I wanted to share my first "fully digital" woodworking project. I was a little worried that going digital would be somehow less satisfying, but I am finding that going digital lets you be more creative in the design aspect and it takes some of the stress out of the part cutting process. This project is a gift for my Father's 75th birthday (he is the one who infected me with the woodworking bug) and each of his children, children-in-law and grandchildren will write him letters to put in the box. It is a keyed miter lidded box (no hinge) that measures about 7.5"x10.5"x4.5". I used a piece of 3/8" thick quarter-sawn cherry for the sides and used my CNC machine to miter fold the sides for a truly continuous grain all the way around. The glue-up was simple due to the perfect miters and there were no gaps. I used a wavy grained piece of flat sawn cherry for the lid and engraved a quote in the lid. While cutting parts out of 3/4" baltic birch for a different project, I cut parts for the keyed miter sled out of the waste areas. The miter sled assembled with just 1/4-20 bolts due to the quarter inch alignment holes in each piece. I then cut the keys out of some 1/8" walnut using the CNC machine. Then I sanded to 320 grit and put a coat of Tung oil on it. I will likely rub in a few coats of amber shellac once it is dry. Feel free to ask any questions!
Tim
Tim