d made this box in Jan 2022 I never posted it because I didn't expect it to last with all the stress fractures in it, however advance to Apr 2023 and I pull it out and dust it off. As I checked it I was amazed it was still in its original shape and nothing had twisted, warped or fallen off. That prompted me to make the lid. Its Australian Red Iron bark a timber as hard as its name and not really suited to making Fine" woodworking projects. I estimate its over 100 years old. originally from Queenslander stumps, a build design for houses of timber construction and elevated to allow natural air flow under the house for cooling. to achieve the finish it was sanded to 360 or 400 G and polished with my mop and white abrasive.
I only built it originally to use my Gifkins Jig and amuse myself having something to do. I never expected it to live on or even end up being completed almost 12 months later. I decided to post it as the lid attracted quite a bit of attention from members and I thought it best to show my appreciation and reveal the rest of the project build. Enjoy.
Replies:- 987Ron. Thanks the timber is possibly the only one i know of that has fantastic features (and defects) that make it such a spectacular timber to work with, a killer on tools because of its hardness but the finish result is worth the effort.
Pottz. Agree sadly my supply is depleting and the chances of ever replacing it are almost nil.
Little black Duck. Always an puzzling enigma with your comments but it stimulates the brain and other parts.
Crowie. I wouldn't fill the defects out of interest, mainly because it has survived so far, no doubt its fragile being that thin but it is what it is . Incidentally there is a memorial flag service for my brother David at the Carillion on friday 28 April by 9 RAR which I will attempt to attend, I will have to drive so if you have and timber needs let me know.
SplinterGroup. Thank you understand fully time will tell I guess ...much the same as our bod, teeth hearing and sight!
Jim Jakosh. The dovetails are made with the Gifkins dovetail jig, I certainly don't have the skills to reproduce them like that, I will have to leave it to Dave P he is a wizz at it! What did you make with your timber? did you find that tungsten tipped was the way to go so it didn't ruin HSS tools?
mel52. It was the grain and associated features that inspired me to build it in the first place the fact that it actually survived is credit the the genus or species of the timber.
