Category Archives: Tutorial

Integral Dust Check

Posted on May 23, 2014 by woodworksbyjohn

A feature I like to add to boxes is a dust check.  Essential for an unhinged box like this prototype and an added feature on a hinged one.  Just as the name implies; a dust check prevents dust from getting … Continue reading →

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Lidded Plywood Box — Project in Progress

Posted on May 21, 2014 by woodworksbyjohn

I’ve been in correspondence with an arts center that specializes in ceramics.  What they have in mind are foam lined boxes used to display, ship, and protect some of their finer pieces.  Thankfully, they would be responsible for the foam inserts since … Continue reading →

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Dovetails in Sapele — Tough, Fibrous Wood For Sure!

Posted on February 27, 2014 by woodworksbyjohn

I’ve been working and experimenting with the cutting of dovetails in this Sapele that I’m using for the HDTV stand.  Although I’ve cut a fair share of dovetails, this material is proving to be a tough one to work.  Refer … Continue reading →

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Dovetails & Dutchmen

Posted on January 15, 2014 by woodworksbyjohn

If there is one thing I’ve learned about woodwork it’s that using woodwork and perfection in the same sentence is a rarity!  Let’s face it, wood being a natural material is unpredictable and apt to move on its own whenever … Continue reading →

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First of the Year, First Glue Up!

Posted on January 1, 2014 by woodworksbyjohn

Welcome to the New Year, 2014.  Although I’m not one to make resolutions (too easy to break) I do have a couple of major projects I’d like to complete this year.  If I share them that will make me accountable … Continue reading →

Posted in Hand Cut Dovetails, Hand Planes, Sliding Lid Box, Tutorial, Wine Presentation Box | Leave a comment

Love Hand Planes

Posted on December 26, 2013 by woodworksbyjohn

One of the processes of wood working I really like is the art of taking a plane and using it to create a smooth and square surface.  There’s something very satisfying to watching that shaving of wood exit the planes … Continue reading →

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Dyed Black Box — Built in Dust Check

Posted on December 13, 2013 by woodworksbyjohn

You may recall this photograph from a previous blog where I explained how to make a built in dust check.  To re-cap that,  a dado was cut inside of the box where the lid will separate.  The thickness of the … Continue reading →

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Dyed Plywood Box — Cutting the Sides

Posted on December 3, 2013 by woodworksbyjohn

The last custom order I received from my Etsy store was one that involved primarily hand tool work.   The only power tools on it was preparing the rough stock for the dovetail joinery.  This latest order is almost a … Continue reading →

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Applying Felt on Box Sides — not just the Bottom!

Posted on November 21, 2013 by woodworksbyjohn

Here is the completed presentation box I was commissioned to build through my Etsy store.  The wood is Monkeypod, dimensions are approximately 3 1/2″ deep and tall by 4 1/2″ long.  The finish is multiple coats of Platinum shellac rubbed … Continue reading →

Posted in Hand Cut Dovetails, Silver Arm Cuff Presentation Box, Tutorial | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Monkeypod Wood + Dovetails = Challenge

Posted on November 13, 2013 by woodworksbyjohn

The thing I’ve always enjoyed about my career choices, whether it was teaching or woodworking, is that there is always a challenge.  I may have taught the same subject hundreds of times but because there was a different student the … Continue reading →

Posted in Hand Cut Dovetails, Silver Arm Cuff Presentation Box, Tutorial, Types of Boxes | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment