Almost every year I build cutting boards or boxes to give away as presents.

I used the Shaper Origin to cut the box joint pockets, the stopped and
through grooves for the box bottoms, and for the engraving.

I used a v-grove bit for the engraving and use a brown fine point
Sharpie to color in the grooves and touched up missed spots with an
ultra fine black Sharpie. The effect is a branded look.

AND for the first time I am using Rubio Monocoat for the finish. Pure
color.

If you have not used this pricey stuff yet you should check it out on
the YouTube channels. This stuff is expensive, about $200 per liter
with hardener and or 350 ml with hardener for $53.

While this product appears expensive I used about 30ml, about 6
teaspoons to do the insides, outsides, and bottom side of the boxes and
all sides of the tops. This stuff goes a very long way and only one
coat is required. Further, repairs to scratches are very simple. For
those that do not like the plasticky poly look, you should look at this
stuff.
This product was developed Europe about 50 years ago as a hardwood floor
finish.

Used with the hardener the finish cures in 7 days.

The group before the finish was applied.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/lcb11211/51749556573/in/dateposted/

Closer with details of the joints.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/lcb11211/51751484598/in/dateposted/

And finally with the finish applied.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/lcb11211/51752197299/in/dateposted/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/lcb11211/51751550266/in/dateposted/

On Fri, 17 Dec 2021 14:39:09 -0600, Leon <lcb11211@swbelldotnet>
wrote:

>Almost every year I build cutting boards or boxes to give away as presents.
>
>I used the Shaper Origin to cut the box joint pockets, the stopped and
>through grooves for the box bottoms, and for the engraving.
>
>I used a v-grove bit for the engraving and use a brown fine point
>Sharpie to color in the grooves and touched up missed spots with an
>ultra fine black Sharpie. The effect is a branded look.
>
>
>AND for the first time I am using Rubio Monocoat for the finish. Pure
>color.
>
>If you have not used this pricey stuff yet you should check it out on
>the YouTube channels. This stuff is expensive, about $200 per liter
>with hardener and or 350 ml with hardener for $53.
>
>While this product appears expensive I used about 30ml, about 6
>teaspoons to do the insides, outsides, and bottom side of the boxes and
>all sides of the tops. This stuff goes a very long way and only one
>coat is required. Further, repairs to scratches are very simple. For
>those that do not like the plasticky poly look, you should look at this
>stuff.
>This product was developed Europe about 50 years ago as a hardwood floor
>finish.
>
>Used with the hardener the finish cures in 7 days.
>
>
>The group before the finish was applied.
>
>https://www.flickr.com/photos/lcb11211/51749556573/in/dateposted/
>
>Closer with details of the joints.
>
>https://www.flickr.com/photos/lcb11211/51751484598/in/dateposted/
>
>And finally with the finish applied.
>
>https://www.flickr.com/photos/lcb11211/51752197299/in/dateposted/
>
>https://www.flickr.com/photos/lcb11211/51751550266/in/dateposted/

What's the scratch at 5:00 on the "13" box?

Another thing I've seen for filling in engraving is colored Epoxy.
Apply, sand level with the surrounding surface, then finish as usual.

On 12/17/2021 3:19 PM, krw@notreal.com wrote:
> On Fri, 17 Dec 2021 14:39:09 -0600, Leon <lcb11211@swbelldotnet>
> wrote:
>
>> Almost every year I build cutting boards or boxes to give away as presents.
>>
>> I used the Shaper Origin to cut the box joint pockets, the stopped and
>> through grooves for the box bottoms, and for the engraving.
>>
>> I used a v-grove bit for the engraving and use a brown fine point
>> Sharpie to color in the grooves and touched up missed spots with an
>> ultra fine black Sharpie. The effect is a branded look.
>>
>>
>> AND for the first time I am using Rubio Monocoat for the finish. Pure
>> color.
>>
>> If you have not used this pricey stuff yet you should check it out on
>> the YouTube channels. This stuff is expensive, about $200 per liter
>> with hardener and or 350 ml with hardener for $53.
>>
>> While this product appears expensive I used about 30ml, about 6
>> teaspoons to do the insides, outsides, and bottom side of the boxes and
>> all sides of the tops. This stuff goes a very long way and only one
>> coat is required. Further, repairs to scratches are very simple. For
>> those that do not like the plasticky poly look, you should look at this
>> stuff.
>> This product was developed Europe about 50 years ago as a hardwood floor
>> finish.
>>
>> Used with the hardener the finish cures in 7 days.
>>
>>
>> The group before the finish was applied.
>>
>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/lcb11211/51749556573/in/dateposted/
>>
>> Closer with details of the joints.
>>
>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/lcb11211/51751484598/in/dateposted/
>>
>> And finally with the finish applied.
>>
>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/lcb11211/51752197299/in/dateposted/
>>
>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/lcb11211/51751550266/in/dateposted/
>
> What's the scratch at 5:00 on the "13" box?

Whaaaaat?

Are you talking the white streak on the Mesquite lid? Something in the
wood. And that is a B. ;~)

>
> Another thing I've seen for filling in engraving is colored Epoxy.
> Apply, sand level with the surrounding surface, then finish as usual.

I have been considering adding the colored/metallic Epoxy. Maybe this
coming year. My wife is wanting me to make something with Epoxy added.

Black Epoxy looks great with mesquite that has small cracks. Some
mesquite has black in the grain. The box on top with no engraving has a
black spot/knot. So black works well and looks natural.

On Fri, 17 Dec 2021 17:01:34 -0600, Leon <lcb11211@swbelldotnet>
wrote:

>On 12/17/2021 3:19 PM, krw@notreal.com wrote:
>> On Fri, 17 Dec 2021 14:39:09 -0600, Leon <lcb11211@swbelldotnet>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Almost every year I build cutting boards or boxes to give away as presents.
>>>
>>> I used the Shaper Origin to cut the box joint pockets, the stopped and
>>> through grooves for the box bottoms, and for the engraving.
>>>
>>> I used a v-grove bit for the engraving and use a brown fine point
>>> Sharpie to color in the grooves and touched up missed spots with an
>>> ultra fine black Sharpie. The effect is a branded look.
>>>
>>>
>>> AND for the first time I am using Rubio Monocoat for the finish. Pure
>>> color.
>>>
>>> If you have not used this pricey stuff yet you should check it out on
>>> the YouTube channels. This stuff is expensive, about $200 per liter
>>> with hardener and or 350 ml with hardener for $53.
>>>
>>> While this product appears expensive I used about 30ml, about 6
>>> teaspoons to do the insides, outsides, and bottom side of the boxes and
>>> all sides of the tops. This stuff goes a very long way and only one
>>> coat is required. Further, repairs to scratches are very simple. For
>>> those that do not like the plasticky poly look, you should look at this
>>> stuff.
>>> This product was developed Europe about 50 years ago as a hardwood floor
>>> finish.
>>>
>>> Used with the hardener the finish cures in 7 days.
>>>
>>>
>>> The group before the finish was applied.
>>>
>>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/lcb11211/51749556573/in/dateposted/
>>>
>>> Closer with details of the joints.
>>>
>>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/lcb11211/51751484598/in/dateposted/
>>>
>>> And finally with the finish applied.
>>>
>>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/lcb11211/51752197299/in/dateposted/
>>>
>>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/lcb11211/51751550266/in/dateposted/
>>
>> What's the scratch at 5:00 on the "13" box?
>
>Whaaaaat?
>
>Are you talking the white streak on the Mesquite lid? Something in the
>wood. And that is a B. ;~)

Yeah, the white streak at the top of the "13". I had to look hard to
see the horizontal bars. ;-) Looks like a divot.
>
>>
>> Another thing I've seen for filling in engraving is colored Epoxy.
>> Apply, sand level with the surrounding surface, then finish as usual.
>
>
>I have been considering adding the colored/metallic Epoxy. Maybe this
>coming year. My wife is wanting me to make something with Epoxy added.
>
>Black Epoxy looks great with mesquite that has small cracks. Some
>mesquite has black in the grain. The box on top with no engraving has a
>black spot/knot. So black works well and looks natural.

I'd think there would be all sorts of nice looking contrasts. Epoxy
is on the expensive side to do too much experimenting. If you're doing
something else with the Epoxy it'd a good time to play with some
leftovers.

Epoxy does look like fun. It looks like it machines much like wood
but needs a bit more work finishing.

krw@notreal.com writes:
>On Fri, 17 Dec 2021 17:01:34 -0600, Leon <lcb11211@swbelldotnet>
>wrote:
>

>>I have been considering adding the colored/metallic Epoxy. Maybe this
>>coming year. My wife is wanting me to make something with Epoxy added.
>>
>>Black Epoxy looks great with mesquite that has small cracks. Some
>>mesquite has black in the grain. The box on top with no engraving has a
>>black spot/knot. So black works well and looks natural.
>
>I'd think there would be all sorts of nice looking contrasts. Epoxy
>is on the expensive side to do too much experimenting. If you're doing
>something else with the Epoxy it'd a good time to play with some
>leftovers.
>
>Epoxy does look like fun. It looks like it machines much like wood
>but needs a bit more work finishing.

A few years back, I rescued some apple logs (the longest was
22 inches) from a neighbor. After milling, I had enough for four
tapered legs (21") and a bookmatched top (22" x 10"). The ends
of the logs had checked, so I used a dark artists oil paint to
tint some epoxy and filled the checks. The resulting shaker-style
side table (M&T construction) stands next to the easy chair and
holds books/remotes.

On Sunday, December 19, 2021 at 10:20:38 AM UTC-6, Scott Lurndal wrote:
> k...@notreal.com writes:
> >On Fri, 17 Dec 2021 17:01:34 -0600, Leon <lcb11211@swbelldotnet>
> >wrote:
> >
> >>I have been considering adding the colored/metallic Epoxy. Maybe this
> >>coming year. My wife is wanting me to make something with Epoxy added.
> >>
> >>Black Epoxy looks great with mesquite that has small cracks. Some
> >>mesquite has black in the grain. The box on top with no engraving has a
> >>black spot/knot. So black works well and looks natural.
> >
> >I'd think there would be all sorts of nice looking contrasts. Epoxy
> >is on the expensive side to do too much experimenting. If you're doing
> >something else with the Epoxy it'd a good time to play with some
> >leftovers.
> >
> >Epoxy does look like fun. It looks like it machines much like wood
> >but needs a bit more work finishing.
> A few years back, I rescued some apple logs (the longest was
> 22 inches) from a neighbor. After milling, I had enough for four
> tapered legs (21") and a bookmatched top (22" x 10"). The ends
> of the logs had checked, so I used a dark artists oil paint to
> tint some epoxy and filled the checks. The resulting shaker-style
> side table (M&T construction) stands next to the easy chair and
> holds books/remotes.
With Leon's encouragement and advice along the way, I made my first Christmas gifts for my four grandchildren. A picture is shown here,

https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0gGWBC59GxesPs

I created an image for each box to reflect a special interest for each grandchild -- soccer, volleyball, chess, and drums.

They are all teak with Rubio monocoat finish. The kids were thrilled with the gifts and gave me all the reward I needed.

Bob

On Mon, 27 Dec 2021 17:14:17 -0800 (PST), Bob Davis
<wrobertdavis@gmail.com> wrote:

>On Sunday, December 19, 2021 at 10:20:38 AM UTC-6, Scott Lurndal wrote:
>> k...@notreal.com writes:
>> >On Fri, 17 Dec 2021 17:01:34 -0600, Leon <lcb11211@swbelldotnet>
>> >wrote:
>> >
>> >>I have been considering adding the colored/metallic Epoxy. Maybe this
>> >>coming year. My wife is wanting me to make something with Epoxy added.
>> >>
>> >>Black Epoxy looks great with mesquite that has small cracks. Some
>> >>mesquite has black in the grain. The box on top with no engraving has a
>> >>black spot/knot. So black works well and looks natural.
>> >
>> >I'd think there would be all sorts of nice looking contrasts. Epoxy
>> >is on the expensive side to do too much experimenting. If you're doing
>> >something else with the Epoxy it'd a good time to play with some
>> >leftovers.
>> >
>> >Epoxy does look like fun. It looks like it machines much like wood
>> >but needs a bit more work finishing.
>> A few years back, I rescued some apple logs (the longest was
>> 22 inches) from a neighbor. After milling, I had enough for four
>> tapered legs (21") and a bookmatched top (22" x 10"). The ends
>> of the logs had checked, so I used a dark artists oil paint to
>> tint some epoxy and filled the checks. The resulting shaker-style
>> side table (M&T construction) stands next to the easy chair and
>> holds books/remotes.
>With Leon's encouragement and advice along the way, I made my first Christmas gifts for my four grandchildren. A picture is shown here,
>
>https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0gGWBC59GxesPs
>
>I created an image for each box to reflect a special interest for each grandchild -- soccer, volleyball, chess, and drums.

Nice!

>They are all teak with Rubio monocoat finish. The kids were thrilled with the gifts and gave me all the reward I needed.

They're beautiful. How old?

On Monday, December 27, 2021 at 9:40:19 PM UTC-6, k...@notreal.com wrote:
> On Mon, 27 Dec 2021 17:14:17 -0800 (PST), Bob Davis
> <wrober...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> >On Sunday, December 19, 2021 at 10:20:38 AM UTC-6, Scott Lurndal wrote:
> >> k...@notreal.com writes:
> >> >On Fri, 17 Dec 2021 17:01:34 -0600, Leon <lcb11211@swbelldotnet>
> >> >wrote:
> >> >
> >> >>I have been considering adding the colored/metallic Epoxy. Maybe this
> >> >>coming year. My wife is wanting me to make something with Epoxy added.
> >> >>
> >> >>Black Epoxy looks great with mesquite that has small cracks. Some
> >> >>mesquite has black in the grain. The box on top with no engraving has a
> >> >>black spot/knot. So black works well and looks natural.
> >> >
> >> >I'd think there would be all sorts of nice looking contrasts. Epoxy
> >> >is on the expensive side to do too much experimenting. If you're doing
> >> >something else with the Epoxy it'd a good time to play with some
> >> >leftovers.
> >> >
> >> >Epoxy does look like fun. It looks like it machines much like wood
> >> >but needs a bit more work finishing.
> >> A few years back, I rescued some apple logs (the longest was
> >> 22 inches) from a neighbor. After milling, I had enough for four
> >> tapered legs (21") and a bookmatched top (22" x 10"). The ends
> >> of the logs had checked, so I used a dark artists oil paint to
> >> tint some epoxy and filled the checks. The resulting shaker-style
> >> side table (M&T construction) stands next to the easy chair and
> >> holds books/remotes.
> >With Leon's encouragement and advice along the way, I made my first Christmas gifts for my four grandchildren. A picture is shown here,
> >
> >https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0gGWBC59GxesPs
> >
> >I created an image for each box to reflect a special interest for each grandchild -- soccer, volleyball, chess, and drums.
> Nice!
> >They are all teak with Rubio monocoat finish. The kids were thrilled with the gifts and gave me all the reward I needed.
> They're beautiful. How old?

Thank you! The girls are identical twins 13 years old. The chess player is 11, and the drummer is 8.

Bob

Again, great job!

On 12/27/2021 7:14 PM, Bob Davis wrote:
> On Sunday, December 19, 2021 at 10:20:38 AM UTC-6, Scott Lurndal wrote:
>> k...@notreal.com writes:
>>> On Fri, 17 Dec 2021 17:01:34 -0600, Leon <lcb11211@swbelldotnet>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> I have been considering adding the colored/metallic Epoxy. Maybe this
>>>> coming year. My wife is wanting me to make something with Epoxy added.
>>>>
>>>> Black Epoxy looks great with mesquite that has small cracks. Some
>>>> mesquite has black in the grain. The box on top with no engraving has a
>>>> black spot/knot. So black works well and looks natural.
>>>
>>> I'd think there would be all sorts of nice looking contrasts. Epoxy
>>> is on the expensive side to do too much experimenting. If you're doing
>>> something else with the Epoxy it'd a good time to play with some
>>> leftovers.
>>>
>>> Epoxy does look like fun. It looks like it machines much like wood
>>> but needs a bit more work finishing.
>> A few years back, I rescued some apple logs (the longest was
>> 22 inches) from a neighbor. After milling, I had enough for four
>> tapered legs (21") and a bookmatched top (22" x 10"). The ends
>> of the logs had checked, so I used a dark artists oil paint to
>> tint some epoxy and filled the checks. The resulting shaker-style
>> side table (M&T construction) stands next to the easy chair and
>> holds books/remotes.
> With Leon's encouragement and advice along the way, I made my first Christmas gifts for my four grandchildren. A picture is shown here,
>
> https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0gGWBC59GxesPs
>
> I created an image for each box to reflect a special interest for each grandchild -- soccer, volleyball, chess, and drums.
>
> They are all teak with Rubio monocoat finish. The kids were thrilled with the gifts and gave me all the reward I needed.
>

On 12/28/2021 9:36 AM, Bob Davis wrote:
> On Monday, December 27, 2021 at 9:40:19 PM UTC-6, k...@notreal.com wrote:
>> On Mon, 27 Dec 2021 17:14:17 -0800 (PST), Bob Davis
>> <wrober...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> On Sunday, December 19, 2021 at 10:20:38 AM UTC-6, Scott Lurndal wrote:
>>>> k...@notreal.com writes:
>>>>> On Fri, 17 Dec 2021 17:01:34 -0600, Leon <lcb11211@swbelldotnet>
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> I have been considering adding the colored/metallic Epoxy. Maybe this
>>>>>> coming year. My wife is wanting me to make something with Epoxy added.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Black Epoxy looks great with mesquite that has small cracks. Some
>>>>>> mesquite has black in the grain. The box on top with no engraving has a
>>>>>> black spot/knot. So black works well and looks natural.
>>>>>
>>>>> I'd think there would be all sorts of nice looking contrasts. Epoxy
>>>>> is on the expensive side to do too much experimenting. If you're doing
>>>>> something else with the Epoxy it'd a good time to play with some
>>>>> leftovers.
>>>>>
>>>>> Epoxy does look like fun. It looks like it machines much like wood
>>>>> but needs a bit more work finishing.
>>>> A few years back, I rescued some apple logs (the longest was
>>>> 22 inches) from a neighbor. After milling, I had enough for four
>>>> tapered legs (21") and a bookmatched top (22" x 10"). The ends
>>>> of the logs had checked, so I used a dark artists oil paint to
>>>> tint some epoxy and filled the checks. The resulting shaker-style
>>>> side table (M&T construction) stands next to the easy chair and
>>>> holds books/remotes.
>>> With Leon's encouragement and advice along the way, I made my first Christmas gifts for my four grandchildren. A picture is shown here,
>>>
>>> https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0gGWBC59GxesPs
>>>
>>> I created an image for each box to reflect a special interest for each grandchild -- soccer, volleyball, chess, and drums.
>> Nice!
>>> They are all teak with Rubio monocoat finish. The kids were thrilled with the gifts and gave me all the reward I needed.
>> They're beautiful. How old?
>
> Thank you! The girls are identical twins 13 years old. The chess player is 11, and the drummer is 8.
>
> Bob

Did you use Shaper Labs for the fonts?

On Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at 11:30:18 AM UTC-6, Leon wrote:
> On 12/28/2021 9:36 AM, Bob Davis wrote:
> > On Monday, December 27, 2021 at 9:40:19 PM UTC-6, k...@notreal.com wrote:
> >> On Mon, 27 Dec 2021 17:14:17 -0800 (PST), Bob Davis
> >> <wrober...@gmail.com> wrote:
> >>
> >>> On Sunday, December 19, 2021 at 10:20:38 AM UTC-6, Scott Lurndal wrote:
> >>>> k...@notreal.com writes:
> >>>>> On Fri, 17 Dec 2021 17:01:34 -0600, Leon <lcb11211@swbelldotnet>
> >>>>> wrote:
> >>>>>
> >>>>>> I have been considering adding the colored/metallic Epoxy. Maybe this
> >>>>>> coming year. My wife is wanting me to make something with Epoxy added.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> Black Epoxy looks great with mesquite that has small cracks. Some
> >>>>>> mesquite has black in the grain. The box on top with no engraving has a
> >>>>>> black spot/knot. So black works well and looks natural.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> I'd think there would be all sorts of nice looking contrasts. Epoxy
> >>>>> is on the expensive side to do too much experimenting. If you're doing
> >>>>> something else with the Epoxy it'd a good time to play with some
> >>>>> leftovers.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Epoxy does look like fun. It looks like it machines much like wood
> >>>>> but needs a bit more work finishing.
> >>>> A few years back, I rescued some apple logs (the longest was
> >>>> 22 inches) from a neighbor. After milling, I had enough for four
> >>>> tapered legs (21") and a bookmatched top (22" x 10"). The ends
> >>>> of the logs had checked, so I used a dark artists oil paint to
> >>>> tint some epoxy and filled the checks. The resulting shaker-style
> >>>> side table (M&T construction) stands next to the easy chair and
> >>>> holds books/remotes.
> >>> With Leon's encouragement and advice along the way, I made my first Christmas gifts for my four grandchildren. A picture is shown here,
> >>>
> >>> https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0gGWBC59GxesPs
> >>>
> >>> I created an image for each box to reflect a special interest for each grandchild -- soccer, volleyball, chess, and drums.
> >> Nice!
> >>> They are all teak with Rubio monocoat finish. The kids were thrilled with the gifts and gave me all the reward I needed.
> >> They're beautiful. How old?
> >
> > Thank you! The girls are identical twins 13 years old. The chess player is 11, and the drummer is 8.
> >
> > Bob
> Did you use Shaper Labs for the fonts?

Yes, they had a nice selection. I also picked up the artwork from the lab library. I used the shape builder tool to chop off the androgenous head of the volleyball player and add a girl's head in its place. For the drum set, I used the shape builder to get rid of some of the more difficult detail.. The knight and soccer images are stock images from the lab art library.

On 12/28/2021 12:26 PM, Bob Davis wrote:
> On Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at 11:30:18 AM UTC-6, Leon wrote:
>> On 12/28/2021 9:36 AM, Bob Davis wrote:
>>> On Monday, December 27, 2021 at 9:40:19 PM UTC-6, k...@notreal.com wrote:
>>>> On Mon, 27 Dec 2021 17:14:17 -0800 (PST), Bob Davis
>>>> <wrober...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> On Sunday, December 19, 2021 at 10:20:38 AM UTC-6, Scott Lurndal wrote:
>>>>>> k...@notreal.com writes:
>>>>>>> On Fri, 17 Dec 2021 17:01:34 -0600, Leon <lcb11211@swbelldotnet>
>>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> I have been considering adding the colored/metallic Epoxy. Maybe this
>>>>>>>> coming year. My wife is wanting me to make something with Epoxy added.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Black Epoxy looks great with mesquite that has small cracks. Some
>>>>>>>> mesquite has black in the grain. The box on top with no engraving has a
>>>>>>>> black spot/knot. So black works well and looks natural.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I'd think there would be all sorts of nice looking contrasts. Epoxy
>>>>>>> is on the expensive side to do too much experimenting. If you're doing
>>>>>>> something else with the Epoxy it'd a good time to play with some
>>>>>>> leftovers.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Epoxy does look like fun. It looks like it machines much like wood
>>>>>>> but needs a bit more work finishing.
>>>>>> A few years back, I rescued some apple logs (the longest was
>>>>>> 22 inches) from a neighbor. After milling, I had enough for four
>>>>>> tapered legs (21") and a bookmatched top (22" x 10"). The ends
>>>>>> of the logs had checked, so I used a dark artists oil paint to
>>>>>> tint some epoxy and filled the checks. The resulting shaker-style
>>>>>> side table (M&T construction) stands next to the easy chair and
>>>>>> holds books/remotes.
>>>>> With Leon's encouragement and advice along the way, I made my first Christmas gifts for my four grandchildren. A picture is shown here,
>>>>>
>>>>> https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0gGWBC59GxesPs
>>>>>
>>>>> I created an image for each box to reflect a special interest for each grandchild -- soccer, volleyball, chess, and drums.
>>>> Nice!
>>>>> They are all teak with Rubio monocoat finish. The kids were thrilled with the gifts and gave me all the reward I needed.
>>>> They're beautiful. How old?
>>>
>>> Thank you! The girls are identical twins 13 years old. The chess player is 11, and the drummer is 8.
>>>
>>> Bob
>> Did you use Shaper Labs for the fonts?
>
> Yes, they had a nice selection. I also picked up the artwork from the lab library. I used the shape builder tool to chop off the androgenous head of the volleyball player and add a girl's head in its place. For the drum set, I used the shape builder to get rid of some of the more difficult detail. The knight and soccer images are stock images from the lab art library.

Great! Thank you. Just a FIY ShaperLabs art work is probably borrowed
from https://thenounproject.com/

This web sites has countless pieces of drawn art and actual pictures.
You can use the downloads free of charge if you give the creator credit.
Of for using a shape multiple times and not having to credit the
author you can buy the lifetime license for a couple of dollars. I
changed my business logo and bought the license for $3. Food for thought.

On 12/17/2021 6:01 PM, Leon wrote:
> On 12/17/2021 3:19 PM, krw@notreal.com wrote:
>> On Fri, 17 Dec 2021 14:39:09 -0600, Leon <lcb11211@swbelldotnet>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Almost every year I build cutting boards or boxes to give away as presents.
>>>
>>> I used the Shaper Origin to cut the box joint pockets,  the stopped and
>>> through grooves for the box bottoms, and for the engraving.
>>>
>>> I used a v-grove bit for the engraving and use a brown fine point
>>> Sharpie to color in the grooves and touched up missed spots with an
>>> ultra fine black Sharpie.  The effect is a branded look.
>>>
>>>
>>> AND for the first time I am using Rubio Monocoat for the finish.  Pure
>>> color.
>>>
>>> If you have not used this pricey stuff yet you should check it out on
>>> the YouTube channels.  This stuff is expensive, about $200 per liter
>>> with hardener and or 350 ml with hardener for $53.
>>>
>>> While this product appears expensive I used about 30ml, about 6
>>> teaspoons to do the insides, outsides, and bottom side of the boxes and
>>> all sides of the tops.  This stuff goes a very long way and only one
>>> coat is required.  Further, repairs to scratches are very simple.  For
>>> those that do not like the plasticky poly look, you should look at this
>>> stuff.
>>> This product was developed Europe about 50 years ago as a hardwood floor
>>> finish.
>>>
>>> Used with the hardener the finish cures in 7 days.
>>>
>>>
>>> The group before the finish was applied.
>>>
>>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/lcb11211/51749556573/in/dateposted/
>>>
>>> Closer with details of the joints.
>>>
>>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/lcb11211/51751484598/in/dateposted/
>>>
>>> And finally with the finish applied.
>>>
>>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/lcb11211/51752197299/in/dateposted/
>>>
>>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/lcb11211/51751550266/in/dateposted/
>>
>> What's the scratch at 5:00 on the "13" box?
>
> Whaaaaat?
>
> Are you talking the white streak on the Mesquite lid?  Something in the
> wood.  And that is a B. ;~)
>
>>
>> Another thing I've seen for filling in engraving is colored Epoxy.
>> Apply, sand level with the surrounding surface, then finish as usual.
>
>
> I have been considering adding the colored/metallic Epoxy.  Maybe this
> coming year.  My wife is wanting me to make something with Epoxy added.
>
> Black Epoxy looks great with mesquite that has small cracks.  Some mesquite
> has black in the grain.  The box on top with no engraving has a black
> spot/knot.  So black works well and looks natural.
>

A product called InLace (IIRC) is sometimes attractive although I suspect
that it would look better in wider grooves. I've seen it used to great
effect in filling checks in turned pieces.

--
Bodger's Dictum: Artifical intelligence
can never overcome natural stupidity.

On 12/30/2021 10:01 AM, John McGaw wrote:
> On 12/17/2021 6:01 PM, Leon wrote:
>> On 12/17/2021 3:19 PM, krw@notreal.com wrote:
>>> On Fri, 17 Dec 2021 14:39:09 -0600, Leon <lcb11211@swbelldotnet>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Almost every year I build cutting boards or boxes to give away as
>>>> presents.
>>>>
>>>> I used the Shaper Origin to cut the box joint pockets,  the stopped and
>>>> through grooves for the box bottoms, and for the engraving.
>>>>
>>>> I used a v-grove bit for the engraving and use a brown fine point
>>>> Sharpie to color in the grooves and touched up missed spots with an
>>>> ultra fine black Sharpie.  The effect is a branded look.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> AND for the first time I am using Rubio Monocoat for the finish.  Pure
>>>> color.
>>>>
>>>> If you have not used this pricey stuff yet you should check it out on
>>>> the YouTube channels.  This stuff is expensive, about $200 per liter
>>>> with hardener and or 350 ml with hardener for $53.
>>>>
>>>> While this product appears expensive I used about 30ml, about 6
>>>> teaspoons to do the insides, outsides, and bottom side of the boxes and
>>>> all sides of the tops.  This stuff goes a very long way and only one
>>>> coat is required.  Further, repairs to scratches are very simple.  For
>>>> those that do not like the plasticky poly look, you should look at this
>>>> stuff.
>>>> This product was developed Europe about 50 years ago as a hardwood
>>>> floor
>>>> finish.
>>>>
>>>> Used with the hardener the finish cures in 7 days.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> The group before the finish was applied.
>>>>
>>>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/lcb11211/51749556573/in/dateposted/
>>>>
>>>> Closer with details of the joints.
>>>>
>>>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/lcb11211/51751484598/in/dateposted/
>>>>
>>>> And finally with the finish applied.
>>>>
>>>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/lcb11211/51752197299/in/dateposted/
>>>>
>>>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/lcb11211/51751550266/in/dateposted/
>>>
>>> What's the scratch at 5:00 on the "13" box?
>>
>> Whaaaaat?
>>
>> Are you talking the white streak on the Mesquite lid?  Something in
>> the wood.  And that is a B. ;~)
>>
>>>
>>> Another thing I've seen for filling in engraving is colored Epoxy.
>>> Apply, sand level with the surrounding surface, then finish as usual.
>>
>>
>> I have been considering adding the colored/metallic Epoxy.  Maybe this
>> coming year.  My wife is wanting me to make something with Epoxy added.
>>
>> Black Epoxy looks great with mesquite that has small cracks.  Some
>> mesquite has black in the grain.  The box on top with no engraving has
>> a black spot/knot.  So black works well and looks natural.
>>
>
>
> A product called InLace (IIRC) is sometimes attractive although I
> suspect that it would look better in wider grooves. I've seen it used to
> great effect in filling checks in turned pieces.
>

I'll look intro that too!

Mesquite has a reddish brown color but the grain and knots tend to be
black. Black filler tends to blend right in if you are simply repairing
very common twist defects/knots and not wanting to draw attention.

So I did get some Epoxy and some colored additives and black for
Christmas. I think this will work well in Mesquite to draw attention to
engraving.

On 12/19/2021 10:20 AM, Scott Lurndal wrote:
> krw@notreal.com writes:
>> On Fri, 17 Dec 2021 17:01:34 -0600, Leon <lcb11211@swbelldotnet>
>> wrote:
>>
>
>>> I have been considering adding the colored/metallic Epoxy. Maybe this
>>> coming year. My wife is wanting me to make something with Epoxy added.
>>>
>>> Black Epoxy looks great with mesquite that has small cracks. Some
>>> mesquite has black in the grain. The box on top with no engraving has a
>>> black spot/knot. So black works well and looks natural.
>>
>> I'd think there would be all sorts of nice looking contrasts. Epoxy
>> is on the expensive side to do too much experimenting. If you're doing
>> something else with the Epoxy it'd a good time to play with some
>> leftovers.
>>
>> Epoxy does look like fun. It looks like it machines much like wood
>> but needs a bit more work finishing.
>
> A few years back, I rescued some apple logs (the longest was
> 22 inches) from a neighbor. After milling, I had enough for four
> tapered legs (21") and a bookmatched top (22" x 10"). The ends
> of the logs had checked, so I used a dark artists oil paint to
> tint some epoxy and filled the checks. The resulting shaker-style
> side table (M&T construction) stands next to the easy chair and
> holds books/remotes.

Mesquite lumber is pricey and a little more tolerable with small pieces.
But in South Texas mesquite fire wood is very common for fireplaces
and grilling/smoking. And that wood is relatively inexpensive. I have
been threatening to buy some mesquite fire wood and milling it for
building small stuff. IIRC it shrinks about 2% between being cut from
the tree to out of the kiln.