Australian Wood Review – June 2017

80 Australian Wood Review

PROJECT

15. Cut the coved dividers
    as long strips on the
    router table.


16. Made this way the
    dividers are very
    functional in use.


17. The bulk of the waste
    was removed with a
    trimmer and 3mm bit.


18. The fnished monogram
    after oiling and waxing.

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Avoiding housings in the sides allowed for greater

flexibility in positioning the dividers for tools of different

sizes. Cut the coved dividers as long strips on the router

table or spindle moulder as shown in photo 1 5. To

improve access to carving chisels, I chose to position

individual dividers for the handles and blades, each

separated by a gap that allows for the chisels to be easily

picked up in use.

To further improve access I mitred the ends of the dividers

at 45°. To ensure the dividers are in perfect alignment, cut

a spacer to guide their position before applying a small

amount of glue to their base and firing a brad into the

spacer from beneath the base. Positioning the dividers in

this way was both simple and accurate and the result is

very functional (photo 1 6 ).

Some carved decoration

With the tool trays complete it seemed appropriate to

put the chisels to use in producing a small relief carved

monogram to fit to the inside of the chest lid. The

monogram shown here is 5mm thick with relief carving to

a depth of only 3mm.

The outside edge of the oval shape was rounded over on

the router table before carving some beaded decoration.

The monogram pattern was then transferred to the

carving blank with carbon paper before

removing the bulk of the groundwork

with the trim router and a 3mm bit

(photo 1 7 ).

With the bulk of the waste

complete the pattern can be

set in with a selection of gouges

and straight chisels. The real

challenge comes next whereby

gouges are used to impart some ‘life’

to the letters by hollowing and rounding

over. This creates depth in the design which is

further enhanced by ensuring the lettering overlaps in

places. After a coat of shellac and wax the final monogram

is shown in photo 1 8.

Plenty of additional storage was provided within the chest

for mallets, strops, punches and sharpening stones, and

with some creativity there are plenty of options available to

accommodate other tools as well.

With only a relatively small quantity of timber required,

projects like these present plenty of opportunity for further

developing your existing skills whilst trying your hand at a

few new techniques as well.

Photos: Troy McDonald

Troy McDonald is an engineer and woodworker based

in Brisbane. Email: [email protected]