I got the kit earlier in the year along with a set of the tools. The set is good because it takes you through everything. It even includes making a bench hook (where you will be doing your cutting etc) and a couple of small practice pieces. I enjoyed making that too! It comes in a fairly sturdy cardboard box which I used to store everything in whilst I was working on the box.
The videos are good; I ended up watching them twice to make sure I’d got everything. I did email Tom about one thing (I wanted to try a slightly different approach), and he gave a really helpful response.
I would recommend getting the kit too; the tools are good quality and the chisel comes sharpened which is important if you’re new to woodworking (best not to have to faff about with that immediately).
I enjoyed it; I’m going to get the dovetail kit next (for Christmas). I might well get the walnut version too.
I was bought your lap joint box project kit by my partner for my birthday and have just completed it and wanted to let you know how much I loved doing this. I have a growing interest in woodworking, its something I have dipped into over the last 2/3 years and the lap joint box is my 3rd project – the others being a stool and a wood turned bowl – and by far the most enjoyable and satisfying. I loved how I could take my time over this project (which I did especially when it came to sanding) and thought the videos were extremely informative and easy to follow. Like you said, I have learnt a lot making this box, and would do things differently next time around but I’m really happy with what I produced.
Excellent project for learning woodworking skills, I really enjoyed the process from cutting the pieces and making my first lap joint through to the final sand and oil finish. Tom’s videos are incredibly informative guiding you step by step through the process as well as being quirky and engaging to watch. I would definitely recommend and I’m looking forward to trying another project soon.
Loved making it. Video instructions work really well, very clear and understandable. Achieved exactly what it said it would.
I really enjoyed making the box and found it was a good level of difficulty. I was worried that as it was pre-cut I might make it quite quickly, but there were lots of things to do and learn before it was finished. It was interesting to practice making lap joints and see how to go about preparing and gluing the box in the right order, without ‘painting yourself into a corner’. I think it’s important to point out that the videos add a lot of value, as they are very in depth with lots of tips and hints, and make it all seem achievable, even working at your kitchen table. Definitely worth a look if you are still on lockdown or just want a good project you can do without needing a workshop.
You will need a small selection of tools, but nothing that you wouldn't use again for other projects, and nothing that requires complicated set up or is individually very expensive. You can get all the key tools for this project in my tool shop.
- An 18mm or 24mm wide chisel. This must be sharp; most places will supply them unsharpened but if you order from my tool store I can sharpen it nicely for you before sending it out.
- A small saw. If you don't have one already, or fancy something that's just the job, check out the Japanese Dozuki saws in my tool shop. These are the ones we use in my workshop classes.
- A small square - essential for small joinery projects! You'll also need a ruler or tape measure, or you can use the scale on the square that I sell, which has an adjustable blade.
- A knife. A Stanley knife will do, but you'll need to use it at an angle. Far better is a Kiridashi marking knife, which leaves a line that is straight on the left side and angled on the right.
- A pin hammer, or you can use a normal hammer if you're very gentle. I selected the small Japanese hammer in my tool shop because it's really nice and easy to control.
- A cordless drill, or old-fashioned hand drill if you prefer! I will send you the correct drill bits with your kit. A countersink bit (snail type anti-chatter at any size) is nice to have, but not essential.
- A screwdriver. The screws supplied need a Pozidrive size two screwdriver (what most people call a Philips but it isn't). It will say pz 2 on the side if you have the right one.
- A clamp, or two to make life really easy. F clamps or G clamps with 150mm or 200mm capacity are ideal. Some heavy weights, like books, and sellotape will be useful too.
- Something pointy for marking where the holes for the tacks are to be drilled. You could use a proper awl if you have one, or something else like a big screw will do the job just as well.
- Wood glue. My preference is Titebond 3 - I've been using it for years, it always works and it dries the same colour as the wood. If you can't get it, any kind of PVA will work for this.
- Oil for finishing. If you've been to my workshop classes you know my preference is Osmo. I used 'raw' finish oil which stops the wood looking all orange. You'll also want meths or booze for wiping down and a paint brush.
If you've got your kit and want to access the video guide then you'll need to follow this link and use the password I've sent you
If you have any questions once you get started just drop me an email on tom@tomtrimmins.co.uk and I'll be glad to help. I'd also love to hear any ideas you have for making the kits and videos better.
And if you're having a great time then please post a review, send me a picture or share with #tomtrimminswoodwork on Instagram so I can see what you've made!