Jarrah and Tassie Myrtle Toy Box

[homesy135]

I've built a toy box for my niece based on this photo she emailed to me:

20140222102026.jpg

Here are some photos of the box I made based on the example above:

Aimee's Toybox(a).jpgAimee's Toybox(b).jpgAimee's Toybox(c).jpg

The box is framed in Jarrah and the front and rear panels are plywood veneered with Tassie Myrtle. Side panels are veneered with Australian Red Cedar. Inside the box the panels are balanced with what I had at hand - Australian Red Cedar, Camphorlaurel and Unknown (from eBay). The lid is Jarrah framed with Jarrah panels. The box is approximately 36" wide X 22" deep X 20" high. and is finished with polyurethane wiping varnish and furniture wax.

I wasn't keen on hinging the box, as I could see too many squashed fingers, so opted for a fitted lid that will need Mum or Dad to remove to access the toys. (Hinges could be retro fitted at a future date.)

After finishing the box, I searched for the sample photo my niece sent to me. I found it here:

http://thesustainableattorney.com/2012/02/black-walnut-and-cherry-toy-box/

The design is based on a blanket box published in Fine Woodworking issue #203. Using Aussie timbers I've come close to matching the American cherry and walnut used in the sample photo.

[spokeshave]

Awesome toy box homesy.

The Jarrah looks beautiful and contrasts well with the other timbers.

Did you consider fitting the lid with soft close struts to avoid it slamming down? I guess these can be fitted later when the hinges go on.

Great job.

Steven.

[TTIT]

Very nice indeed - one of those 'one day!' projects for me

[Dengue]

Hinges and soft close gas struts would be the way to go in future. They work well. The guys at Strut - Regas can calculate the required strut pressure, and supply all the fittings and the struts. They can fit them for you, or show you where the struts should be located

[homesy135]

Hinges and soft close gas struts would be the way to go in future. They work well. The guys at Strut - Regas can calculate the required strut pressure, and supply all the fittings and the struts. They can fit them for you, or show you where the struts should be located

Yes, I visited their (strutregas.com) site at the planning stage of the toy box. I probably would have visited their premises if they had one in WA. I also looked at the Rockler's lid stay torsion hinges. I probably would have gone that route if some sort of lid stay device was easily available in WA. The inner lip on the box lid is only held by screws so could be removed should it be decided in the future that hinges are a must.

Thanks for the words of encouragement, praise and "likes".

[AlexS]

Nice looking box, good and robust, and the timbers are so, so much better than radiata pine.

[Ruddy]

A very nice project. The contrasts of the Jarrah and Myrtle veneer are standout.

[crowie]

This may very well have started out as a "Toy Box" project but from the workmanship and finish,
I can see your niece keeping it as a family heirloom for many many years.
Absolutely beautiful.... Cheers, crowie

[Christos]

Very nicely done and great imitation of the box.

[anthonyz]

Hello homely Can I ask where one gets plywood veneered tastier myrtle or any other veneered plywood. Regards AZ


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[homesy135]

Hello homely Can I ask where one gets plywood veneered tastier myrtle or any other veneered plywood. Regards AZ

Hi AZ, I veneered the plywood myself. I used hot hide glue, veneer hammer and a household clothes iron. Have a look here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inyVp5r73_Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awIBy11kMA8


It is my understanding veneered MDF is the industry standard (at least in Western Australia) so veneered plywood is harder to track down. MDF should be available off the shelf veneered in common timbers through a timber merchant. Some timber merchants will veneer plywood to order. There is this one in Victoria:

http://www.plyco.com.au/index.php?ma...ex&cPath=44_63

You'd have to Google to find a similar business in QLD or knock on a cabinet makers door for some industry information.

[anthonyz]

Thankyou for sharing that's great I will checkout the locals for veneer options. I meant to say the toy box looks awesome, are you sure you want a small child loose with it


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[homesy135]

Thanks AZ. A few scratches or dents add to its story.