What $1,200 in wood and 6 months of work looks like

ENCurtis
ENCurtis
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Published 2023-12-09
More than a year ago, I was contacted by two Navy pilots who wanted to commission a keepsake box for their first and only child. A box that would be her first birthday present, and in that box would live 17 other gifts--one each year until she turns 18. When you take on a commission with this much personal meaning, I think it warrants taking the time to make sure you get it right. This object, after all, will be a part of this family's narrative forever. I'm honored to be a part of that story--in a very menial way, if only through the creative act. I hope they appreciate and enjoy this piece. And I hope you enjoy this video.

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Items I use in this video (some are affiliate links which help sponsor this content):
Festool Domino: amzn.to/47YEty0
Titebond I Wood Glue: amzn.to/3zRXHGv
Liquid Hide Glue: amzn.to/3PhZEEW
My favorite trim router: amzn.to/3LbCbTF
1/4" Spiral upcut bit: amzn.to/3T93VNf
Rabbeting router bit: amzn.to/411mswM
Shaper Origin: www.shapertools.com/en-us/

My Finish Mix:
Minwax Polyurethane: amzn.to/3kPgpuO
Liberon Finishing Oil: amzn.to/3kXkIEf
Danish Oil (alternative): amzn.to/3Njlabs
Liberon Beeswax: amzn.to/3Jm2yFN
Turpentine: amzn.to/3SWFznB
Mineral Spirits (alternative): amzn.to/3oKU83h


TotalBoat's Tabletop Epoxy:
For 5% off any TotalBoat product, visit www.totalboat.com/encurtis


Items I keep on hand in the shop:
Glue:
Titebond I Wood Glue: amzn.to/3zRXHGv
Titebond III Wood Glue: amzn.to/3MVnG6j
Titebond Quick and Thick: amzn.to/42HGuMC
Liquid Hide Glue: amzn.to/3PhZEEW


Power Tools and Accessories:
Festool Domino: amzn.to/47YEty0
Table Saw Blade - Woodworkers II: amzn.to/42bIOLa
My favorite trim router: amzn.to/3LbCbTF
DeWalt Trim Router fence: amzn.to/43cYwr2
My Festool Router Setup: amzn.to/3ZPIQal
Extra Fence: amzn.to/3KHi9jI
1/2" dia Router bit: amzn.to/3UkRFYI
A Better Alternative (Spiral Up Cut): amzn.to/3mcPsSp


Sharpening:
Ohishi Waterstones: amzn.to/3TkoZhP
1,000/8,000 Combo (great budget option): amzn.to/3Lqj7Sh
Angle Setting Jig Plans: www.lie-nielsen.com/pages/downloads
Inexpensive Honing Guide: amzn.to/3Jo2Uub
Lie-Nieslen Honing Guide: www.lie-nielsen.com/nodes/4239/honing guide
Sandpaper for Flattening: amzn.to/3Jor73F


You can stay up to date with my work here:
www.instagram.com/encurtis​
www.facebook.com/ENCurtis
encurtis.com/
All Comments (21)
  • @darrencollins1804
    On the dovetailed drawers decision - someone once told me that when you can't decide between two options, always choose the hardest one. Deep down you know it's right.
  • @miketorgerson3536
    Thank you for drawing attention to the fact that it was a challenge for you. You make it look so easy watching the videos, and contrasting to my own work where I fixate on my struggles. It is a good reminder everyone struggles and it is just a part of the process.
  • @ndamico1
    What a journey. Love to hear what the clients feel.
  • @ericdeguilo1181
    That friction fit box drop deserves 5 replays!! Awesome job E!
  • @StewCal65
    People just don’t realize how time consuming furniture making is. It’s hard to make a living but it’s very rewarding when the client is blown away by the finished product.
  • @dem7211
    Love to see the final result, and as always, somewhat funny. You're a very good teacher, and you have become my top person to watch and learn from.
  • @Momsterluv4Ever
    I have been saving these old growth Maple boards my uncle gave me, and cedar tongue & groove for lining for years, even lugging them across 2000 miles to make 8 Keepsake boxes for my 8 kids to store their journals, diaries, old photos, quilts, teddy bears, baby books, boy scout banners, little league jerseys, letterman jackets, caps, tassels, prom dresses, etc. to give them & their children. Crazy, I know but this video is perfection. Thank you. <3 <3 <3
  • @gloriousapplebees
    Incredible craftsmanship, love watching and learning from these. I will say, that drawer is definitely not a look for me lol, glad the client got exactly what they wanted though!
  • @halorail
    Great Job. One of my favorite sayings, "Is you don't have to more just stop doing less"
  • @christopherjohnson5961
    Really beautiful piece. You did the lumber justice with this one. I also loved the overall edit. Right after you made the decision to do the harder but correct thing with the dovetail drawers you played some “just grit your teeth and get it done” guitar music. Really nice pacing and mood throughout.
  • @leethompson5942
    Dam, that's beautiful, dude. Great video. Thanks for sharing 👍
  • @zionosphere
    I like to imagine that in about 18 years, someone will find these videos and now know why they dovetails have that pattern on the chest they know so well and will know how to refinish it in the way it was created.
  • @robertm348
    Absolutely stunning piece! Thank you for sharing your journey.
  • @TWC6724
    Stellar work. Looks amazing. And the end with “one for me, one for my homies” bourbon pour…..my man 💪
  • @markverhagen1663
    A beautiful piece Erik. I love your passion and desire to make the best job of everything you do. Thanks for sharing.
  • @woodnotestudio
    Thank you for bringing us on this journey with you. The breakdown of each part was amazing and then to see it all put together in one final video was amazing. I hope the client loved it as much as everyone else that sees this. Congratulations on a wonderful finished piece.
  • @einsteinbpc
    Beautiful piece. Once again, very inspiring and uplifting content. Cheers.