As I mentioned in my thread on miter sleds, I have been having fun making some boxes out of highly figured wood. The box shown below is QS English Sycamore with panels & accents in Padauk. The box measures 9" x 4.75" x 3.5" (L x W X H) and is constructed from 3/8" thick stock. The finish is just the wood sanded to P1000 and then a protective coat of wax rubbed with gray & white pads and buffed. The inside surfaces were finished prior to glue up and the outer surfaces after glue up.
The techniques used for these type of mitered boxes is well documented in FWW 162 (Apr 2003) p 40-45, FWW 43 (Nov 1983) p 32-28, Taunton's Complete Guide to Box Making and The Bandsaw Book (Lonnie Bird) p 166-174 as well as many other places.
The craftsmanship for this box is so so but the wood is great. I am also constructing boxes in another size (9 x 4 x 4) and also with other wood combinations such as birdseye maple & walnut and birdseye maple & quilted maple. Anyway, just thought I would have some fun before starting any more furniture projects.
John Motzi
Downingtown, PA