12″ x 12″ box

We have been tasked with constructing a box or envelope type container to hold our 12″ x 12″ color studies.  I contemplated how I wanted to approach this project and decided that I would construct a wooden box because of the durability and longevity of the material.  I considered other mediums such as foam core, bristol, and chipboard but ultimately decided that wood would be the best decision for me.  The material really does affect the craft of the finished product.  To me, this project really demonstrates attention to detail and overall craftsmanship.  I chose maple as my wood type because it is a harder would that will not chip as easily as oak and has a unique grain pattern.  I struggled with the dimensions because I did not originally connect the dots that the box would have to be slightly larger than 12″ x 12″ in order to hold 12″ x 12″ paper, but I think I have resolved that issue by creating a pattern and lining it with a border.  My box is almost complete and I am excited to see how the finished product turns out!

Woodshop

Projects that involved using the woodshop used to be pretty intimidating for me, but recently, I have felt more comfortable using the tools and machines available to us.  After our cube exploration in the woodshop, I have gained a greater understanding of the machines and when it is appropriate to use each one.  I think the only way to feel more comfortable and gain a stronger understanding of the table saw, sliding table saw, planer, etc. is to go into the shop and use them whether it be on a scrap piece of wood or on a project.

Wood Joints

I never realized how many different options there were to join two pieces of wood other than a butt joint.  After our technical drawing discussion, Martha mentioned that we need to consider how the butt joint would affect or detract from the hierarchy and focus of the cube and also that it is one of the weakest joints.  This didn’t occur to me that I had this corner construction issue until I talked to Mark in the woodshop.  He asked me how I was planning on joining the corner and I thought wood glue was the answer, but he said that it wouldn’t be very effective because it would have opposing wood grains glued together.  Mark suggested that I look at the Joinery book by Gary Rogowski in the shop.  I found so many different options and possibilities that would be sturdy and effective in connecting two long-grain pieces.  I would definitely recommend spending some time looking at the book but in the mean time here is are the scanned pages of the table of contents with the name and image of each type of joint.
Wood joints