Popular Woodworking 2003-08 № 135, страница 43

SUPPLIES

One of the nice things about making Shaker boxes is that woodworkers of any skill level (even non-woodworkers) can complete a nest of boxes with few tools.

The author of this article, John Wilson, purchased tack-making machines from the W.W. Cross Nail Co. when it ceased production in 1991. Their production in his shop ensures that oval box makers will continue to be supplied with the signature tacks.A "Tac Pac," which includes a variety of common tack sizes, makes 130 boxes and costs $10 ($13 postage paid).

You also can purchase presliced bands in cherry or maple, and tops and bottoms in cherry, pine, lacewood (quarter-sawn sycamore) and bird's eye maple. A set of five box bands (enough to make a #0, #1,#2, #3 and #4) are $14 for cherry or maple. The five tops and bottoms in either species cost $14.

To make your setup even easier, Wilson also sells cores, shapers, patterns for the fingers, copper trays for the hot water and videos.

Wilson also teaches classes on Shaker boxes and other woodworking topics.

To see a full selection along with a class schedule, you can download his catalog at shakerovalbox.com. You also can contact him at: The Home Shop 406 E. Broadway Charlotte, MI 48813 517-543-5325 (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, EST)

Readers wishing to pursue this further will be interested in Wilson's forthcoming book "Shaker Oval Boxes" to be published by Home Shop Books and Videos in 2004.

— Christopher Schwarz

Wood pegs are made from cutting in half the box of World's Final sanding is done with a 120-grit belt replacing the 80-grit Fair Brand toothpicks. The tapered end to these match the one used for shaping wood before. ⁵/64" hole for a secure fit when tapped in place.

followed by sanding with 220-grit sandpaper. This will accent the edges of the oval and finger area, and reveal the copper tacks. The new paint is finished with Kiwi brown shoe polish! That's right, I call it old-time patina in a can. Rub it on and brush it off. Note of caution: Try a sample of whatever wax finish you use before doing the box to ensure that the solvents in your wax do not "pucker" the surface of the paint.

Clear finishes come in a variety of forms such as shellac, varnish, lacquer, oil and blends of several of these. Some are brushed, some wiped on. Each has fans. All work. Your choice. For myself, I prefer quick-dry poly-urethane for durability in areas where water spatter is likely, such as in the kitchen. This can be brushed on from the can, or mixed 50/50 with painter's naptha (a form of paint thinner) to make a wipe-on finish that avoids the nasty habit of varnishes getting runs or drips. Sand between coats.

Conclude with a rub on a brown paper sack. This is an old painter's trick that has been known to really work - simple, available, quick and effective. Open a grocery sack - the kind the bag boy used to put your groceries into,

remember? - so the inside is lying flat open. You want to avoid rubbing on the ink printing on the outside lest it transfer to your fine finish. I have a piece of ^1/4" foam (used for carpet underlayment) under the paper to avoid encounters with grit on the bench that pokes through the paper. Then rub the top, bottom and sides. It takes less time to do it than reading about it, and it gives your box a smooth, burnished feel.

Sign and Date Your Creation

When the finish is done, you want to sign and date your handiwork. Did the Shakers sign their boxes? Yes and no. There was a feeling at times that the com-

munity was paramount and individual expressions of ownership inappropriate.

But there are many examples of boxes that were signed, and many of these were given as gifts, just like yours may be. I think it is a nice touch in this age of mass production to have your individual creation labeled with your own signature and date.

Having finished your first box project, be aware that you will receive both compliments and longing eyes directed to the oval boxes. There is no project in my experience that has such universal appeal as a Shaker oval box. Watch out, you may find yourself joining the ranks of box makers! PW

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In this industrial age, craft work is highly valued. Sign your box with pride.

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