Beginner Hand Tool Woodworking Project. Spalted Beech Pencil Case.

Summary

In this woodworking video, the host constructs a simple pencil case using only hand tools. He starts by splitting a pre-dimensioned board with a large tenon saw and proceeds to plane and square the pieces. The project involves creating rebates for the sliding lid and base, ensuring allowance for wood expansion. The host skillfully assembles the box, attaches a pull piece to the lid for easy opening, and finishes the project with a food-safe, clear finish that enhances the natural grain of the spotted beach wood.

Takeaways

• 🔨 The video is a woodworking tutorial focused on creating a simple pencil case using hand tools.
• 📝 The project is inspired by viewer requests for a basic woodworking project and the creator's personal need for a pencil case to hold sketching materials.
• 🎁 The creator received a large tenon saw as a birthday gift and uses this video as an opportunity to try it out.
• 🪵 The pencil case is made from a piece of spotted beach wood that was planked a year ago and has a nice figure.
• 🚫 The project emphasizes using only hand tools, making it accessible for beginners or those without power tools.
• 📏 The process involves splitting a board, planing it to thickness, and squaring up the edges to prepare the wood for the pencil case.
• 📐 The creator demonstrates how to find the center of a board for precise cutting and marking.
• 🛠️ Techniques such as shooting (using a shooting board for straight edges) and mortising (creating rebates for the box's sliding fit) are covered.
• 🔍 Attention is given to wood movement due to moisture, with allowances made in the design to prevent the box from cracking.
• 🛎️ The final pencil case features a sliding lid with a handle cut from the box's front, maintaining the aesthetic of a closed box.
• 🌳 The use of food-safe finish highlights the natural beauty of the spotted beach wood, suitable for a desk accessory.

Q & A

What is the main project being discussed in the video?

The main project in the video is making a pencil case using basic woodworking hand tools.

Why did the creator choose to make a pencil case?

The creator chose to make a pencil case because it is a basic woodworking project, it was requested by viewers, and the creator needed a place to store pencils and sketching materials.

What special tool did the creator receive for his 40th birthday?

The creator received a Bad Axe large tenon saw for his 40th birthday.

What type of wood is being used for the pencil case?

Spotted beach wood, which was planked up about a year ago and taken from the river, is being used for the pencil case.

How does the creator plan to split the board for the pencil case?

The creator plans to split the board using the large tenon saw, starting from the corner and following the marked lines to ensure a straight cut.

What is the significance of marking the center of the board?

Marking the center of the board helps in accurately splitting it in half, ensuring that the pencil case components are symmetrical and well-balanced.

What is the purpose of using a shooting board in this project?

The shooting board is used to square up the edges of the wood pieces and to ensure that the cuts are straight and accurate.

How does the creator ensure the box components fit together well?

The creator ensures the box components fit together by marking and cutting the pieces to the same dimensions, using a shooting board to square the edges, and checking for squareness at each step.

What is the reason for cutting the rebates or grooves in the sides and ends of the box?

The rebates or grooves are cut to accommodate the sliding lid and base of the pencil case, ensuring a snug fit and smooth operation.

Why is it important to allow for wood expansion when making the base and lid of the box?

Allowing for wood expansion prevents the box from cracking or coming apart due to changes in humidity, as hardwood expands and contracts across the grain.

How does the creator plan to finish the pencil case?

The creator plans to finish the pencil case with a food-safe, clear, and odorless natural oil finish to enhance the wood's natural beauty and protect it.