Marianni New, Burringbar, NSW

Heirloom Box II
Silky oak (Grevillea robusta), Brazilian rosewood (Dalbergia nigra)
295 l x 190 w x 90mm h

Materials
Carcase: silky oak (Grevillea robusta), tray and dowel: Brazilian rosewood (Dalbergia nigra), lining: suede.
The silky oak was bought from a local supplier, who sourced it directly from a local north coast farm using a portable mill. 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.

Method of Construction
Main body of box constructed using a hand cut, half blind dovetail joint. The lid pivots on two hand turned dowels at either end. The tray is made with hand cut dovetails and lined with suede.

Glue: 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. Its simple design allowed me to show off the highly figurative piece of silky oak I had acquired. As a woodwork student, I also liked the challenge of producing hand cut dovetails. This box is for my youngest daughter to keep her treasures in. It is intended to be passed through the generations. I feel satisfied knowing that it will last the distance!

Photos: Gregory Thomas