Marianni New, Burringbar, NSW

Heirloom Box
Silver ash (Flindersia bourjotiana), Brazilian rosewoood (Dalbergia nigra), jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata), silky oak (Cardwellia sublimis)
305 l x 190 w x 105mm d

Materials
Carcase: silver ash (Flindersia bourjotiana), handle and pegs: Brazilian rosewood (Dalbergia nigra), tray: jarrah (Eucalyptus marginate), silver ash, base: silky oak (Cardwellia sublimis) veneer, hinge: silver ash, brass pin.
The woodwork class I attend is adjacent to a boatbuilding yard. One day, a seasoned yachtie came in and saw what I was doing. He liked the fine detail and came back shortly with a stick of Brazilian rosewood to donate to the workshop. It was all he had left over from some timber he had acquired a long time ago. I understand it is a very rare and valuable timber. I have since used it sparingly in my boxes. I just love its deep, almost black colour and the way it polishes up beautifully. Making the handle from it, I think gives the box a slightly Japanese feel, as well as providing a strong contrast with the silver ash. The silver ash was sourced from timber left over from a boat building job and the jarrah comes from recycled factory beams in Perth.

Method of Construction
Main body butt joined and screwed together for strength. Screws concealed with dowels shaped and finished with a chisel cut. Handle is also hand shaped with chisel and carving tool. The hinges were made using a router and hand made jigs. The sliding tray is mitred joined and I used decorative mitred cuts for the tray dividers.

Glues: PVA

Finish
Sanded to 1200 grit. Two coats of oil applied and buffed with a mixture of beeswax and carnauba wax.
Concept: This box is inspired by boxmaker Peter Lloyd. When I first saw his boxes with wooden hinges I was immediately drawn to their appealing design. All my life I have had a fascination for boxes. At age 40, with school age children, I found the perfect woodwork teacher and made a box for my son. Friends loved it and before I knew it I had six orders. This box is one of these orders and is intended for a 20th birthday gift. As a student the hinges proved to be very challenging, but well worth the effort! I like knowing that I have made a box that can be passed on through the generations.

Photos: Harry Armytage