Me = Dumb! - Woodworking Talk

Sawduster · 01-06-2009, 11:44 PM

I wish I'd planned this better. This is a box I'm building for a friend of mine.

The top slides open and has a border around it so that it's like a little tray.

After sanding it and putting the first coat of finish on, it hit me right between the eyes! If I had put a dummy end on the inside of the lid, the lid would be almost hidden. I'm sorry about the poor photographic quality. I'll show some glamor pictures later.

I can't let this one go so I have to cut miters on the ends of the long pieces and make room for the new end piece. Suggestions are welcome. I have a Dremel.

bradleywellsoff · 01-06-2009, 11:58 PM

I see what you mean there. You could probably just use a sharp razor knife. Just keep scoreing till you get all the way thru. Nice looking box though.

Brad

Handyman · 01-07-2009, 01:14 AM

Be it wrong, Be it right, It looks great.

cabinetman · 01-07-2009, 05:44 AM

Nifty box just the way it is. Why not make another with the change and then decide.

GeorgeC · 01-07-2009, 06:44 AM

I did not even notice until you pointed it out.

Very nice.

George

Davet · 01-07-2009, 10:31 AM

Try a straight piece in there once, it may not look as
bad as you may think... It would be a visual reminder on
which way the top slides.

Nice box, either way or just as it is

jdixon · 01-07-2009, 04:55 PM

I had to go back and look for what you were talking about also. Nice looking box!

John

tswoodshop · 01-07-2009, 05:43 PM

Beautiful box sawduster... as is often the case when we woodworkers build something, we know all the flaws (or percieved flaws) in our work. Every joint that didn't quite fit as tight as it should when we put it together, or the "mistake" that nobody but us would even notice. That is a beautiful box. Not sure I'd even add that extra border you are thinking of.

Kenbo · 01-07-2009, 06:01 PM

I have to agree with everyone else. I think that the box looks great. I didn't even realize what you were talking about until I looked back at the photos. If you are that concerned with it, build another box and send this one to me. I'm sure that I could find a nice home for it.

Ken

Sawduster · 01-07-2009, 09:38 PM

Well thanks for all the kind words guys but I'm not sure I can let it slide knowing it could be so much better. Ask yourselves, could you?
Maybe it's because I'm such a newcomer to woodworking so each piece is so important to me.

CVGCOM · 01-07-2009, 09:43 PM

i think that your change would make it better for sure...but at the same time it does look good like it is and what if you slip up with the dremel

AZ Termite · 01-07-2009, 10:57 PM

Saeduster,
The box looks great. I also had to go back and look again. The choice is all yours. I am the same way, if I know something is not right I go back and change it if it will not destroy the project in the process. My wife tells me I am very anal when it comes to my projects. Try a straight piece first and see what it looks like. If you don't like it take a sharp utility knife and carefully cut your miters. Be sure you mark them first to ensure perfect 45's. At this point you don't want to do anything that could mess up what you already have.

Sawduster · 01-08-2009, 10:22 PM

Well I did it. It was no fun carving out the miters but the final results were pretty good, not perfect but pretty good.

I had to score a line between the real end and the slug because they fit too well.

AZ Termite · 01-08-2009, 10:38 PM

Sawduster,
Looks good. It's always harder to go back, but it is usually wurth it.

Sawduster · 01-15-2009, 10:18 PM

OK. It's finished and mailed to my friend this morning. Three coats of poly and one of a beeswax product. The photography still stinks but the colors are true.

AZ Termite · 01-15-2009, 10:29 PM

Dave, The final product turned out very nice. I am sure your friend will love it.

cathardo · 01-16-2009, 03:22 PM

I apparently opened this thread late, as the problem, and solution already existed, however I do agree with you Sawduster, Although your work on the original box was impressive, and I’m sure your friend would have cherished it, you would have forever felt that you didn’t do, what YOU felt you should have. I (for what little it’s worth) am glad you took the time to finish it. Pride counts!.

That said, Nice job.

Kenbo · 01-16-2009, 06:01 PM

I have to say that I like both of the versions of the box. However, with that being said, there have been times that there has been a small imperfection in a piece that I have made and although my wife would say that it was not a big deal.......to me, it was always the first thing that caught my attention. Good for you on not settling on something that was bothering you about your piece and taking the time and the effort to make it something that you were completely proud of.
I've said it before, and I will say it again.....the box looks great. Great job!!!!
Ken

2 thumbs up.

Sawduster · 01-16-2009, 08:23 PM

When I was making a lamp for my step son and agonizing over some detail, my wife said, "Honey, my son's not that fussy." I thought about it for a few seconds and said, "This isn't about your son, it's about me." I can't really explain it any better than that.

AZ Termite · 01-16-2009, 09:24 PM

Dave, I know exactly what you are talking about. My wife always tells me "That looks good to me, nobody will even know anything is wrong with it." My response is always "Ya but I will." I hate doing things "part way" If it not perfect its not good enough.