Box Idea

[Barefoot1]

I want to build a box with a fretwork top. Although I want the fret work to sit on a solid top and use perhaps quarter round trim with a rabbit cut under it to frame the fretwork and finish the top. The real inspiration for this is that I want to learn to make finger joints using my new table saw and dado blade but wish to incorporate some fret work in it as well, being that is my first love.
Has anyone made such a box and have ideas? Has anyone seen a pattern for such a box? Don't be shy, all ideas welcome!

[workin for wood]

I know I've seen stuff like this. I suggest some glass on top of the fretwork as well, to eliminate cleaning all together.

[Barefoot1]

Thats a neat idea, I hadn't thought of that! I am currently salvaging some white oak from some shelving that was in the house when we bought it. I may get enough out of it for the box, maybe not, lots of holes from the half ass assembly and mounting to the wall. I need to go get a metal detector too before I get any further as I don't want to run into any hidden metal while cutting, jointing or planing.

[Jim8Mad]

There was a pattern a while back for a Gentleman's Box (I think it was this magazine) that you can easily adapt for finger joints on the edges. And in Issue #19 (Summer 2005) there is an article on Scroll Saw Joinery by Gary MacKay that may interest you.

Be sure to post pics when you are done as this sounds like an interesting project.

[Barefoot1]

Thanks for the pointer to the patterns Jim and I will post up when I get it completed. I did pick up a metal detector today so I can go over the wood I am salvaging.