Looking for a unique woodworking project that combines style and functionality? Cody from Craftswright has created an impressive double-decker thoughts box that’s perfect for storing ideas, recipes, or even jewelry. This project is great for woodworkers of all skill levels, so let’s dive into the step-by-step process!
Materials and Tools Needed:
- 5/4 quarter-sawn white oak
- Wood glue
- Plywood for the base and lid
- Brass rods
- Milk paint
- Osmo Pollux finish
- Table saw
- Band saw
- Hand plane
- Drill
- Clamps
- Shooting board
- Sanding supplies
Step 1: Resawing the Wood
To start, Cody selected a beautiful piece of quarter-sawn white oak. He planned both faces flat and parallel before jointing the edge by hand, which adds a personal touch to the project.
Step 2: Cutting the Box Sides
Next, he cut the four sides of the box using a crosscut sled at the table saw. Aiming for continuous grain, he flipped the pieces to ensure they would wrap around the corners seamlessly.
Step 3: Addressing Warp and Cup
Cody encountered some warping in his wood, which he addressed by dampening the cupped side and letting it sit overnight. This temporary fix helped him achieve more accurate cuts for the miters.
Step 4: Miter Cuts and Rabbets
Once the wood was ready, he cut the miters and then proceeded to cut the rabbets for the base and lid. Cody shared a nifty trick for setting up the rabbets quickly and accurately.
Step 5: Glue Wash for Strong Joints
To ensure the joints were strong, Cody applied a glue wash to the end grain before applying the main glue. This technique helps prevent glue starvation in the joints.
Step 6: Veneer Application
After the glue wash dried, he sliced off veneer pieces from the same oak board, which were then glued onto the plywood top and base. This step added a beautiful finish to the box.
Step 7: Painting the Box
To cover the plywood, Cody used milk paint. He mixed a dark charcoal color and applied it to the edges, followed by light sanding between coats for a smooth finish.
Step 8: Assembling the Box
After allowing the paint to dry, it was time to assemble the box. Cody was careful with the glue application to prevent squeeze-out onto the fabric lining inside.
Step 9: Creating Dividers
To keep index cards upright and organized, Cody made dividers from the remaining white oak. He carefully fitted them into the box.
Step 10: Adding the Handle
The final touch was adding a handle to the lid. Cody crafted a subtle, elegant handle that complements the box’s design.
Conclusion
Cody’s double-decker continuous grain thoughts box turned out beautifully, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal. It’s a perfect project for anyone looking to elevate their woodworking skills while creating something truly unique.
If you’re inspired to build your own thoughts box, check out the detailed plans available on Cody’s website!