Well, I am finally posting something about the toolbox that I have been working on for months now.....literally months......that real job thing keeps getting in the way....

So this is the second real project that I have ever done, and the first with dovetails.....Jumping right in, no practice, just jump and see if I can swim later!!!!

Well, I am learning to swim with purpleheart (I know, bad idea, but I already purchased the wood, so I was going to do it. Sink or swim!!!)


Once I started cutting the wood, I realized that I might be over my head, but I was not going to give up. Then I started cutting the dovetails, and wanted to make a $200 fire!! I was sharpening my chisels more than I was using them.....I still was not going to give up though....I made a small mistake on one side, so I had to cut them off of both sides...oops.. So now it is 5/8" shorter....

Some of the pins are smaller than the others, but I am chalking that up to learning.....Plus, it will never be accused of using a router and jig....

Once I finished the dovetails, I decided it was time to take a break form the concretewood and rest my chisels and stones for a while.....(that work thing again)

Man, you are definately learning the hardway! But the right way! Purpleheart is not a good choice to learn on. Nevertheless, your doing it!! Good for you.

FYI, not only is purpleheart hard as hell, it's the silica content that wears your tools out. It's literally like chopping dovetails into sandpaper!

Don't let the workability of the lumber knock you down. As long as you take your time, keep your tools, wicked shaaarp you'll be good. Try taking light cuts, that may reduce the amount of time your spent at your sharpening area.

I did a test fit of the case, and found that I needed to do some patching but all in all it looked good.....


Next I cut the dado's on the table saw.....wow....the first thing that was easy.....Plus I got to use my new router plane to clean them up.....


I finished up the rabbet on the back and glued up the case......


Hooray, I am making progress.....

Barry,

Thanks for the info and the encouragement....I am can't wait to finish!!!!

That purpleheart sure do be purty, ain't it?
As for that "work thing" getting in the way, just think of it as a "way to buy WOOD thing". That should make it easier untill you get to retire and get on with the IMPORTANT things!

Paul
the little guy

Man that purpleheart looks great I love that stuff . I got this crazy idea of making a blanket chest out of purpleheart and hard maple for the panels. great job toe nail.

great work so far...

I am amazed with this-great job!!. I made a workbench out of purple heart and it drove me nuts. Beautiful wood-your patience is unquestionable. I look forward to seeing the end product.