Boxtops

Way too cute!

Jennifer@Indy.USA

>Mike...that is TOO cute! I just love it!

How clever....one more thing to add to my "to do list"....thanks a lot :)

Jennifer

Re: Boxtops

John Haylow Bracebridge Ont

>Mike.

That's very unique. Nice job.

Regards,

John

Re: Boxtops

Dick Parr

>Very nice Mike. Can ya give any dimensions? That looks like it would be fun to make.

Really nice.

Re: Boxtops

Mike Schwing from Md.

>Thanks Dick. It is about 3" tall. This was the 2nd top I made, the first one didn't spin because it was too "top heavy" (pun). The "finial" was too massive and/or tall and it wouldn't stay upright. I still don't know what I'm doing, but the second one worked.

The second one spun great, but I had to resist keeping the handle more massive, as I liked the proportions better but I knew it wouldn't spin.

Other than that, I just made it by feel. Once I had parted the top off, completely finished, I used the remainder of the spindle stock to make the little box, so the grain matches nicely, SORT OF. I say sort of because I made the bottom of the top first at the end of the stock and then made the handle, so the actual "bowl" and the box top are lined up in the proper orientation but they're a few inches away from each other in real life.

Does anyone make these with the handle first at the end of the stock and the wide part last? Would seem a bit more difficult to me.

Re: Boxtops

Leo Van Der Loo

>Hi Mike

Yes I have made a number of these tops, always make the handle the end of the turning, I leave some extra length for the handle, after I have made the body, I chuck the stem and drill for the tip that I use for extra long turning time.

I took a bunch with me to Holland a couple of years ago as presents for the kids, they made nice gifts for them.

The size I make them is approx. 2 1/2"D X 2 1/2" H.

Have fun and take care

Leo V

Top bottom 

Leo Van Der Loo

>

Re: Boxtops

RonZ

>Nice idea and execution Mike. It's definitely something new to try. I usually make the bottoms flat so the box can be turned up-side-down and be used as a turning area.

Re: Boxtops

RonZ

>I have never got 100% results on the spinning point by doing it last/ It appears to work for Leo as he inserts a metal point.

When I make a box top [only 4 more to go until I get my de-coder ring ;) ] I make the top and try my best to finish the handle. When I start to make the box, I make sure it's a tight fit. Then I can put the top in and finish the handle.

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Ron in Drums PA

>Nice, I'm going to have to try one of these!

Re: Boxtops

Brad Vietje

>Cool !

I make something like this I call the "Executive Desktop Doodler" -- a fun way to amuse yourself while on hold, conference calls, etc...

Safe Spinning,

Brad Vietje

Thetford, VT (-5 F this AM)

Re: Boxtops

adrien

>Fascinating, but what do you use for the metal point in the bottom of the top? (I like the pun)

Pop rivet for top tip

Leo Van Der Loo

>

Re: Pop rivet for top tip

Tom Mullane

>Here is one of the first I made for my daughter... she loves it... since then she has collected about 6 more from scraps I had around the shop..

This one was made by laminating some 1/8" red cedar heartwood and sapwood and using an odd piece of jatoba for the spindle...

Spins real well.... BTW it was spinning when I photographed it... LOL