Making French Fitted Presentation Boxes

Watch me make some French fitted presentation boxes out of walnut, maple, and quartersawn fir.

[@Finewoodworkingofsc]

The boxes are beautiful and your craftsmanship and attention to detail are what really make the boxes. Well done, Sir, well done.

[@MartyBacke]

Fine Woodworking of South Carolina Thanks for the nice compliment

[@madamerosario]

Coming back to watch this again 7 years later! finally setting up my workshop, I think I'll start here for one of my first projects.

[@woodworkingandepoxy643]

How'd it go?

[@Coffeeeggsbacon]

I particularly like that you haven't added any music to your videos, just the sounds of the shop, makes it much more enjoyable to watch!

[@MartyBacke]

+Coffeeeggsbacon Thanks. I too enjoy the sounds of the workshop, so I avoid music except sometimes at the very beginning or end.

[@Ty-bz7zx]

Gorgeous finish. If only we all had the patience =) Still impressing people in '22 !

[@tomsatterlee8397]

Such a clear, calm, and beautiful demonstration of a beautiful little box

[@edwardlees2992]

Nice easy commentary and best of all no annoying music, and beautiful boxes too.

[@danhunik7949]

I am glad I am not the only one that finds music annoying. That music can make a video unwatchable.

[@GuysShop]

Your attention to the details always makes me smile Marty. Great job!

[@MartyBacke]

Thanks Guy. Appreciate the nice compliment.

[@ChurchClown7]

I have a box half made. Watching this gave me the inspiration to finish it. Thanks.

[@MartyBacke]

We all need inspiration wherever we can find it. Thanks.

[@anonymouse2141]

My opinion is that there is no need to rush or speed videos up its not mtv. Very calm and precise and your craftsmanship and care really shines

[@gall_blader_works]

Wow! I have never seen any creation process as detailed as this. Such a zen-master level of calm and dedication. The end product may look simple, but the perfection is worth the effort

[@MartyBacke]

Thank you :-)

[@tomsatterlee8397]

After posting my comments I took the time to read what has been said and I was astonished. My past would indicate that woodworker are the kindest lot I have ever worked for and never have i seen such rudeness. My only response would be that the rudeness comes from a total lack of ability and the need to fault those with very special skills. I did see one craftsman bring up the subject and the comments he wrote almost killed his desire to share. Such a shame. I thought you were right on. The video was done at the speed of true workmanship and while the voice may have been low, an I am hard of hearing, it created an atmosphere of quiet and piece which removed all distractions and made everything crystal clear except for what followed the shellac and I saw the response that in the comments. As a teacher at the college level I think you did a great job and would like to see more. Seems like my comments are a little late to the party but that is alright.

[@allanh4803]

Hi Marty, Loved your level of workmanship. I can appreciate your level of expertise due to me being a tradesman learning my trade commencing in the 70's but i was in the metal trades. The presentation box was fantastic and I'm building a hobby workshop....I need all the help I can get seeing that I haven't worked in the trade for 25 years so I really appreciate you guys being here and helping us old guys find our Mojo again ;-) Allan

[@jamesdeberry2124]

Marty, I hope the folks who received these beautiful boxes recognize how much effort goes into making a “museum” quality container for a very inexpensive knife. I enjoyed watching you very much.

[@woodworkingandepoxy643]

I feel like I'm watching the bob Ross of woodworking. Amazing little box. I only wish you released more videos lol

[@rinofriio97]

You have the heart of an ancient craftsman and artist. That was so excellent .It was an honor to see it Manipulated....Miesstro in wood Thank You

[@JD_Fidler]

Nice boxes! Love the video too. Great tip on clipping the corners before routing the edges..

[@just-dl]

Marty, I really like your presentation style! Informative, educational, calm and quiet! Thank you! Methinks I'm going to be learning a lot! Best regards, Dan

[@MartyBacke]

Thanks :-)

[@superdrs1960]

Great job! I make wood turned pens and wanted to make my own boxes. I'm so glad I found your video, I learned so much. You are an artist, such attention to detail. You also have a very nice workshop, thanks for sharing your work with us. Dave

[@MartyBacke]

David Sutton Thank you for the very nice words!

[@HWoodCreations]

Man very nice work! Very precise craftsmanship. Thank you for sharing.

[@MartyBacke]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it :-)

[@budbirkenseer5277]

Very nice and the presentation & finished product were excellent. Thanks for making the video.

[@MartyBacke]

+Bud Birkenseer Thanks for those nice comments.

[@yngwie66]

What beautiful boxes! Such attention to detail!

[@yannkitson116]

Beautiful work. I need to practise some more before I can pull such work off, but it was a pleasure to watch the boxes being made :)

[@MartyBacke]

+Yann Kitson Thank you!

[@chadaxling2857]

Just beautiful. Amazing job. I bet that felt good when you got that first knife into the box.

[@BillKibby1]

Decisive and intentional, way to enjoy a fine project. Thank you for the tip on using a bandsaw to cut foam rubber. I purchased a bandsaw this past fall, about 2 weeks after my daughter made new cushions for our old comfy couch. Had I known about this, I would surely have switched the order around and saved some cut fingers. Best regards, - Bill

[@MartyBacke]

Thanks :-)

[@businessgreg77]

I have been seeing more and more cool channels and videos lately. I just found your channel. Keep up the good work

[@michaelstimatze3527]

The box is worth more than the contents....lol Great project and beautiful final reveal

[@MartyBacke]

Michael Stimatze Thank you!

[@blakeyon2asd]

I've had one of the spring assisted Milwaukee knifes like that for going on two years now, crazy how well it still works for no more than I paid. It's been in salt water and the surface rust has just worked it's way off and given it a nice patina

[@trickster11300]

Great work, you are patience personified. Love the video.

[@MartyBacke]

Thank you :-)

[@engieviral]

Beautiful boxes, love the idea of using self-adhesive cork on the top and base.

[@MartyBacke]

Thanks. The cork does add a nice little touch to any box.

[@LiloUkulele]

Nice project!....I am always looking over your shoulder at your shop layout; could you do a quick tour of your shop?

[@tylerpitts3312]

i love the little details man you are really good keep up youre craft

[@MartyBacke]

+Darius Ruckers Thank you!

[@andrewcdavies]

Excellent work my friend! I'd love one of those. I like how deliberate you are in your actions when working. :)

[@MartyBacke]

Thank you for the nice compliment

[@Sandhillwoodworks]

It did come out beautiful Marty. Nice job I love it.

[@MartyBacke]

Thanks Bob.

[@archundias]

I would just buy the knife to get the box really. That is flawless. Congratulations.

[@MartyBacke]

+Juan Carlos Solé Clemente Thanks. The knives were Christmas gifts, but I think the boxes were enjoyed too :-)

[@jamesgyorko3850]

Simply Beautiful! So meticulous and precise. Lovely work!!

[@MartyBacke]

+james gyorko Thank you James!

[@drstampfli]

Cutting foam with a bandsaw? I'm so happy I watched this. Now I know! Thanks!

[@MartyBacke]

Glad it helped

[@andrewcady9443]

What kind of foam is this? Where do you get it?

[@LynnLaceyLLWW]

Wonderful craftsmanship Marty - Thanks

[@SaschaGrenner]

Such a beautiful work Marty! Amazing skills!

[@MartyBacke]

+Sascha Grenner Thanks for the nice words.

[@MatteNoob]

+Marty Backe and you are good at presenting too. Very relaxed at good phase. Sounds natural! Looking forward to seeing more of your videos.

[@danhunik7949]

Love your tip of nipping of the corners before you flush trim with your router. I will be soing that from now on.

[@tube4waldek]

I also found your vid relaxing! Beautiful work. Thank you. P.S. Really enjoyed finally someone speaking in first person, singular instead of plural!

[@MartyBacke]

Thanks for that :-)

[@FelipeDelPapa]

Love the way everything fit just perfect!

[@thoughtsy]

Outstanding craftsmanship!

[@richhenderson4279]

i am going to make my granddaughter a box for her first communion. i am going to use your box style. great job

[@MartyBacke]

Thank you, and good luck with your version :-)

[@jccapwell]

Nice work. I pick up tips as I watch you work. Thank you.

[@frankstoverpurebloodsaltya6441]

Very very beautiful!!!

[@MrVmgil]

Beautiful boxes! I would love to own some

[@JontoDickens]

Milwaukee have really improved their packaging! Great results, love that satin look on walnut...

[@MartyBacke]

Thanks

[@Mr_Rick]

Very exceptional woodworking. Loved it. Have you ever tried cutting opening out of foam using a scroll saw? Just wondering if that would work.

[@kjburns31]

Love the use of the Carpet Samples/Rugs for a working surface. I have damaged a few gift boxes finished the up and putting hardware on them. Great attention to detail.

[@MartyBacke]

Thank you. Yes, carpet samplers come in very handy near the end of a project.

[@meganjohnson9540]

Well done! Thank you so much for sharing. Namaste

[@hughjasole9336]

Very nice work. I bet a scroll saw would a great job on cutting out the inside foam. And yes...way too nice a box for a Milwaukee knife...lol

[@muckshifter]

a band saw to cut foam ... and it works. :) excellent work!

[@RedAngelS60R]

5:15 Damn, that is one really sharp chisel

[@timherrmann7066]

The cutting off the corners before routing was a clever idea.

[@MartyBacke]

Thanks. I've learned the hard way on how easy it is to get tear-out when trimming the end grain. This helps greatly to reduce that possibility.

[@andrewcdavies]

Fantastic! If someone presented me with one of those I'd be very happy. 👍

[@fdc313]

I wish I had the patience, to do such beautiful work

[@MartyBacke]

Thank you for the nice words

[@eliphantvideo]

Very nice, I like your blend of modern and traditional tools using the right tool for the job. Do you (or anyone) know what would be a more traditional material then foam for the French fitting?

[@ElectricUnicycles]

Thank you. I believe one of the more traditional techniques is to use wood padded with leather. A wood panel would be cut/shaped to conform to the outlines of the object and then it would be wrapped in leather. I originally read about French Fitting in a very old issue of Fine Woodworking (from the 70's I think) and have been intrigued with the technique ever since.

[@dtpazz]

Amazing work. Only suggestion would be to try a different colour foam insert to allow the bright red utility knife stand out better.

[@MartyBacke]

+dtpazz Thank you, and good suggestion. Unfortunately it's hard to find the perfect foam - thickness, firmness, color, etc. So you have to work with what you have sometimes.

[@robinhood1946]

Wonderfull job true craftsmanship.

[@MartyBacke]

+robinhood1946 Thanks!

[@josephlicata4304]

I'm always learning. Great video.

[@tlc3636]

beautiful, I've made these sorts of things for years, i find jewelry boxes the most fun. also i find them the easiest to sell. making things more tallord for woman is definitely easier to sell in my experience.

[@MartyBacke]

Thanks, and I agree :-)

[@infxmhc]

Milwaukee does make a fine box cutter, but not good enough to merit its own hand finished box! You should be making those for watches...

[@havelovewilltravel777]

Bruh Frog or a custom knife at least.

[@tomsatterlee8397]

If I could I would add to my comment. Was there a reason for using Masonite instead walnut for the inserts. Did you make the 45's on a table saw and did you say there was one coat of she-lac used before the poly. I have now watched 4 times, twice on the computer and twice on the tv. The tv doesn't show the detail the computer does. It is indeed very nice work.

[@jamesopell]

Very nice attention to detail.....beautiful..

[@OwenMorrisUK]

Nice work on the boxes - would a scroll saw be as effective for cutting out the knife shape as the band saw is for cutting the foam block in the first place?

[@MartyBacke]

That's a good question. I don't own a scroll saw, but if I did I'd give it a try. I didn't know if the band saw would cut foam or tear it to pieces, so I experimented and discovered that it worked great. If the scroll saw does cut foam as effectively as the band saw, it would be the perfect tool for cutting complex shapes in foam.

[@DonDomel]

Great work. Greetings from Poland :)

[@MartyBacke]

Thanks, from America ;-)

[@richardwassink2464]

Beautiful work!

[@MartyBacke]

Thank you

[@joshyingling]

I can see you have done this for awhile, just a tip, maybe you know it or not but when i would make shadow boards for air craft tooling, we would set them in foam, to make it easier to get the object out, after i cut the shape of the object i would take the plug of foam and cut it in half or a quarter of the size and put it back in the bottom of the hole, then the tool or whatever would be proud of the surface of the foam making it easier to get out without jamming your fingers around the object to remove it.

[@MartyBacke]

I have used the technique that you are describing. In this case, the foam is very soft so I decided not to. But when the foam used is firm, that's a great suggestion.

[@FWDish]

Box dimensions would be nice. Good video!

[@5ivestring]

Very beautiful work. I noticed 17 thumbs down, I'm thinking they are just jealous. What's not to like here?

[@MartyBacke]

+Gary Docken Thanks for the nice words!

[@TitusLivy777]

A very helpful video! Thank you!

[@TroyRuby]

Great job, Marty!

[@MartyBacke]

Thank you.

[@Shaka_Vibe]

You do a fantastic job! I really enjoy your videos. Quick question..... What happened to the powermatic bandsaw? Did you switch back, or do you run two saws in your shop?

[@MartyBacke]

Thanks! Originally I was going to sell my Delta and only use the Powermatic. But it turns out to be very convenient to have two bandsaws. I use the Powermatic, with its large blade, for ripping and resawing. A small blade is kept on the Delta, where I use it for cutting curves and small items. Fortunately bandsaws take up very little floor space.

[@mauriciomarchantceledon4270]

Marty. te felicito es un trabajo de lujo, muy bueno. chaoo.saludos desde chile.

[@MartyBacke]

Gracias por el cumplido.Saludos desde Norteamerica!

[@mauriciomarchantceledon4270]

Espero que continues mostrando tus trabajos. Tan detallados y perfectos. Que estés bien saludos.

[@mikej9062]

MinWax wipe-on poly is actually oil-based. I gleaned this from the "Product Details" page of the MinWax site, which recommends organic-based solvents (mineral spirits, paint thinner) as you'd expect for an oil-based poly.

[@MartyBacke]

I can assure you that MinWax makes a water-based wipe-on which is what I used. I live in California and you cannot buy most oil-based finishes here. If you don't live in California you may have difficulty finding the water-based version.

[@bonniepeterussell8881]

I like your work. Can you tell me where you source the foam for these boxes please? Thanks.

[@MartyBacke]

+Bonnie & Pete Russell Thanks. Most of the foam that I've used (including for these boxes) came from misc shipping boxes. But I know that thick foam can be bought from big box stores and the Internet. Sorry that I can't be more specific.

[@MaDeuce80]

What brand wax did you use for the Walnut? Unless I missed it but was that the only finish you applied for the walnut? Came out perfect!

[@MartyBacke]

I used Staples (the wax brand, not the store) Dark Brown wax. I bought mine at a local Woodcraft store. You probably missed the section in the video where I applied the finish: one thin coat of shellac (for the color) and three coats of a water based wipe-on finish. Thanks.

[@darrellmoerch8733]

Great video! Where do you get the foam and the cork?

[@MartyBacke]

+Darrell Moerch Thank you. The cork used here was bought at my local big box store. Generally, self-adhesive cork is widely available, including online. Likewise with foam, although the foam used here was 'recovered' foam - taken from shipping box.

[@guyprolly]

Do you sell these, or is this all hobby work for you? As you know, the result is beautiful.

[@MartyBacke]

Hobby. Thanks :-)

[@guyprolly]

@@MartyBacke Well, amazing work.

[@greg6107]

NICE WORK MARTY, THANK YOU1

[@MartyBacke]

Thanks

[@rucacc]

this is art...

[@MartyBacke]

Thank you for the nice compliment

[@GrahamOrm]

Nice job Marty, are they for a client?

[@MartyBacke]

+Graham Orm Thanks. Woodworking is my passionate pastime - no clients. These were gifts for family and friends.

[@timherrmann7066]

Why hardboard for the inserts? Why not the same wood?

[@MartyBacke]

Personal preference. I think it adds a nice contrast, and only fellow woodworkers would know that it's hardboard. Everyone else may think it's some 'exotic' material ;-)

[@Raymoncool9]

Great job

[@glennshea4109]

love your boxs keep up the good work

[@MartyBacke]

Thank you

[@mrbond1964]

Marty Backe Love the boxes Marty.A question about the finish. I've finished Walnut before with 3 coats of an oil/poly blend then a coat of clear Briwax. The problem is, you can still see white flecks of wax in the pours that i can't get out.Any idea what could solve this?Many thanks from Liverpool England

[@MartyBacke]

Kev Bond Hi Kev. Thanks for the compliment. Regards the wax... When you use a wax on any open grained wood (oak, mahogany, walnut, etc.), as you observe, the wax will be embedded into the pores. To avoid the white flecks you need to use a colored wax that will dry close to the color of the wood. In my case I applied a dark brown wax to the walnut. To fix your particular problem you will have to remove the wax. Mineral Spirits is a common solvent in waxes, so it should readily remove the clear wax that you applied. Mineral Spirits is very mild and therefore will have no affect on your finish (but always test first to be sure). Then apply a brown wax.

[@mrbond1964]

Marty Backe Thanks Marty, that really helps.

[@bitingmongeese-geoffreybyn8311]

If I needed some of your boxes built to a specific size would you be willing to price and build them for me???

[@MartyBacke]

+Biting Mongeese - Geoffrey Bynoe Sorry, I don't accept commissions.

[@michellaplante1790]

vraiment professionnel

[@davidcarter4454]

What about wood movement? Is that solid wood for the base and top?

[@MartyBacke]

+David Carter Wood movement over a 3" wide piece of 1/8" thick wood is inconsequencial. Yes, that was solid wood.

[@davidcarter4454]

+Marty Backe Many factors obviously, but a rule of thumb is 1/4" movement for a 12" board; since you have a quarter if that, it would be a 1/16" movement which is enough to cause problems. Please post a follow-up video in a few years times time!

[@MartyBacke]

+David Carter I've been making these for years. Sometimes it's better to live by how the world actually works instead of what's printed in a book. My real-world experience tells me that wood movement is not an issue with small boxes like this. Your mileage may vary.

[@davidcarter4454]

+Marty Backe I think that's the point. Our humidity levels go from 80-90 in a wet winter to 40 in a dry summer. Your boxes are obviously quite locale to you!

[@MartyBacke]

+David Carter I appreciate the back-and-forth. It's always interesting to see other peoples perspective. My boxes live in humid and extremely dry locations in the United States. No problems. I'm curious, you've made similar boxes which developed cracks or otherwise fell apart? Are you speaking from experience?

[@Kapt6911]

who makes your shop apron?

[@MartyBacke]

My wife :-)

[@marcos27020]

amazing................

[@dmwm771]

amazing!

[@armandohenao8010]

very good

[@jason-ge5nr]

do you work for N.P.R.?

[@MartyBacke]

Albion Laster N.O.

[@davidbarta8799]

Box is very nice but the foam take it down

[@matthewsaffran1529]

I fell asleep 3 times watching this video

[@MrBigbobsbeans]

bob ross of woodworking. I dont think falling a sleep is a bad thing, he makes relaxing videos. When im woodworking i use the fine adjustment tool heaps and usually lots of language that would make a sailor blush.

[@RedfishInc]

What makes this French?

[@ElectricUnicycles]

'French Fitting' is the act of making a container that perfectly fits an object. Google "french fitting" to learn more.

[@julianoviana]

You must eat a croissant during the process. Croissant clearly spotted at 18:35

[@vijukannapuram]

i feel meditation...

[@onoudont7272]

nerd factor 5 mr sulu

[@shannongibson325]

Woodprix has very good and accurate plans.

[@KathleenSkinner]

The video was good, but the spoken parts too low in volume and the power tools too loud.

[@20cashdotxyz76]

Check out these great woodworking plans here - FoxWood.xyz