Beautiful Curves on a Figured Sycamore Keepsake Box | Woodworking
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- Опубліковано 8 лют 2025
- In this box making video, watch as I take you through the woodworking process of creating a unique handmade figured sycamore & zebrano box from start to finish. I’ll show you the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into each piece, how to add beautiful curves to your designs and to create legs and a lid from a contrasting wood to really make them stand out . Whether you're a woodworker, a DIY enthusiast, or simply appreciate fine woodworking, this build is sure to inspire and impress. Join me on this creative journey and learn how to elevate your creations with a one-of-a-kind piece that will be the envy of all your friends.
If you like this video please like and subscribe as it would make a huge difference to my channel, if you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them in the comments
Thanks for watching
Gary
/ @gm_design
#woodworking #handtools #boxmaking
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For inquiries please contact: g-m.design@outlook.com
Instagram: / gandm_design
I still like the music! I already know what power tools sound like! Very nice piece! I wish my shop was set up more like yours! Very clean!
Thanks for sharing!!
thanks 😀
A thing if beauty! The manufacture and fixing of the legs was a joy to watch. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Beautiful box, the contrast between the two types of wood is striking. The knob might be more pleasing if it reflected the shape of the top of the legs, difficult to explain but it looks a bit flat as it is.
I agree about the knob. It should have been slightly taller, and made from square stock; the bevel the top and cut a curve that tapers smaller toward the bottom on all four sides. This way it more closely resembles the legs. You could even slightly dish in the top of the knob using a lathe, so that the top of the knob resembles the design element of the curve of the box’s top.
Regardless of that, the box is beautiful. It’s a pleasure to watch you work. I agree with many other commenters, in that the sounds of you working are much better than listening to 30 minutes of repetitive music.
I totally agree! but glad you liked it 😀
Looking at your high end (expensive) hand tools made me realize that I have hardly any hand tools that I purchased new. My shop is like a trip back in time🤔
I’ve got some old tools as well, a few Stanley planes and some vintage Ward, Maples etc chisels that I’ve restored. They’re can be as good as any of the new stuff, they just need a bit of loving restoration 👍
Now that’s my style. No music just the sound of work. So soothing. Thanks bro
thanks glad you liked it! 😀
@@GM_Design I enjoy people that work with there hands and to see younger people carrying on the talent. Watching from Alberta
A beautiful and elegant box. Love the contrasting woods.
Thanks so much!
Superb project! And BTW... NO music, always, please!
Thanks glad you liked it 👍
Nice has a Egyptian look to it now make it bigger music is fine 😎
thanks, yep could go bigger & better 👍
Love the new music! It allows me to continue to listen to what I'm listening to; news, music, books! I subscribed because of it.
Awesome! Thank you!
Great box make and I’m with you on the handle/knob. I would have fitted a longer style of handle down the length of the lid in the white wood mirroring the curve of the lid (to form a visual oval) and repeated the edge angles of the lid and corner pieces. One thing’s for certain, I’m inspired to dig about the off cuts bin and do some gluing and making something similar. Many thanks, W
thanks, glad you liked it and are inspired to get making 😀
Your handle idea would’ve worked a treat 👍
Yup! I like it! I like it a lot! A real lot! Yep! Lovely, mate! I love the natural grain colour and feel of wood. There’s no match for it!❤️
Thank you! Cheers! 👍
I never would have thought of that. Nicely done!
thanks so pleased you liked it 😀
Amazing skills. Thank you
thanks, glad you enjoyed it 😀
Great work brother … and hey … I love your choice of music … blend that in a bit here and there 🏆🏆👍👍
Thanks, 😀 glad you liked it
Bonita forma de trabajar. El asa de la cubierta, ¿Qué tal hubiera quedado con una madera un poco más oscura, por ejemplo teca?
Muchas gracias, quizás una madera más oscura hubiera sido mejor. 👍
No music please! It's very relaxing to watch you do your beautiful work. the music, your work, your machines make your projects simply perfect. please keep it up. without music☺️
Ok, thank you 👍
Such vision for this box ❤ I see a bit of an Asian flair, & the contrast between the woods is beautiful. I hope this doesn't sound creepy, but it makes me want to hold it to feel the differences in the woods 😊I very much enjoy the sounds of the shop over music - I can turn my brain off and just enjoy!
thanks, so pleased you enjoyed it. Yes there was a Japanese inspiration to it 👍
No that’s not creepy at all, there is something so tactile about finished wood that makes you want to touch it 😀
Great video. Lovely box.
Thank you! 🤗
Thanks for the video and your time. You have given me a new ideal for legs on jewelry boxes. I like to make them as gifts and now after watching this video i now have a different and maybe a better way to put legs on them. Thanks for the video.
You are so welcome! 👍
I loved it man
thanks 👍
More than a cup of coffee,I've subscribed 😊
Awesome! Thank you!
no music on a woodworking video? that was an excellent decision! thank you.
You're welcome!
Looks great. The wood looks beautiful. I like how the knob has the same rough shape as the box. Great job.
Thank you very much!
I gotta say man, I found your channel over the weekend, you make some absolutely beautiful projects! Definitely makes me want to pick up some hand tools and try it myself. Keep up the awesome work 🫡
Awesome! Thank you! 😀
Beautiful box. You do wonderful work. Anyone would love to have that box including me. Just beautiful.
Thank you, so pleased you liked it 😀
super robota 👍👍👍👍👍
Dzięki 😀
Very nice.
Thank you
Awesome work! I dig the combination of bevels and curves. Thanks for sharing
Thank you very much!
Well maintained and sharp tools ARE music
OK! Yep!
That was a very nice project and video thankyou.
Now I want to make another box video with contrasting woods for my channel. I wonder who has the most views for a box video?
Regards James
One Handed Maker - Australia
thank you James, so pleased you liked it
I’ve seen a few box videos in the millions, I’ve got a long way to go to match those numbers 😂
I look forward to seeing your box build 👍
Excellent craftsmanship and design! I love its asymmetry
Thank you very much!
Love this design. Since you asked, I feel a plain symmetric circle knob may have been more in keeping. It's beautiful none the less.
thanks glad you enjoyed it 😀 love the suggestion 👍
Absolutely sick box Brother.
thanks 😀
Beautiful work. Keep on making and the music wasn’t bad 🙂
Thank you so much!
I love the box, the only thing I would have done differently on the knob would be to put a curve on the face to match the other curves and would make for a better grip on it.😊
thanks 😀 great idea with the knob 👍
Beautiful curvy box with superb woods. As for the knob, maybe consider a 3 piece laminate knob made of zebrano ad sycamore. Thanks for the video.
Thanks 😀, I Love that idea with the knob, I will definitely try that on a future box 👍
A bright silky liner would make that totally pop, my 2 cents, sweet little box nonetheless!
Great idea 👍 I’m pleased you liked it 😀
Beautiful piece of wood 👏👏
Thank you very much!
Really beautiful piece. Congratulations.
The only thing I"d do different is the lid. I'd add curves to 4 sides instead of just 2.
thanks, so happy you like it 😀
As usual your design and execution are impeccable. Where I would have deviated was the lid knob - take a break from the curvilinear shapes with a ball or egg shape either smooth or textured with divots out of ebony or a dark burl but that's my preference. Your tools, both hand and power, are equal in quality to your work. I believe I saw (pun intended) telltale evidence of the lack of use of plane wax. If you're already using it I'll shut up otherwise you'd be astonished the difference it makes. Looking forward to your next project.
thank you so much, I’m pleased you liked it 😀. I love the different knob ideas 👍
good job
Thanks 😀
The box and knob looks superb although i would have preferred brass knob.. amazing build
Thanks 👍 A brass knob could’ve looked good 😀
No music please! Awesome box and beautiful wood. Everyone's taste in music is different. I much prefer the sounds of wood working. With music I mute the sounds.
Thanks, so pleased you like it 😀
Well the rest of us love music asmr channels all over stop whining!
I agree with your comment about the music, the sound of the machinery is all the music I need. Thank you Sir
I like it a lot! Good job!!
Thank you!
Beautiful work! I love the wood and thd finish, the simple sound ov silence works for me and i love listening to the blues and classical music while i work so each of us is different im pleased to say, i thought a nice chess piece would nake an unusual and different knob youf design works well tho 👍👍👏👏👏👏👏
Thank you very much! 😀 I like the chess piece knob idea 👍
Looks great, I really like
it.
Wood sizes and over size would be great to include as well.
thanks 👍
Beautiful wood & workmanship. I love it
Thank you very much!
Красиво, мастеру респект!!!
Nice hand tools!
Thanks 👍
I really like the overall design. However, it does look a bit top heavy, in my opinion. I'm wondering what it would look like with the wide portion of the legs at the bottom? Just a thought. Anyway, watching a true craftsman is always a treat.
thanks for the kind words, I’m pleased you liked it 😀 Your way could also look good, I’ll have to try it that way sometime 👍
I think it's better with no music.
ok thanks for the feedback, my latest video has no music, check it out if you haven’t yet and let me know your thoughts 👍
Nice work. I especially like how the top lines up with the chamfers on the tops of the legs. Nice detail.
Thank you very much! 😀
Beautiful. The knob, hmmm, maybe some color - 1/3 each light, dark, light running vertically -like 3 piano keys. Then again I'm an old beginner.
thanks 😀 good idea about the knob 👍
Hello there young man,
An old boy here. Very nice project, with a lot of loving care put into it.
I'm glad I didn't have to make the remark about pre-finishing the inner surfaces BEFORE you glue up. Reference: your previous walnut jewelry box (a big no no).
One thing shocks me here:
You give the top of your 4 corner pillars a nice splayed feeling, but ... 🧐😖
You end the bottom of these shapely pillars with a basic square section. Compared to all the volume and movement in this piece, they look very scrimpy and far too small. I think they need more volume, and movement- just like the rest of the box. Ideally they should splay, or fan, outwards @ 45°. Think of Renaissance Italian boxes; they often have animal claw feet, spreading out. In a proud fashion. After all, they carry the upper structure structure. These feel like canes.
I know everyone loves compliments, but a bit of constructive criticism helps you advance, which compliments DON'T!
I also feel the junction between the lid and the pillars could have been negotiated a bit differently. It's a good idea to do drawings first- that avoids pitfalls and allows a general picture.
Please don't take offence; I am only giving you my frank opinion, after 40 years as a cabinet maker and furniture restorer.
You're a fine young craftsman and I'm sure you'll be making more and more beautiful boxes.
Best regards and greetings from France.
thanks for watching and for taking the time to share your thoughts, all constructive feedback is welcome as we’re always learning 👍
@GM_Design Hello there (sorry, I don't know your name).
Thanks for your reply. I was relieved to see that you hadn't taken offence. By God, I've made blunders and terrible mistakes in the past, that's the only way to learn. Mind you, I'm not saying you made a mistake, only saying it could have been done differently.
Anyway, congratulations on your excellent videos- they are very well put together and are very clear. 👍
I must say you have a gorgeous array of Veritas tools, and jigs. We never had that sort of gems in my time- just had to do lots of handwork and reajust by hand and eye.
Tools have a come a long way since.
Enjoy your gems.
Cheers.
Ralph
thanks Ralph (it’s Gary by the way) 👍
Me encanta lo bueno ❤
Beautiful box. Was there any issues with the lid warping? I’d be afraid with the grain orientation and removing that much material it would warp. I hope not because I’m totally stealing this design! 😂
thanks so pleased you liked it 😀 There has been a tiny bit of movement in the lid but nothing too bad, in hindsight it might have been better with the grain going in the other direction 👍
When working with English Sycamore, (which is actually a hard maple), I often sand up to a fine polishing grit (12,000) not skipping steps. The high figure gets deeper and deeper as you polish it. Some closed grain hardwoods will finish like glass. Others (open grain) like walnut, do not.
Arborist Blair Glenn
I’ll have to try that, it was my first time using sycamore and I really liked it, I’ll definitely be using it again 👍
Your work is very admirable keep the music one can turn the sound off both is excellent. Keep your style it is great
Thank you very much!
I like that knob but I might have gone with a dodecahedron myself.
that’s sounds like a great idea 👍
I would like to hear you talk and explain what and how you’re doing
I suppose it’s like the phrase that someone has a face made for radio, but instead it’s I have a voice made for silent movies! ha 😂
I have attempted it before but was never happy with the results but I hear what you’re saying, I will have to give it another go 👍
No music please! Box looks awesome 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Thanks 👍
Дуже гарно. Цікаво чи з часом не покоробить кришку.
Дякую
Nice design
Thank you! 😀
Отличная работа! Ну и как крышка? Не выгнуло??
thanks 😀 the lid has stayed reasonably flat 👍
Yay to no Music!!!!! for me its a distraction.
👍
Love it! Original yet elegant design, well done. Hey where did you get your little metal logo inlay at 23:10 from? Keen on getting something similar for my own work.
thanks glad you liked it 👍
Here’s the link to where I got those from -
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/vonHanke
It is a very very pretty box....but you asked! 😅Knob: the same curve as the rest of the box. Lid: slightly bigger till the outside of the legs and with the curve on the sides of the lid. Color white wood: no lemon curd, but something that would've kept the wood as white as possible.😉
thanks really pleased you like it 😀 and love the comments and suggestions 👍
Ficou muito show essa caixa meus parabéns
obrigado 😀
Parabéns
💯💖
No music
Just found your videos. Where did you get the curve template from
I can’t remember where I got that from but if you google French Curve you’ll find them 👍
It has a '40s look
The knob may have been better as a long block following the grain across the lid rather than an actual knob
I thought of that afterwards as well, I think it would’ve looked good, great design idea 👍
Great project. Have a question: the miter box - shop made or bought. If bought, can you share the source?
thanks glad you liked it 😀 The mitre box is by Bad Axe Tool works, I got mine from Workshop Heaven but just checked and they aren’t on their website anymore. Here is a link to Bad Axe’s website in the US -
badaxetoolworks.com/collections/tools-and-accessories/products/bench-hook-set?variant=44735593382191
I hope that helps 👍
Apart from that bit at the end, makes you appreciate the lack of it for the rest of the video!!!
👍
Are you sure your zebrano was zebrano? Didn't look like it to me?
Take that back....:) Nice box :)
thanks 😀
Beautiful!
I just don't understand why you're using an abrasive pad to apply finish?
thanks so pleased you liked it 😀 You can get dust nibs in the finish while it’s drying, the abrasive pads smooths all these out 👍
@@GM_Design thank you :)
Are those little green pads you use to apply finish scotch brite?
yep they are 👍
@@GM_Design nice! Great box.
thanks 😀
Nice looking project. What’s your ratio for the oil/wax mixture?
thanks glad you liked it 👍
The finish oil/polyurethane/turpentine mix is equal parts of each
And the beeswax/turpentine, finish oil mix isn’t quite so straight forward as depends on the beeswax, the one I used from Liberon had turpentine in it as well so I needed more than if it was just plain beeswax. But I started with equal parts then added more beeswax till I got the consistency I wanted.
Hope that helps 😀
Can you share the recipe for the finish?
The finish oil/polyurethane/turpentine mix is equal parts of each.
And the beeswax/turpentine, finish oil mix isn’t quite so straight forward as depends on the beeswax, the one I used from Liberon had turpentine in it as well so I needed more than if it was just plain beeswax. But I started with equal parts then added more beeswax till I got the consistency I wanted.
Hope that helps 👍
Thanks
Man, ask and you shall receive! I'm new to woodworking and I've been looking for more finish sources to try out!
Thanks @GM_Design
Much prefer natural shop sounds. No music is best for me.
👍
What’s the name of the fancy hand plane thingamabob?
if you mean the one I start using at about 1:15 then that is a shooting board plane, this one is made by Veritas. If not, let me know a time stamp and I’ll confirm
thanks 👍
@@GM_Design That's the one!
Someone has learned from Rob Cosman…good job!
thanks glad you liked it😀 I might have watched a bit of Rob Cosman 😂
👍
I give the box a overall score of ( Keep this in mind, That no one will ever get a score over 9.5. these are at God level perfection from me. With that being said... My problem is the lid. The curve goes side to side but not front to back, somewhat like a dish. As simple round knob would have pulled it off. Especially with all 4 corners flowing into the center. I want to be fair. Love the curves , The legs and the construction. Like I said the flow is off for me. 7.5 ( This is still a truly high score).
thanks for the score, I love it 👍 and I agree, I was never happy with the knob, the round knob probably would’ve worked better. 😀
Lovely work, but best bit, by far.....NO bloody muzak.....😁😁😁
thanks 😀
A voice over commentary might be nice. Music choice from last video?? Not so much.😊
Maybe I’ll try narrating in the future 👍
I prefer voice over.
fair enough. My next video will have a voice over, it should be out soon so check it out and let me know your thoughts 👍
I cast my vote for NO music. Nice build, though.
thanks 👍
Some light commentary and no music
I’m going to make 2 comments. 1, I’m a conservative western Okie especially my own energy, so I’d figure out how to do thi with more machinery & less hand work. 2 I’m going to make a cremation urn for my sister, so I’m looking for ideas, this might work. Thank you Sir
thanks, I’m pleased you liked it 😀
Music +++
No music please.
👍
Nice variation on Mark Spagnulo's (Wood Whisperer) memorial box. Mark's top is a classic pagoda shape, with a handle shaped to resemble a Torii gate. ua-cam.com/video/mUiNmeG87l8/v-deo.html
NO music, I'm not sure why youtubers feel the need to put "music" on (which consists of about 3 cords, the same 3 over and over and over) Either narrate or shop tool sounds are good for me...
Talk!
No talking bit of shame that you shy nice box
thanks glad you liked the box 👍 Yes I’m a bit shy ☺️
Please, no music! If I want music I can play the sort of music I like in the background. Too many UT videos are ruined by annoying, intrusive sound.
thanks for the feedback. Check out my latest video, no music just shop sounds, then let me know your thoughts 👍
She's got great curves