Scholastica
``Karen Kandoo``
Reged: 09/21/03
Posts: 1574
Loc: Brooklyn, NY
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My aunt's 90th birthday is coming up and I thought I'd try making a box. If I can fix my table saw that is. First...I was looking at the wood at Rockler (I've not seen the "nicer" woods around here). Any advice on type of wood to start with. I was thinking walnut. I'm only familiar with the TREES  - not the actually wood. I realize I'm a real amateur so I shouldn't waste the wood. I'd practice on ply first. But I'm thinking a "nice" box is usually fancy wood - no? Anyway....here's what Rockler has.
Of course...I'll probably change my mind and embroider something!!! At least I can tear out my mistakes and start over
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Amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic.
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brooksnb
Super Handyman
Reged: 03/03/07
Posts: 2138
Loc: New Brunswick , Canada
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IMHO it depends what you want to use the box for...and what tools you have available. Some species of wood such as hornbeam are extremely hard and require tools that almost match those of a machinest yet others are so soft you could use a dull kitchen knife to cut it. I have really never found a wood species that could not be considered as pretty given the right cut or finish.
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Dennis
Just another trouble making Canadian....
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vid
Maven From Mad City
Reged: 04/24/02
Posts: 2306
Loc: Mad City
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Because this will be your first attempt at box making you'll probably have a whoops or two. With the prices you pay for wood at Rockler's a whoops can get very expensive. Red Oak or Maple, available at HD and Lowes, will not break the bank account and the end result will also be beautiful.
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vid®
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Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.
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JasonB
Sharp Shooter
Reged: 04/27/04
Posts: 8520
Loc: Cape Spencer, New Brunswick, C...
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Try a few with maple. Maple works really nicely, but will give you a feel for working hard woods. Oak's coarser grain makes it a little strange to work, compared to maple, but it's not too bad either.
Practice with nice common woods until you master them. Then work the Vitae and purpleheart...
J
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er, somethin'....
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