I was struggling to come up with something different and unique. I had some Osage Orange or Hedge Apple as some call it. I really like the way it looks when first finished, but it eventually turns a light brown. This wood is very hard and just makes a mess in the shop, but it looks so cool and was an interesting and fun build.
The wood had cracks and loose knots I had to work around. I cut out the knots with my scroll saw and then used a router to make a pocket behind the knot to hold the Bocote. I used a round over bit to ease the edges of the knot holes.
The liner to cover up the Bocote was out of hard Maple.
I used my bandsaw to cut the curves in the center part of the top and wrapped it with Walnut. The curved part that hangs through the frame of the top registers it to the box opening.
I used a Bocote accent on a piece of Osage Orange and beveled it to form the handle. The floor of the box is covered with brown leather.
A bevel on the bottom makes the box appear to float above the table. Finished up with clear satin lacquer, my logo coin and leather buttons to prevent scratches.
Nice idea! Make use of those really "naughty" boards. Neat thing is the grain naturally wraps around those knot holes so having the void doesn't look out of place or "forced".
This is so unique! Love it! I agree that the knot fills just flow along the grain so they add to the interest in a way that fits the piece. What are the approximate dimensions?
Great job of turning a defect into a feature! I also like all the nice touches—the handle, the curved lid projection, and the beveled base. That Osage Orange is striking.
Nice bunch of dodges to get around some imperfect stock John. The box is a joy to look at.
One of my all time favorite pieces of work was a footlocker sized chest with one entire corner gone to a huge knot, and backfilled with dark stock. It was an online post from a long while back, and I can't even remember which forum it was on, but it was a killer piece.
