The video “I saved this STUNNING piece of wood from the fire pit!” is by Make Something. In this creative journey, the host takes a simple chunk of wood found on the roadside and transforms it into a unique hanging bandsaw box, showcasing the beauty of hickory paired with a gorgeous piece of Buckeye burl.
The project starts with the David sharing their fascination with collecting logs, often finding them on the side of the road. He expresses a desire to get into more sculptural woodworking, even admitting that they struggle to identify different types of wood. This project serves as a perfect opportunity to explore the potential of the wood collected over time.
After revealing the beautiful hickory within the log, David begins preparing the wood for shaping. He carefully run it over a joiner to create a flat surface, which is essential for safe cutting on the bandsaw. David emphasizes the importance of having a dry piece of wood, as it allows for easier manipulation and better final results.
Once the hickory is prepared, David sketches out a unique design—a shape reminiscent of a football or an eyeball. This design is printed out and attached to the wood for cutting. He shares valuable tips for cutting thick wood on a small bandsaw, including the need for the right blade and the importance of cutting slowly to ensure accuracy.
As he cuts, David encounters challenges, particularly with a dangerous cut that requires hot gluing the piece into a cradle to ensure safety. After cutting the body and back of the box, the pieces are run through the planer for a smooth finish.
Next, David focuses on cutting out the drawer, emphasizing the need to cut with the grain to hide the kerf later. He cautions against pushing too quickly through the blade, as this can lead to drift and poor cuts. David demonstrates the process of assembling the drawer by cutting off the face and back, scooping out the interior, and then gluing the pieces back together.
David shares his personal journey with bandsaw boxes, recalling how he began making them and eventually caught the attention of a publisher, leading to the writing of a book on the subject. This book has since gained significant popularity, marking a pivotal moment in his woodworking career.
As he continues with the project, David sketches an idea for long walnut legs to give the box a floor-standing art piece appearance. However, while searching for materials, he discovers a piece of Buckeye burl that he had been saving. The burl appears to complement the hickory perfectly, and David envisions a wall-hanging unit instead.
After cutting the Buckeye burl, David discusses the contrasting finishes they plan to use—high gloss for the burl and a matte finish for the hickory. This contrast in visual texture is intended to enhance the overall aesthetic of the piece.
To complete the project, David traces the shape of the bandsaw box onto a piece of plywood, which will be attached to the burl. He also shares his technique of flocking the inside of the drawer and box to minimize sanding. An “aha moment” arises when he realizes that an off-cut of the burl matches the shape of the box, allowing him to glue it onto the front and create a visual connection between the two pieces.
Finally, David adds a custom finish to the hickory and installs hanging hardware on the back, wrapping up the project. He reflects on how the project evolved from his original vision, highlighting the importance of being open to inspiration during the creative process. David acknowledges that while not everyone may appreciate the final design, he is proud of the unique piece he created.
In summary, this project beautifully illustrates how a simple log can be transformed into a stunning work of art with creativity, patience, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected.