Chapter 2: Self-Imposed Limitations
Have you ever had the thought,“If I had this particular tool or this size shop, I could build this project?” I know that I have. Many times I delayed or decided to not build a project because I felt that I needed a special tool or a bigger shop to get it done. I was wrong. Since joining our 207 Forum, my perception has changed. With the support and inspiration provided by our fellow members, I’ve learned to figure out different ways to get things done with the tools I own. Previously perceived insurmountable tasks then became possible.
I also wanted a bigger, better shop. Well, that’s just not going to happen. As a matter of fact, due to a bit of carelessness, I burned down my shop this past July. (Those fire hoses sure put a damper on my woodworking.) But, it did not stop me. I managed to save my last project from the fire and actually completed it at a different location. Not being one to dwell on the negative, I asked myself, “What can I do now?” The answer was: “Use this time to pick my next project, formulate a design concept that incorporates a new woodworking technique and then do some research on how to do it.” In other words, I decided to make the best of a less than perfect situation.
What did I choose for my next project? Well, I decided to build a humidor for my best friend of the past 28 years. He is retiring this month and I wanted to give him something that he will cherish for years to come.
Here is the rough design:
The humidor design.
As stated before, I plan to use blind mitered dovetails to assemble the box out of Peruvian Walnut. The lighter section of the top and the bottom are yellow granite.
In Chapter 3, I’ll let you know what information I’ve found out about full blind “secret” mitered dovetail joints.