Synopses & Reviews
No project has more universal appeal among woodworkers at every skill level than the blanket chest. It’s a simple form — essentially a large box with a lid — and yet it can be complex, elaborate, and intricately detailed. This collection of 30 original designs by artisans from around the globe illustrates the versatility of the chest, one of the oldest forms of furniture. The book opens with an overview of chest-building techniques; following are the chests, each of which features design and construction details, working drawings, and technical details of the more challenging pieces. Chests range from traditional to contemporary and offer inspiration to woodworkers and furniture makers of all skill levels. Approximately 200 photos and 50 drawings illustrate these designs.
Synopsis
Box making is perfect for beginning woodworkers interested in gaining skills, experimenting with design, and feeling satisfaction at a project that can be completed without the time and expense commitment of a bigger project. This book will offer basic designs, as well as many variations to teach different woodworking techniques while the reader creates a practical item or a gift that will become an heirloom. While this book will be enjoyed by beginners, it will also be great for any woodworker interested in small projects that can be done in a weekend with wood leftover from another project.
Synopsis
Winner of a 2008 Golden Hammer Writing Award.
Learn the art of box making from one of the foremost experts of the craft. Through Doug Stowe's decades of experience, you'll learn the basic techniques to get started, as well as more advanced ways to approach finely crafted boxes.
Project after project, your skills will build, and you'll come to refine your work, asking how can processes could be simplified and how can finishes be improved. Throughout the book, Stowe offers this advice: Repeat yourself. Repetition leads to refinement, and refinement leads to success.
Though it's not necessary to build the projects in this book in any particular order, they are arranged by the level of difficulty. As you grow in confidence working through the projects in this book, use your imagination and ask a few questions: What if this box were made in that wood? What if that joint were used on this box? What if the lid had more overhang? What if I made it larger, or smaller? The question What if? will challenge and engage you as a box maker for years of adventure.
About the Author
Doug Stowe is a professional furniture designer and box maker. He is the author of 5 books including Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Box Making, Creating Beautiful Boxes with Inlay Techniques, Simply Beautiful Boxes, and Making Elegant Custom Tables. He also writes for Fine Woodworking and Woodwork magazines. In 2001 he started a pre-K through 12th grade woodworking program called "Wisdom of the Hands", recognizing the importance of hands-on learning for all children.