I hope that the weather will permit me to build something this time, and inspired by Bill from the Confused woodworker, I plan on making a shoe shine box.
At present our gear for shining shoes are kept in a plastic crate, and frankly I ought to be able to make something like a small box for that purpose.
I plan on making a box approximately 8" x 14" and a height of 8". Because it has to be able to fit into the same cabinet as the existing plastic crate.
While a lid looks nice, it also limits the usable volume by preventing stuff to stick up from the box, so I have decided to not add a lid. Instead I am considering adding a drawer or two at the bottom of the box. Those would be for extra laces that are technically not for shoe shining, but they still reside in the same box at our house.
I'll probably make some sort of a vertical division, so it will be possible to separate the shoe polish and leather grease etc. from the brushes and rags.
The construction will be dovetailed corners, perhaps full blind dovetails, and the bottom will most likely be a floating panel.
I better start doing some sketches.
Interesting, can't wait to see what you come up with.
ReplyDeleteBeing an old retired military man, I have seen lots and lots of home made shoe shine box. Practically every shop and sections etc I worked in had such a box in the canteen...humm coincidences :-)
Mostly these were either made or pay for by us, the unit's chiefs.
Another eerie coincidences no doubt :-)
Most incorporate a shoe shaped platform to put your boots on to shine them. Are you doing such a thing?
Bob, who has either made or fixed such boxes...
Hi Bob.
ReplyDeleteI remember that my grand dad had a box with a shoe shaped platform on top, but I can't remember if he used the platform.
When I shine my shoes or boots etc. I normally hold the brush in my right hand, and the shoe with my left hand. So I doubt that I will use a platform.
Anyway, the head room in the cabinet where it will be stored is not that great, so I think I will just make the box open on the top instead of making something that might cause the box to become too big.
Thanks for commenting.
Brgds
Jonas
That's normally how I do my boots too, except that after I spit-shined them to a high gloss (parade boots :-)
ReplyDeleteThe shoe shaped platform is only useful to touch up your boots while wearing them. You may want to reconsider the open box concept and give it a cover or a drawer to keep the dust out of the buffing cloth, shoe brush etc. The cans of shoe polish could go in the open compartment I suppose if you have one.
Bob, from the peanut gallery :-)
Great minds always thing alike! My next "Paul Sellers Box" will be used to hold my shoe shine kit. Mine will bot be a specific shoe shine box however, as it will just be used to h old the cloth, polish, and brushes. I just saw a box in Popular Mechanics magazine that looks like it would be a fun project. I will try to post a link to it if it is available.
ReplyDeleteBill
Hi Bill
ReplyDeleteI told my wife that I had been inspired to make a shoe shine box, and she actually thought that it sounded like a good idea. Normally she doesn't know what to do with all the small chests that I make out here, but since this one will have a specific purpose, it was a different matter.
I hope our Internet connection will allow me to visit your blog to see the link.
But right now it won't..
Brgds
Jonas