Thanks! for the comments. I appreciate it. You pays your money and takes your chances. Good thoughts. Exactly. I don't think any kind of poly would work for this. The roll top has plenty of clearance. I tried rubbing some bees wax in there before I put them together. Didn't like it. Sanded it out. Made sure the edges of the top and guides are all sanded smooth and no sharp edge. Doug fir is not the easiest wood to work with. But for learning, it's cheap.
This is a very perceptive group here. I would like to find an outlet for these and make some money doing it. I don't expect to get rich...... I don't really know how to put a price on these. I see all kinds of boxes around. Ranging from very crude, rough cut aspen logs to very nice, pristine, exotic woods. Here is a thought I have had..... the pay what you think it is worth plan. If you would like a special box, a special gift for someone.... I will do the build. Send it to you and you pay me what you think it is worth.
...so the faux roll top box was curious..... but not genuine….so what to do? Create the true tambour roll top box. ...and just because I can, put a secret compartment in it.
….and continuing on w/my ….."..look, SQUIRREL!" curiosity..... my next project.... the MC Escher checker board.
You can give Etsy a try and sell online. A lot has to do with marketing, your products being found and price point as there may be competition. I know there is not much like for Fakebook, but their marketplace seems like a good place to sell items. Boutiques usually have a hefty commission to the owner. Sometime it works out well as the owner can give feedback to target the audience. Lastly, if you have art markets or shows throughout the summer. Setting up a small booth where folks can pick up your work and see and feel the quality is good to. Personal contact may lead to commission work. Now as far as making money, you have to figure costs. Materials, sawblades, finish, etc. Add in your time. Figure what you think your hourly labor rate is multiply it by hours to make a box. Figure in time if you sell online to update your selling page, time to box and go ship it. Costs of packaging supplies, tape boxes, bubble wrap, etc. I find that selling is a good way to help support the craft and buy more tools. I just like the satisfaction of customers appreciating good handmade work.
...so, the MC Escher board became a box. I have been wanting to cut this pattern.....but not like all the ones you see....of course. I didn't think much of it...but have learned.... stay with it. You just never know. I think one of the most satisfying things about working wood is when the finish hits the grain. This did not disappoint.
Just... WOW! So much better than just a cutting board! (Which would never get cut on.) I love the bi-level drawer, it really picks up on the Escher theme, sort of like an infinity symbol. I look at the drawer faces and just ponder, "how did he do that"? You really have some great ideas.
It's taller, to accommodate the tambour and the interior cubbies, larger is good because it makes it more stable. I see another one in the works behind it! That checkerboard surely catches the eye, good to draw customers in to your booth, even if they end up buying a less expensive model. Cover all the price points. I can definitely see buying one for somebody I really really like. They look hard to make, can you charge enough to compensate your extra labor?
Good observations. The one behind it is the first prototype....too many mistakes on it. So it lives on the bench for reference. Do I have a booth....? Don't know. How much would you pay for that? I have no idea. The labor time comes down w/every box. Just knowing how to do things.... like faster ways to clamp stuff, creating special little sanding tools for each little crevice reduces the time. ....this, at this point, is not about money. First, I'm just having way too much fun dreaming this stuff up and then making it happen. It is about putting it out to the Universe and seeing where it takes me. If I show honest intention, God will show me the way. It's like the guy that constantly prayed to win the lottery. Finally after a long time, God spoke to him and said, "You're going to have to meet Me half way....buy a ticket."
