I had some coffee grinder kits sitting in the loft which need to have some boxes built. So I started with an old design, and milled some rough cut Maple and Pecan down to just under 3/8" and started cutting the parts needed for the case.
After the case parts were cut to the required sized, I cut the finger joints, could not use the box joint sled as I designed it (pieces were too short), so I had to define the edge of the waste and nibble out between. Fine-tuned after and glued together. Then is was on to the little drawers, built the same way, except I added a thin 1/8" Baltich birch bottom set in a grove.
Up next was to size up a top and bottom for the case, squared the blank and figured out the hexagon, cut on the bandsaw and sanded the edges. I do not like to see end grain on some projects. So I made up some trim to wrap around the panel, using the router for the round over and the table saw for a rabbet. The rabbet was also created on the panel, basically created a ship lap joint, which ended up being sandwiched between the panel and the case. I cut the angles using my wedgie sled, then over to the bench to fine-tune, using the disk sander right behind me. Followed up by gluing all the parts together.
Before gluing the panels to the case, I finished the interior surfaces with Wipe on Poly, taping off the area which would be glued later.
Once that was done, it was off to glue those panels to the case. I used some short lengths of Bamboo Skewers as dowels to locate the panel in the proper position and stop the panels from sliding around while I applied pressure with the clamps.
Once set and clamps removed, these were sanded to 320, applied a coat of Danish Oil, Followed up by a number of coats of Wipe on Poly, lost count due to the Pecan grain taking a while to fill.
Grinders were then installed on the top. for a finished project. These grinders have a ceramic mechanism and will grind coffee beans. There is a little magnet on the drawer that is used for the catch.
I did create a blog on this project for those interested, https://craftisian.com/blog_series/269-journey-into-hexagon-boxes
Thanks for looking and comments are always welcome and appreciated.
Also there is a Coffee Shop in town here, I went in today and talked to the owner, he is interested in setting these out. And he said 15%, So not a bad deal there if folks buy them. At least help supply funds for my hobby.
Ryan, thanks. time will tell. They sell a few other things there like office supply and a few gifts. 75% is coffee though, and they have donuts from a local bakery on Friday's.
This is a small town here, only about 4000. Lots of traffic leading up into the mountains, some local others tourist.
In talking with the guy, he has been working with other shops and they have a mutual agreement trying not to sell the same items, so one crafter cannot put all of his or her same stuff in each shop. There are a few more that I need to talk to, one being a wine place. Maybe wine bottle holders and cheese boards.
Recycle sent me a link for cheese cutters too, has to be something that can be a quick make, or one board type thing. Have to do some experimenting. I have seen many ideas on Pinterest too. Yeah, and the lake folks here are always talking about their wine.
Ross, thanks. I made one years ago and just drilled through the top into the sides for added strength, showed the little cross grain buttons. Not in a bad way, but still odd. So this time I used the skewers, they are strong enough that is for sure. I also use them to pin my wooden hinges to projects for the strength.
As for the sales of them, time will tell. Not crossing my fingers yet, but I can't complain about the commission the guy stated, the average is around 30%.
Ron, thanks. Fresh coffee is a wonderful smell in the morning.
These are really great looking and will sell fast I'm sure, will make a great addition to many a cook's kitchen. Interesting blog, was fun to follow along.
