Got a fun project in the planning stage, could use some opinions..

[X_Digger]

A couple of weekends ago, my wife and I came across a box of old mailbox doors, with keys.



I think I'm going to make a few piggy banks out of them- give a few to friends, maybe sell a few.

So I got to thinking about small box styles.

Something as simple as this..



or this version with mitered corners..



Maybe even add some decorative splines..





Or thin finger joints..



Thick finger joints..



Maybe even some rounded corners..



Possibly use some different woods for different sides, etc.

I knocked up a prototype out of scrap plywood.



What's your favorite?

eta: I've got some solid walnut wood to use for the sides, and some white oak to use for the splines, if I use this design.

[Adsos Letter]

1. I cast my vote for Rounded Corners w/Thin Finger Joints

I get an Art Deco vibe from it, which might meld nicely with those doors.

EDIT: I really like how they backed up the gold leaf with red, an old leafing technique to warm the gold.

[X_Digger]

2. I need to see if I still have that jig or do I need to make another one, hehe.

eta: Yeah, unfortunately the letters are gone on most of them.

eta2: The wife put the kibosh on the rounded corners, she says, and I quote- "That's so 80's."

[Suich]

3. Those are really cool, X_Digger!

Where in the world did you find them? It weird to see the doors and keys by themselves. I like all your plans...what a neat thing to give as a gift!

[X_Digger]

4. Thanks! I have a niece and a couple of nephews who will be getting these..

.. with a $20 bill in them to encourage saving.

We were at an estate sale locally, and happened to look in a cardboard box up on a shelf in the garage. Dumb luck, I guess.

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

5. That's ART !

And very very cool . The only suggestion I would give you is to fallow through with your idea and let it develop as it will. It's all good !

[X_Digger]

6. Thanks! I got a bit side tracked..

I found a couple more singer sewing machine treadle bases, I'm in the middle of stripping them for another table project (eventually.)

[Walk away]

7. Wonderful! Practical, cool and well excecuted.

Too bad there can only be a limited supply.

[X_Digger]

8. Just a quick bump..

I finally made one of these boxes.. interestingly, the oak end grain soaked up the poly and darkened almost like it was stain.

Ah well, live and learn.

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

9. Live and learn ,yes that's what it's all about

Very interesting deposit box . Are you going to fallow up with the same design or experiment with different configurations ?


Very very cool ,nice work ,unique and of a rare quality.

[X_Digger]

10. I'll probably mix it up a bit, try one of the box joint ones w/ contrasting woods.

Oak or maple for the top and bottom, walnut for the sides.

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

11. I look forward to viewing those

I hope you post pictures. I imagine each one will be unique a work of art with the look and feel of hand craftmanship. It says something.

[X_Digger]

12. Will do! n/t

[LaydeeBug]

13. I like the rounded one the best, but they are all pretty amazing. nt