Hello,
Here is a preview of the next Project of the Month (for DEC 2010), the Stacked Books Decorative Box. This is to provide a few details beforehand so subscribers will have time to "gather" the materials, etc. if they want to do this project.
This decorative box looks like five books stacked on top of one another. The top book is the lid. You can stow remote controls, stationary, cherished items or whatever you wish in the Stacked Books box!
The project requires no special bits and all components are carved and cut out with just the two standard bits that came with your machine. The finished dimensions of the assembled Stacked Books Box are about 11" wide x 8½" deep x 5½" tall.
You will need to cut miter joints where the sides and rear pieces join, using a miter box or chop saw or table saw.
Main items you will need:
1)The Project Files (included):
• ADV_BookBox_Base.mpc
• ADV_Bookbox_TOP_frame.mpc
• Plain_Bookbox_TOP_Layer.mpc
2) Boards with the following dimensions:
BookBox Base: 0.75" x 11" x 28"
BookBox Top frame: 0.75" x 9.25" x 19"
BookBox Top Layer: 0.75" x 11" x 19"
(NOTE: Do not use boards that are smaller than specified above, or if you are using a sled, you can subtract 7" from the length of the board and have the sled provide the extra 7" required)
Box Bottom (not an mpc):
approx. dimensions: .75" x 7.25" x 9.5"
3) Box clamps (strap), miter box or chop saw or table saw, hinges, decorative chain
4) Glue, sandpaper, wood stain and/or paint and clear finish (optional: self-stick cork and felt sheets for bottom and inside of box)
5) A Dremel-type rotary tool with assorted sanding wheels and bits to sand small details and speed up preparation for finishing.
Here’s what I used on my Stacked Books Decorative Box made from Select Pine:
• 2 coats of Bullseye SealCoat, sanding between coats
(thinned... 2 parts sealer/3 parts Denatured alcohol)
• 2 coats Bullseye SealCoat, straight from can
• applied various colored water-based stains - as a glazing technique (Minwax Express Color tubes in Emerald, Mahogany, Indigo, Crimson and Minwax Vermont Maple water-based stain from a can)
• 2 coats of Krylon Crystal Clear Acrylic spray
• applied Minwax oil-based Dark Walnut stain overall, then wiped off, giving the appearance of “old” books
• 2 more coats of Krylon Crystal Clear Acrylic spray
• 2 coats Minwax water-base Satin polycrylic (brushed on)
After the finish is dry, re-install your hinges and a length of decorative chain inside the box as a strain relief to limit the lid from opening back too far. You can then apply self-stick cork sheeting to the exterior bottom of the box and line the box interior with self-stick felt sheeting, if desired.