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Fretwork Jewellery box


Fec

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This is the most recent project I've done. I've been on a kick with making boxes and this is by far the most intricate woodworking project I've ever attempted. It's not perfect, but then neither am I. I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out.

 

I should note that these were taken before I had finished lacquering the box. So picture just like this but with two more coats on. ;)

 

 

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Edited by Fec
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Thanks for the compliments.

 

I spent 12 hours cutting the lid. Stopped counting after that. I'd say it was around 20 hours of cutting total.

 

I tried to stack cut the sides but had problems with the blade pulling and had to recut the side that was on the bottom. It was a learning experience.

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An awesome piece indeed! Did you count how many times you drilled a hole? I wouldn't have, I'd have lost interest after the lid!

I did. I am a little bit OCD and I can't NOT count the holes. I don't remember the number now but it was a lot. Actually I just went back and re-counted the sides and it's 22 per panel. So 66 on each end and 132 on each side. I'm not counting the top again! lol

 

We are always so critical on our own works and know what mistakes are made. Most people receiving a gift like this will never notice. You did and excellent job on the cutting.

That is so true. I fret over every little thing on any piece I make and it drives me bonkers. One thing I try to tell myself repeatedly is that once I'm done cutting the pattern comes off. No one but me will ever know that there are any lines where they weren't supposed to be.

 

 

Also, a note for anyone who has thought about trying something like this with lots of fretwork, don't let it intimidate you. It really isn't any more difficult than any other scrolling project. It's just more time consuming. Cutting this out of 1/2" oak was actually a lot easier than many of the projects I've done in 1/4" ply. The pattern actually called for 1/4" material but the only stock I could find in that thickness was warped and it felt like it would be a waste to plane off 2/3 of a 1x. Had to adapt the pattern a little so everything would fit right but I'm glad I did it this way. If I'd had an interior cut snap off towards the end of cutting that top I would have lost my mind. But anyway, like I said, don't let it scare you. Give it a shot sometime and just remember to take it slow and do a little at a time to save yourself from burnout or fatigue.

 

 

Oh, I almost forgot to mention. This box was a gift for my mother, and of course she loved it. In fact a few of her friends have started asking her if she can get me to make some for them. To which I promptly replied, I don't think you want to pay what it would take for me to do this again. HAHA

Edited by Fec
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