Introducing Fred

August 31, 2010 Brian Meeks 5 comments

Fred

The first batch of tiny boxes has brought with it knowledge and a fair amount of enjoyment. This is Fred, he is a tiny hard maple box with a wenge lid and splines. He is very friendly.

Each box will be given a choice, some will choose to head out into the world, some may want to stay here in Martelle with me. I asked him his thoughts on the future.

“Well I have been giving it some thought, as the Tung oil was drying. It was difficult to decided, as I have grown fond of the other boxes and your tools are excellent conversationalists.” Fred said, and it was apparent he was still a little bit on the fence. He took a long pause.

“Yes they are.” I said, then waited for him to continue.

“The idea of heading out into the world is both scary and exciting. Do you think that I would get bought by someone friendly?” he asked.

“I am quite sure of it. All the readers of my ExtremelyAverage.com blog are exceptionally friendly.” I reassured him.

“Then I think I would quite like to be made available to your store then.” Fred said with confidence and a smile.

I smiled back and explained that if that was his decision, we would need to do a photo shoot. He quite liked the idea and the camera loved him. Fred was an excellent model and suggested we do one with him at the piano. He loves music and quite enjoyed that photo. Fred also likes holding small shiny rocks. I filled him up and he stood on his lid. He looked quite handsome, if you ask me. He tried to talk me into letting him keep the rocks, but he failed. I like small shiny rocks too.

Fred suggested it might be a good idea for me to sign him, and give his birth date, just in case the person who busy him, wants to wish him a ‘Happy Birthday’ next year. I explained that they may not talk to him as much as I do, but there was a very good chance he would have other friends who would. Books, which like to hang out on bookshelves, are exceptionally chatty and interesting. Fred liked the idea of being on a bookshelf, possibly even more than on a piano.

Fred is really a delightful box. He is a good listener and really good at keeping secrets. I am sure that whomever decides to adopt him, will be very pleased. Fred is available on my Etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/listing/55156938/fred-the-tiny-box

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Shannon

Brian, congratulations on completing such a beautiful little box and on selling him so quickly. Was the buyer a reader of your blog or a complete unknown? I'm always curious to learn where customers come from. Great work and I look forward to much more of your work.

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Brian Meeks

Shannon,

Fred was adopted by a reader of the blog and a Twitter buddy. I would estimate that it was only about 3 minutes after I posted that Fred was available.

Sheila

Brian:
Fred is really quite handsome! When I was in university, I found a lovely black kitten that I named Fred (after Frederick Chopin). Your Fred reminds me of him with his sleek lines and classic beauty. (Don't let him read this or his lid will get too big!)

I was going to purchase some Wenge on my last trip to the wood supplier. Others say it splinters quite a bit and it is difficult to work with. Did you find it to be more temperamental in that respect? I realize that Fred is quite well-mannered now from what you told us, but was he always that way, or was it only with your patience and care that he turned out so beautiful. Any insights on working with his type would be helpful.

Thank you for a wonderful blog.

(Oh and may I ask what his selling price was? I didn't see what you decided on. )

Thanks, Sheila

Sheila,

I had read that it was hard to work with also. So before I did anything I had it in my mind that I would need to go slowly and be careful with my cuts. The bandsaw cuts were just fine, as was the routing. I use Freud router bits, which are of excellent quality, and none of my bits are that old, so they are all razor sharp. I am sure this helped with the quality of the routing and avoiding the splinters.

Manfred the chisel was sharpened immediately before I did the work on the underside of the lid, to make it fit snugly. Though I didn't have any major problems, I did find that extreme care needed to be take to avoid nicks and chips in the areas next to where I was working. I found that paring was a delight with wenge.

I completely fell in love with Wenge on this project. I do think that it may be a bit tempermental, and I would always error on the side of sharp and high quality cutting implements, but the end result is well worth it.

I am very pleased that my first experience with Wenge was on a tiny scale, as there was less pressure and I was able to learn how to handle it. Of course, I am sure that there are lots of things I have yet to discover about this wonderful wood, but it is a start.

Fred was adopted for $40.00 plus $5.00 shipping and handling. He was adopted about 3 minutes after I posted the blog.

AlexandraFunFit

Do NOT sell my orangie/red one or I will hurt you!

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Introducing Fred

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