I've got an 'ask'...

[Patrick Nailon]

Just found out that my best friend's 90th birthday is coming up in late February. I'd like to make him a case for magic equipment (decks of cards, coins, other small items), so I'm looking at something like a jewelry box/humidor/what-not box. It has to have a lid, catch, hinges, and I want it to have inlay, veneer, possibly marquetry on the top, and be a work of art.

Can anyone recommend any books or sources for good plans for something like this? I have all the Woodsmith mags, but haven't found what I'm looking for there. I'd also like to put Fred's initials in the top, somehow (FK).

I appreciate any thoughts you all have.

[John Schreiber]

No direct suggestions, but I'd suggest making the box itself a trick. Perhaps it only opens if a magnet (hidden in a ring) is held at a certain spot.

[Jamie Buxton]

Per John's idea, here's a site with some plans for Japanese puzzle boxes. Some even include inlay. http://homepage.ntlworld.com/bruce.viney/index.html

[Roger Warford]

I like John's idea, but it should be a nicely turned magic wand that opens the box!

Doug Stowe has written some good books on box making (I have the cleverly titled "Box Making" by Mr. Stowe).

Here are a few old threads on box making and box making books:

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=24396
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=6821
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?p=711120
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?p=822271

You might also consider bandsaw boxes. Donna LaChance Menke's "The Ultimate Band Saw Box Book" is a great place to start.

The guys in the "vortex" have an entirely different view of "box" (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthre...ighlight=boxes, http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=9972, http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthre...ighlight=boxes).

There are also a bunch of folks with lasers here that might be able to help dress up a box for you with a fancy design in lieu of (or perhaps in addition to) marquetry or intarsia.

Finally, search other forums. Links to other forums aren't allowed, but a couple have nice galleries full of great examples and inspiration.

Good luck and please share your progress with us!

[Dewey Torres]

http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworki....aspx?id=28905

Pat,
If this would be challenging and very fun. I plan to do it myself. If you like it and are serious about building it send me a PM.

[Patrick Nailon]

No direct suggestions, but I'd suggest making the box itself a trick.

I wasn't planning on that, but I may incorporate a hidden bottom to the case. Woodsmith had a jewelry box with a hidden bottom drawer. Maybe I'll add that, and when Fred slides it open, there is a copy of "Magic for Dummies" in it.

[Patrick Nailon]

Doug Stowe has written some good books on box making (I have the cleverly titled "Box Making" by Mr. Stowe).

I was just looking at Amazon.com at some of Stowe's books. They were highly rated and sound like they have what I need. I'll order one pronto. Thanks!

[Lee Schierer]

There are also a bunch of folks with lasers here that might be able to help dress up a box for you with a fancy design in lieu of (or perhaps in addition to) marquetry or intarsia.

I second the idea of a laser cut inlay. I made this one as a gift for a parting church choir director with the help of a near by laser operator.