Ron Brunton, Buderim, QLD

Boxed Insides
Plywood, jarrah and silky oak veneers, casuarina pods
Dimensions: 162 w x 162 w x 162 d

Concept:
This box is my first project after returning to woodwork after a period of over 35 years. I have long been fascinated by textures and the way they can define objects and spaces. I wanted to make a box which, while attractive enough on the outside, would visually entice people to put their hand inside and explore the different tactile experiences.
Method of Construction:
The sides, top and bottom of the box were first veneered using a vacuum press, and then cut with a tablesaw. The openings on the two sides and top were cut out with a bandsaw. The sides and bottom were glued together using simple mitred butt joints. Then the inside components, consisting of casuarina pods and offcuts from the tablesaw and the bandsaw—some of which were shaped with a Dremel—were glued into place, followed by the top of the box.
Materials:
1 mm plywood, jarrah and silky oak veneers from River Gum Timbers, casuarina pods.
Glues:
Purbond single pack polyurethane for the veneers, Selleys Aquadhere PVA+ woodworking glue for the box itself.
Finish:
Gilly Stephenson’s Clear Restoring and New Timber Polish. No finish was applied to the inside.

Photos: Ron Brunton