Hummingbird Box (Another Xmas gift for my Lady)

[FrankEV]

I apologise for another long story. 

A couple of recent post showing a box projects got me looking for one I might like to do.  I found a Steve Good box pattern called Hummerbox, which has a Hummingbird and flowers in the top panel (Perfect for another Christmas Present for my lady).  As downloaded, the box was 7”L  x 4”W x 3 ½” H and was  suggested to use  1/4” thick material.  The pattern was for notch and tab construction which left panel edges exposed.  The pictures which came with the pattern showed using painted backer to highlight the scrollwork, an idea I liked very much.

I decided on this cut pattern for my first box as it was relatively simple, but did not think the box size was correct and I did not like the method of the box construction.   My previous woodworking (BC scroll saw work) box building skills prevailed, so changes were necessary.

After converting the PDF pages to a JPG file and then inserting the images into Inkscape, I used the TRACE BITMAP command to make an editable pattern.  I then did some editing to increase the box size to 10” L x 5 1/2” W x 5” H and eliminated the notches and tabs.  I converted the line work to red with a light gray fill at the same time.

I cut the scroll work out of 5/32” thick Maple solid core plywood and created duplicate size backer panels out of 5/32” thick Walnut solid core plywood.  I darkened the Walnut backers with Minwax Walnut stain to improve the contrast.  The backers were glued to the cut panels (which I had stack cut) forming 5/16” thick side, end and top panels.  After the glue up of the panels was complete, I used my table saw to create a nominal 1/8” W x 1/8” D dado for a 1/8” x 9 ¾” L x 5 ¼” W BB ply bottom panel.  I then stack cut the glued up panels to remove the bottom cut out area between the legs.

Like the process I use for the Oak Hummingbird Lamp I previously made, I beveled the vertical edges of the end and side panels with my vertical belt sander to 45 degrees, which allowed the box to be assembled with clean sharp corners.  Before final assembly and glue up, I applied Red Felt to the interior face of the box walls and bottom using contact cement.  

Since the top is also two layers of plywood, the edges are exposed in this design and I was not happy with how it looked.  I used my router to create an L-shaped trim piece out of some solid maple that I applied like a frame to the top and hung down about 1/8” all around which acts as a lid keeper for the un-hinged top.  (This worked but, if I was to build this box again, I would do the top differently, using 3/8” or ½” thick solid wood instead of plywood with and undersized ¼” thick backer that would act as the keeper. if I can find a piece of Solid maple I may redo the top for this box.)

Here is my version of the Hummingbird Box.  And, just for your information I've attached the Steve Good PDF. 

hummerbox.pdf

Late edit:  As I looked at my box I think a big upgrade in the design would be a felt lined drop in comparmented tray easily constructed of 1/8" plywood. 

My Lady is a jewleryholic and never has enough storage for her jewlery. 

Edited December 10, 2020 by FrankEV

[Woodrush]

3 minutes ago, FrankEV said:

I apologise for another long story. 

A couple of recent post showing a box projects got me looking for one I might like to do.  I found a Steve Good box pattern called Hummerbox, which has a Hummingbird and flowers in the top panel (Perfect for another Christmas Present for my lady).  As downloaded, the box was 7”L  x 4”W x 3 ½” H and was  suggested to use  1/4” thick material.  The pattern was for notch and tab construction which left panel edges exposed.  The pictures which came with the pattern showed using painted backer to highlight the scrollwork, an idea I liked very much.

I decided on this cut pattern for my first box as it was relatively simple, but did not think the box size was correct and I did not like the method of the box construction.   My previous woodworking (BC scroll saw work) box building skills prevailed, so changes were necessary.

After converting the PDF pages to a JPG file and then inserting the images into Inkscape, I used the TRACE BITMAP command to make an editable pattern.  I then did some editing to increase the box size to 10” L x 5 1/2” W x 5” H and eliminated the notches and tabs.  I converted the line work to red with a light gray fill at the same time.

I cut the scroll work out of 5/32” thick Maple solid core plywood and created duplicate size backer panels out of 5/32” thick Walnut solid core plywood.  I darkened the Walnut backers with Minwax Walnut stain to improve the contrast.  The backers were glued to the cut panels (which I had stack cut) forming 5/16” thick side, end and top panels.  After the glue up of the panels was complete, I used my table saw to create a nominal 1/8” W x 1/8” D dado for a 1/8” x 9 ¾” L x 5 ¼” W BB ply bottom panel.  I then stack cut the glued up panels to remove the bottom cut out area between the legs.

Like the process I use for the Oak Hummingbird Lamp I previously made, I beveled the vertical edges of the end and side panels with my vertical belt sander to 45 degrees, which allowed the box to be assembled with clean sharp corners.  Before final assembly and glue up, I applied Red Felt to the interior face of the box walls and bottom using contact cement.  

Since the top is also two layers of plywood, the edges are exposed in this design and I was not happy with how it looked.  I used my router to create an L-shaped trim piece out of some solid maple that I applied like a frame to the top and hung down about 1/8” all around which acts as a lid keeper for the un-hinged top.  (This worked but, if I was to build this box again, I would do the top differently, using 3/8” or ½” thick solid wood instead of plywood with and undersized ¼” thick backer that would act as the keeper. if I can find a piece of Solid maple I may redo the top for this box.)

Here is my version of the Hummingbird Box.  And, just for your information I've attached the Steve Good PDF. 

hummerbox.pdf 890.03 kB · 0 downloads

That's craftsmanship

[Scrappile]

Beautiful and thanks for the "long story".  Love to read how things are done and I always learn something.

[rjweb]

Beautiful piece, RJ

[spirithorse]

Very pretty jewelry box!

If you make a drop in compartment like you mentioned, would you have to
put some sort of supports somewhere in the box to elevate the compartment?
Maybe I can learn something here! LOL
Thanks for sharing and God Bless! Spirithorse

[dgman]

Didn’t read the story, but the box looks great!

[FrankEV]

2 hours ago, spirithorse said:

Very pretty jewelry box!

If you make a drop in compartment like you mentioned, would you have to
put some sort of supports somewhere in the box to elevate the compartment?
Maybe I can learn something here! LOL
Thanks for sharing and God Bless! Spirithorse

Easily done with another 1/4" layer on the end panels that are shorter by the vertical dimension of the tray.  Would be glued on just before adding the felt liner. 

[wombatie]

Very stylish.  Great work Frank.

Marg

[daveww1]

that sure is a beautiful box, great job

[Phantom Scroller]

Very nice work Frank. Brownie point for you. Roly

[rdatelle]

I like it Frank. Thanks for the tips to.

[OzarkSawdust]

Great job Frank! It really looks awesome!

I made that a year ago, unlined as a potpourri box, with just BB ply. I like the design, I should go back and do another with nice hardwood and a liner. Thanks for sparking my imagination!

[munzieb]

There is something said for "tinkering". Your efforts give this project a more refined look. The edging is perfect.

[amazingkevin]

Cannot be made any better!!!

[meflick]

Beautiful work and sure to get you major points with your wife when she sees this gift. I also wanted to ask if you saw the new pattern Steve Good put out with hummingbirds this week? 
 

https://scrollsawworkshop.blogspot.com/2020/12/hummingbird-initial-scroll-saw-patterns.html

[FrankEV]

2 hours ago, meflick said:

Beautiful work and sure to get you major points with your wife when she sees this gift. I also wanted to ask if you saw the new pattern Steve Good put out with hummingbirds this week? 
 

https://scrollsawworkshop.blogspot.com/2020/12/hummingbird-initial-scroll-saw-patterns.html

Yes I did and I downloaded it.  Will cut the "R" for her in next few days.  

[ben2008]

Very nice job. Hummingbirds, we have some visit us every year right here in SE MI. 

[LarryEA]

Very nice. 

[Gordon 121]

Nice job it looks stunning am just about to try making my first box, I might steel some of your ideas I love it when ppl go into detail about how they did something I learn so much I also wish ppl would put down what font they use on an item the more info we get the more so we learn, so thanks Frank good read and a great box mate