Introduction: Birthday Gift Sewing Box
I hand made a sewing box for my wife´s aniversary with poplar, ebony and some brass hinges and screws.
I hope you enjoy it.
Step 1: Milling and Preparing the Stock List
A poplar log from a fallen tree and a cut list. Size the pieces with a Stanley #4 and a ryoba japanese saw to rip and crosscut
Step 2: Dovetails Layout and Shooting Board
Dovetails first, guys!
Square the edges at the shooting board with a Stanley #5 jackplane
Step 3: Plane Plowing the Grooves
Grooving with a Stanley #50 rabbet plane. Help you with a bar clamp to keep safe
Step 4: Hand Routing the Bottom
Routing the grooves for the bottom with a Record #71 router hand plane. Install a 4mm blade. Use a hand made jig sole for stability.
Step 5: Rabbeting the Top
Make the top recess with a Stanley #78
Step 6: Fitting and Smoothing the Top
Use a Stanley #9 1/2 block plane to fit and smooth the top surface
Step 7: Gauge Marking
Marking the cutting line with a Veritas marking gauge
Step 8: Gluing Up
Assemble the set. Clamp it all the night.
Step 9: Cutting the Lid
After dry, separate the lid from the body with a dozuki japanese saw
Step 10: Chiseling the Hinges
Adding the hinges for the lid. Making the recess with a sharp chisel
Step 11: Fitting the Hinges
Hand routing with a Stanley #271 small hand router plane
Step 12: Spokeshaving the Feet
Shaping the feet with a Veritas flat sole spokeshave
Step 13: Adding Some Ebony Knobs
Shaping with the rasp and the files
Step 14: Final Assembly
At least, all the pieces together

Second Prize in the
Hand Tools Only Challenge
17 Comments
Question 2 years ago
HI Luis, Great job. Really beautiful work. the only thing is, I don't see any instruction as to how you made the oval hinge(?) pieces. i.e. those ovals that hold it all together.
Answer 2 years ago
Hi, there are no plans nor instructions. Only method, hand free shaping using a rasp and a metal file.
Reply 2 years ago
Yes Luis, I do believe that was d1moonvalleymama's point: You provided no instruction regarding the ovals.
2 years ago
not for me great job i do love seeing the old ways at work
2 years ago
That is an exceptional box! Your project turned out very nicely! You are a many of great skills, confident experience and fabulous tools! Thank you for sharing. - Paul
2 years ago
Well done and thank you for showing me how to restore the same design box that my great grandfather made for my mom. A point of information, my sewing box has 3 tiers, so whomever does try your project should know they can add as many levels as they might need.
2 years ago
Great Instructable! Congrats with being a finalist in the Hand tools only challenge!
2 years ago
Very nice build. Great Instructable.
2 years ago
That is really a nice piece of work. Thanks for sharing this.
Reply 2 years ago
Thanks
2 years ago
This is awesome too. I love It.
Question 2 years ago on Introduction
Hi, This is really impressive to me. I loved how neat and smooth it is. I was wondering if you have a project plan to share. I would love to try to make it this.
Answer 2 years ago
Sorry, there is only a draft hand drawn in a booknote. I will remember my shelf to upload a picture.
2 years ago
Very impressive work, nicely done!
Reply 2 years ago
A pleasure seamster
2 years ago
This is a great design :)
Reply 2 years ago
Thanks Penelopy