolved to try a different method next time. I was planning on using pairs of hardwood cauls, slightly curved, across the top as recommended in other places. I'm curious if you have tried this and (assuming you have) what you prefer about the method in your article. It seems reliable but time-consuming.