Creating Wooden Boxes on the Scroll Saw

There comes a time in every serious woodworker's life when we want to try something different. While the scrollsaw is probably not at the top of a furniture maker's wish list it does offer a chance to master a new technique. This collection of 29 projects and patterns from delicate fretwork jewellery boxes to pieces that hold everything from poker chips to flags is a delight for novice scrollers and for the more skilled alike. Artists like John A Nelson, Sue Chrestensen, Kenneth Campbell and Gary MacKay have contributed, and along with their beautiful designs there are also expert step-by-step instructions along with all of the crisp photos, detailed patterns and tips and tcchniques needed to guarantee success with box-making. I was particularly taken with a music box by Rick and Karen Longabaugh, a rose box by Robert Ardizzoni which features segmentation and intarsia techniques, and a secret chamber puzzle box by Karl Taylor. One of the pluses of scrollsawing is the small amount of materials needed: scrollsaw and choice of blades, clamps, sandpaper wood, drill and bits and a finish. Bingo! Not only that, but each of these projects is presented step-by-step fashion with full-scale drawings showing the fretwork involved. And it can get a trifle complicated too, particularly when creating a filigree design. While a world away from conventional boxmaking techniques, these scrollsawn boxes represent a good few evenings of fun with some most attractive results, and no-one ever said woodworking should be serious all the time. Did they?