The best way to identify a North Bennet furniture grad is by the presence of a very recognizable, over-built toolbox. Everyone in the program has to make one after they finish fundamentals and before they move on to their table and case pieces. While no two toolboxes are the same, they are all very much alike: dovetailed case, about four or five drawers, one vertical divider, and a frame-in-panel lid with the same lock (and the same key that keeps out exactly zero NBSS furniture students).
Despite the tight restrictions on the general shape of the box, many students find a way to incorporate their personal style and, in turn, offer a physical manifestation of their personality. Almost like how dog owners tend to resemble their pooches, a toolbox can show the personality of its maker.
Nevertheless, the project is centered around repetition. There are usually around 30 dovetails to cut for the case, and about 8 per drawer. Divider frames and the lid require several mortise and tenons, all drawer bottoms need bevels as do the lid panels, and of course, every surface must be handplaned. It's no small thing. Once the box is finished it usually weighs about as much as a Volkswagen and holds about one quarter of your tools. It's really a box for storing other smaller pieces of wood that happen to look like drawers. Certainly a pretty one though.
Here is a picture show of the process:
Despite the tight restrictions on the general shape of the box, many students find a way to incorporate their personal style and, in turn, offer a physical manifestation of their personality. Almost like how dog owners tend to resemble their pooches, a toolbox can show the personality of its maker.
Nevertheless, the project is centered around repetition. There are usually around 30 dovetails to cut for the case, and about 8 per drawer. Divider frames and the lid require several mortise and tenons, all drawer bottoms need bevels as do the lid panels, and of course, every surface must be handplaned. It's no small thing. Once the box is finished it usually weighs about as much as a Volkswagen and holds about one quarter of your tools. It's really a box for storing other smaller pieces of wood that happen to look like drawers. Certainly a pretty one though.
Here is a picture show of the process: