A gift for our friend, Diane, this seed box incorporated several small-project techniques that are relatively new to the Marietta Wood Works shop. Resawing stock provided 1/2″ and 1/4″ thick components in keeping with the scale of the overall project. Temporary painter’s tape hinges did a good job keeping components aligned during glue up and assembly. Finally, the CNC-carved lettering and decoration were filled with tinted epoxy casting resin.

SketchUp model, closed.

Sketchup model, open.

Resawing maple on the bandsaw.

Resawn stock for sides, top, and bottom of the box.

Edge gluing 1/4″ strips for top and bottom.

Top and bottom clamped with stretchwrap-covered plywood cauls to keep everything flat.

Cleaning up the top and bottom glue ups with a scraper.

CNC routing the graphics and lettering.

Monitoring the CNC toolpath progress.

Carved box top and front.

First dry fit of all components.

Mixing epoxy resin with red and black opalescent pigments.

Filling the carvings with a 10 ml syringe.

I allow 24 hours for curing, plus a one hour kick in a 100 degree oven.

Final sanding of resin fillings and all components.

Box top and front ready for assembly.

Using painters tape hinges for aligning and folding mitered box corners.

Final assembly done and sitting in clamps overnight for the PVC glue to cure.

Separating the lid from the body on the tablesaw.

Shims and clamps stabilize the two sections for the final cut.

Cherry dividers cut to fit and ready for half lap joints.

Removable divider assembly fits in box bottom with no glue.

Fitting hinges with tiny (fragile) brass screws before finishing.

Light stain and two coats of polyurethane bring out the character of the hard maple.

Top slats and carving style give this project a refined rustic look.

Packets of seeds hold the promise of a bountiful harvest next growing season.

Diane’s Seed Box complete!