Assembling a hexagonal box

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  • Stephen Hillier
    17 November 2016 at 12:43 am #142461

    I am trying to make a small hexagonal box (maybe 7incehs across flats and about 2 1/4 inches high. I am using Indian Rosewood for the timber.
    I am having problems working out how to glue up and clamp.
    I tried binding with tape / string but could not keep the shape. I tried using three clamps arranged across each pair of flats. I have tried using a frame to hold the shape but I cannot get it to work properly.
    I have checked all the angles of the joints and can affirm they are 60 degrees.
    Before I have another go is there anyone out there who can give me some clues?
    Steve

    Peter George
    17 November 2016 at 1:03 am #142462

    I’ve used green masking tape, the kind that has some stretch to it. It helps if it is as wide as the width of the box sides. Lay out a long strip and put the box sides tight together along it. Apply the glue to the joints and roll it up. The tape has enough stretch to pull the joints together. Here’s a video, although he’s using packing tape instead of masking tape.

    Peter in
    Biggar SK
    "New York is big, but this is Biggar"

    Brett aka Pheasantww
    17 November 2016 at 11:51 am #142469

    Good video, Thanks Peter….

    Located in Honeoye Falls NY USA. The Finger Lakes region of Western NY.

    "If you give me 6 hours to fell a tree, I will take the first 4 to sharpen my axe" Abe Lincoln

    jcat
    17 November 2016 at 9:24 pm #142479

    Try large elastic bands, tie a few together if you need to.
    Have a look at this video, it’s a bit long but at the end will show you what you want. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMcCH3wn-7w
    Cheers
    jcat

    Stephen Hillier
    18 November 2016 at 3:02 am #142486

    I had tried masking tape but tried fixing it once the box was shaped. Laying it out flat on the tape and then assembling looks a much better prospect, but see below.
    Following the link provided by jcat I have just spent 3 hours watching videos of Steve Hay (and Bob) which I found most instructive. Don’t think I shall get into the inlay work just yet but some interesting clues on finishing the boxes.
    Many thanks to those who have offered advice.

    jcat
    18 November 2016 at 10:52 am #142490

    Sorry Steve, I ment the last 10 minutes of the first episode not the end of the whole series. The elastic band trick is very clever though.
    Cheers
    jcat

    David B
    18 November 2016 at 12:51 pm #142497

    Do you have a dowel or something that you could “wrap” the pieces around to help it hold its general structure while glued/taped up?

    Stephen Hillier
    19 November 2016 at 2:36 am #142514

    jcat, yes I know it was only the first 10 minutes but I got so absorbed that I followed it all through. As ever with these things there is always something useful deep in the video, almost a throw away comment that makes you think “Hey, I can use that”.
    I have just done a dry run with the elastic bands. One was enough to hold the box in shape. Add another 3 or 4 and it is rock solid.
    I am now confident I can check the dimensions of everything, make sure the base fits without pulling anything out of shape, then I shall size the joint edges as recommended before final glue up.

    jcat
    19 November 2016 at 10:58 am #142520

    No worries Steve, Glad it worked for you
    Cheers jcat

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