Creating a Bold Geometric Texture on a Wooden Box

TLDRIn this video, I show you how to create a stunning geometric texture on a wooden box using ebony and Spanish Cedar. The texture consists of overlapping grooves at 30° angles, resulting in a unique and eye-catching design. I guide you through the process of building the box, creating the texture with a handheld router, and adding finishing touches like hinges and glass. This project showcases the versatility of woodworking and the beauty of combining different wood species.

Key insights

🔳The diamond-shaped texture on the box is created by overlapping grooves at 30° angles.

📐The texture is continuous from the main part of the box to the lid, achieved by laminating the ebony and Spanish Cedar in a specific way.

🌈The box features a scallop pattern on the top, created by cutting a 30° bevel.

🔗Solid brass hinges are flush-mounted in the box and required relief cuts to allow for smooth opening.

⚙️The inner tray of the box is custom-designed using Spanish Cedar veneer and features a diamond pattern that matches the exterior of the box.

Q&A

What tools are needed to create the geometric texture?

—To create the texture, you will need a handheld router, a router jig made from scrap wood, and a sliding tray to hold the workpiece.

Can the texture be created without a CNC machine?

—Yes, the texture can be created without a CNC machine by using a handheld router and the custom router jig.

What wood species are used in this project?

—The project incorporates ebony and Spanish Cedar, which are laminated together to create the overlapping texture.

How is the diamond pattern on the inner tray created?

—The diamond pattern on the inner tray is created by cutting the Spanish Cedar veneer using a glow Forge laser.

What finishing techniques are used on the box?

—The ebony is hand-polished with wax to bring out its natural beauty, while shellac is applied to the inside of the laser-cut diamonds to seal any potential soot or smell.

Timestamped Summary

00:00The video is sponsored by Glow Forge, a company that offers incredible machines for woodworking.

00:24The creator acquired jet black ebony and Spanish Cedar for the project.

00:41The need to create a bold geometric texture sparked the idea for the project.

01:42The lid of the humidor requires an overlap, so the ebony and Spanish Cedar were laminated in a way that would create the desired texture.

02:54The texture is created using a handheld router and a custom router jig made from scrap wood.

04:28A sliding tray is used to hold the workpiece while creating the texture.

05:58The diamond-shaped texture is achieved by cutting overlapping grooves at 30° angles.

12:37The box is constructed, and the top is shaped with a 30° bevel to create a scallop pattern.

15:06The removable tray is custom-designed using Spanish Cedar veneer and features a matching diamond pattern.

19:57The box is finished with solid brass hinges and a piece of tempered glass on the top.

24:06The creator is a full-time firefighter and works on projects in his one-car garage wood shop.

Browse more