I actually built something!!!!

[Joe Judge]

nice box!

Also, one way to get the non-sandpaper finish you desire is:

- sandpaper to a fine enough grit (220,320,?)
- SCRAPER

Use a scraper on the surface. Its similar to planing in that you're using an edge of metal to surface the wood.

I find it really does justice to fine wood.

--joe

[Silas Smith]

Thanks to everybody for their kind comments, especially my fellow Texans. It really will be hard for me to route the holes in the top. I need to finish it up though because I already have another commissioned piece. I need the hawk scroll saw that I saw at the woodworking show last week and this one should go a ways to paying for it! The new techniques I uses on this box were:

1. using a backer board on the D4. I had no tear out and I was very pleased with the results.
2. I tried resawing for the first time. It was a learning process and I wouldn't recommend using $7 BF wood to learn on.
3. Hand planing instead of sanding
4. I used BLO for the first time. I just did a 50% mix with mineral spirits. I think that was a little thick and I will cut it down more next time.
5. The lid is actually my first raised panel door. I was able to crank up the shaper and learn alot.

The advantage of being so new to the hobby is that there are a million new techniques to try. I just try and incorporate a few new ones in everything I do. I really think there might be something to this hand plane business though. There is a certain amount of pride that comes with using hand tools that I didn't think would be there.

[Ken Shoemaker]

Wonderful use of contrasting woods... A peice of art....

[Kelly C. Hanna]

Nicely done Silas!

[Byron Trantham]

Silas, I like it. Very nice appearance.