The Box - #16
Put what you learned to practice.
Post joinery lessons, and struggling through dovetails, I desired more practice. What better practice then a simple box? I still had walnut that I had acquired from my grandfather’s estate left over, along with some poplar.
Dove tail work is muscle memory. The more you repeat the process the better they look. There is much to be said about warming up on a practice piece of wood before you start on your actual work.
Even if you choose not to go that extra mile, choosing a less visible corner of your work to start your dovetails, where they can potentially be a little sloppy, is recommended.
Besides the additional dovetail work, it was good to get some experience with trim and working miters. A piece of furniture can pop when done properly. The human eye is attracted to things that are different, so forcing it to observe a piece as a whole versus a glaring mistake is what you’re looking for.
Every piece in your craftsmanship journey should improve. Joints should get tighter and stock prep time should decrease… it’s all about the growth you’re making as a craftsman and individual. A path that has no end, where mediocrity goes to die.