You can easily make a beautiful Carved Jewelry Box using woodworking techniques. The key is to know what you are doing. With the proper tools and materials, you will be able to create a beautiful, unique piece that will be a treasured possession for generations to come.
Preparing rough boards for jewelry boxes
There are many types of woods to choose from for your jewelry box. One of the best is poplar. It is a sturdy, inexpensive wood and can be stained to a variety of different colors. Whether you are making a simple jewelry box or a large box with a drawer, poplar is a great choice.
Another favorite for jewelry boxes is padauk. This wood is resistant to abrasion and does not rot easily. Padauk is also as heavy as oak. However, be aware that dust from padauk may stain clothing or your hands.
Douglas fir is another popular option. This wood is commonly found in the West Coast of America. Despite its softness, it is surprisingly hard and can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
Pinewood and white oak are two other common choices. White oak has uniform grain. The grains will show in the wood when it is stained. Pinewood is an affordable alternative to maple.
Shooting the miters
The best way to achieve perfect miters is to make sure you have the correct tools and techniques. Mitering and squaring are both skills that require precision and a lot of attention to detail. A good guide to the best tools for the job can be found here.
Aside from the usual suspects like a saber toothed ratchet, there are a few machines you can count on for the job. The table saw and miter saw are best suited for the job. If you’re going to use a hand held device, a miter gauge is a necessity. You’ll also need a chisel and a wood rasp to get the job done.
Using a good quality crosscut blade is the key to good mitering. You can find these in any hardware store. Also, a good tip is to start with a blank piece of wood and rip it into two pieces. This is a bit more work than the traditional method, but it’s well worth it when you see the final product.
Lock-Miter Joints
When you’re working on a woodworking jewelry box, you’ll often want to use lock-miter joints to join the sides and ends. These are great for tight corners, such as corners on lids and legs, but they can also be used to make cases that are seamless. If you’re going to make a lock-miter joint, you’ll need to use a tool that will cut both the side and the end of the piece.
A lock-miter bit is one of the best ways to do this. It will provide you with a more even gluing surface, while also concealing the end grain of the wood. The MLCS Lock Miter Router Bit is the perfect option for creating this kind of joint, as it is able to create a tongue and groove glue joint that is just as good as any other miter.
The size of the bit you’ll need will depend on the thickness of the stock you’re using. Generally, you’ll need a bit that can handle stock ranging from 5/8″ to 11/4″. You’ll also need a powerful router to get the job done.
