Haven't had a boatload of inspiration lately, so even the simplest of projects is welcomed... This Project started at my Desk... Pens and pencils were collecting (yet again) The "regular" approach here, is to stick them all in a cup, but I'm tired of using all of our glasses and coffee cups! With nothing "in the chute" in the Shop, I think I'll "Make Something!" I found the left-overs from the chess box and worked up the little tower... First, the two pieces were halved to make the four sides... Wanted wider finger joints with this slightly thicker (1/2") White Oak, so the marking Blocks were simply doubled-up... Here we are, everything all marked... Next, they're cut on the Scroll Saw and then the corners are pinned with wooden dowels... I was originally going to glue a bottom to this and be done... but while making it, thought, "a pen caddy usually has a catch-all tray sort of thing at the bottom, doesn't it...?" So another tiny 'gallery' was fabricated, first the sides... With these being so small, a different, very minimalist jig was used to corner-pin the sides... which were then glued to a bottom and clamped-up in the Vise for 8-9 hours... Fresh out of the Vise... The Sides were worked one by one, with Files and sandpaper, from here... to Here! I was going to use the same bottom and simply glue the Pen Hopper onto this tray, which gives us this... But I decided to put a separate bottom on the Hopper section... It will still be able to be used together, as intended, but will also have the option to be used separately... A bottom was cut and glued on, waits now for the glue to dry... These little projects can sometimes be great catalysts for Shop Work! When Creativity or Enthusiasm are in short supply, it's important sometimes, to just get in the Shop and Make Something!
Mike, in Concord, NH - A candle loses none of its flame by lighting another candle...
Fine thinking there! True with the unplanned quick projects being therapeutic, I like how you expanded out the idea as you progressed. The offset placement of the catchall is perfection.
Thank You All very much! This is "the process" when something needs making and I've never made one... While making the idea, other ideas come to mind and are considered (It's what makes sanding even remotely interesting) Dark_Lightning: As though boxes needed another good reason to make them, there's that - They contain space rather than occupy it, don't actually require very much Wood in the first place! I joked years ago saying, if all else failed, I would turn every scrap I have into a small box or tray... I probably will not reach that goal... But I can still try
Mike, in Concord, NH - A candle loses none of its flame by lighting another candle...
