Gentleman's Valet Box

From time to time, I like to make boxes since it helps me exercise my design skills. This one started with the idea of filling the gap produced by hinges that are meant to hang doors and things evolved from there. I selected some materials that I felt would work together, came up with some joinery ideas, and spent some time in the shop exploring the ideas in my head. This is always a great exercise. This box in particular is sized to be a valet box - somewhere to put your things at the end of the day (keys, watch, wallet, etc).
Companion Article: www.mattcremona.com/small-projects/gentlemans-valet-box
The box I showed in the beginning of the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYjXooGAf5KcmMk
Products Used
CPES: amzn.to/2ikdWVB
Epoxy Resin: amzn.to/2vTGCJm
Epoxy Hardener: amzn.to/2uRhwy9
Tablesaw: amzn.to/2g14V5J
Miterset: miterset.myshopify.com/?aff=10
Push Blocks: amzn.to/2yQD24r
Triton Work Centre: amzn.to/2rBLkO1
Router Table Module: amzn.to/2sbcLLt
Router: amzn.to/2qyFuZr
Drum Sander: amzn.to/2yKymxn
Spindle Sander: amzn.to/2qwZUG8
Sander: amzn.to/2qmb2Fc
General Finishes Arm-r-Seal: amzn.to/2fUwWbr
Dust Mask: amzn.to/2y8dl1m
Hearing Protection: amzn.to/2yQ0sa3
Band Saw: amzn.to/2ANhlUB
Thank you to Triton Tools for sponsoring my work: www.tritontools.com/en-US
Support What I Do: www.mattcremona.com/support
Check out Wood Talk, a podcast about woodworking that I co-host:
www.woodtalkshow.com/
kzbin.info
Website: mattcremona.com
Instagram: mattcremona
Twitter: MattCremona
Facebook: MattCremonaWW
Email: [e-mail]

[@subgeeze]

My wife got me a really fine set of Narex Richter chisels for Christmas and after sliding the big one into the leather roll and slicing down the whole side of the pocket, I decided to make a box. Without seeing this video, I made similar choices. The box sides are walnut and after sawing the top off, I discovered that in my rushed design process I forgot to figure in the saw kerf, so the lid wouldn't quite close over the chisel handles. After a little creative cursing, I decided to add a layer of ash to raise the lid a little. The lid panel is curly maple. Turned out great and the contrasting ash stripe looks like it was a planned design feature. I love your work, Matt.

[@MRrwmac]

There is so much natural design in the wood it’s almost overwhelming! But from this side of the video, that’s what makes it so interesting!

[@mcremona]

+MRrwmac thanks Mac!

[@seanhollandcanada]

I must say, best logo of any of the online woodworking instructors.

[@mcremona]

Thank you Sean!

[@CammiesGarage]

Gorgeous wood and great craftsmanship equals wonderful results. Nicely done.

[@mcremona]

thank you!

[@felixfromnebraska8648]

Very nice project Matt. Love the spalted top and bottom, shows a lot of character in the wood. Thanks for sharing.

[@mcremona]

Thank you!

[@jamesstanlake4064]

Nice project. I have gone through many phases of building projects like that; my box phase was back in the mid to late 70's and has gone on to radius work, veneering, moldings, laminations, finishing and other mediums like metal leaf work and staining wood. It certainly does bring out new and different ideas and that has always been a key motivator for me. Think outside the box!

[@mcremona]

+James Stanlake so I'm doomed to do even more incredible work? Sounds good to me :)

[@jamesstanlake4064]

I would say destined rather than doomed, but I understand all the other names associated with it such as obsessed, driven, passion, affliction. We can draw comfort in knowing there are far worse things we could spend our time doing. I am forever smitten by wood!

[@morganrountree750]

An amazing piece of craftsmanship. Great selection on the materials, as grain and color really provide a completeness to the design.

[@mcremona]

thank you!

[@derekdodson9982]

Such a cool selection of woods. The dark trim really sets off the lighter woods. I wasn't aware of the CPES. Wonderful project. Thanks!

[@hotdognonesky3766]

Beautiful. I love spalted white birch. I've started collecting it because it is so spectacular. I do tree service and I grab every log I can and saw it up on the mill to get it drying. It will be my living room ceiling and much more. I also have some burl that will be amazing to do something with.

[@johnlepage1719]

Thank you very much for taking the time to make this video.

[@BruceAUlrich]

I dig it. Nice job...I especially like how you added the accent wood around the edges to fill the gap from the hinges.

[@mcremona]

Thanks Bruce!

[@pip5461]

Matt, you must be some sort of wizard as i've just witnessed some magic being performed. !

[@MakeSomething]

I want to comment and say beautiful box and great techniques but I'm distracted by the hair change halfway though! I mean, who cuts off all their hair right before winter?!?!

[@mcremona]

+Make Something someone who is clearly mentally unstable

[@blairkorchinski627]

I find getting my hair cut on each solstice keeps both toques and ball caps fitting adequately.

[@CammiesGarage]

This from a fellow bald guy! XD

[@KSFWG]

Those that can cut their hair and still have enough to keep the top of their head warm without the aid of a hat. And yes, I wish I was one of those that can do that! lol

[@Benssawmill]

good thing you don't watch my channel I just shaved my head also. A good haircut is needed from time to time even in winter.

[@melvinschmecklebak3766]

Very nice piece of woodworking. Thank you for posting

[@Shaka_Vibe]

That’s a killer box! I really like how it turned out. You have a good eye for design.

[@mcremona]

Thanks Joseph!

[@WayWoodworking]

Not sure why, but I love boxes. This one turned out great. Love the banding you added.

[@mcremona]

Thank you!

[@AGlimpseInside]

Just beautiful! Any gentleman would love to have that for his EDC!!

[@mcremona]

is that epic dope collection?

[@AGlimpseInside]

Matthew Cremona I think that Jimmy Diresta’s EDC, every day Carry It’s probably pretty dope! I got to build me one of these boxes

[@tomsdreamshopworx]

Wow, a whole project in one video! I totally undersand the need for a quick project when you have all big projects going. Nice box!!

[@cameronbarr5271]

That spalted birch looked so nice! Great box!

[@mcremona]

thanks!

[@bluekingfisher1416]

Looks very nice. The ash contrast sets it off very nicely.

[@mcremona]

thanks!

[@3x3CustomTamar]

My favorite parts are when you run the pieces sideways on the table saw blade to clean up the cuts. Def falls in that oddly satisfying category. And the box is beautiful.

[@mcremona]

+3x3Custom - Tamar it's quite oddly satisfying. Probably why I've been doing that so much lately. Thank you!

[@RobinLewisMakes]

That birch is amazing, great job

[@mcremona]

+Robin Lewis thanks Robin!

[@thomasarussellsr]

Great box, now to finish the gentleman's box with some dividers and flocking/felt to fit watches, cuff links, and rings. Burgundy or hunter green would both look great against the wood choice. Maybe royal blue or purple depending on the decor where it will be used/kept.

[@wendoureemensshed9535]

Love the look of the box Matt

[@mcremona]

thanks David!

[@DwightMS1]

Your grandson will be proud to own this some day.

[@jairsosa7361]

Hay Mathew I just want to saw I like when you do projected videos I learned a lot from watching your videos I am new to this hobby and ever bit I can learn from watching you makes me happy so keep making project videos thanks.

[@mcremona]

Awesome! Thanks!

[@ThoenWorks]

Beautiful work Matt. Love the contrasts and spalting.

[@mcremona]

+OneVeryOrdinaryMan thank you!

[@clarkg9805]

Totally enjoyable..hope to see more projects in the future. May you and your family have a great Christmas.

[@mcremona]

thank you!

[@KSFWG]

A wonderful box, Matt, and a wonderful way to shake off the cobwebs and do something a bit different. Thanks for the video!

[@pmdinaz]

Thanks MatthewI have some roasted oak that I picked up several years ago. I can't believe I haven't seen this video of yours before! Gorgeous box!

[@mcremona]

Thanks!

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Man I love that oak! SO SWEET!!!

[@mcremona]

Thanks James!

[@JamesWilliams-en3os]

Nice work and project, Matt! I’ve been mulling over some ideas for “different” box joints for some boxes I’m planning, and this video has given me some ideas that are, well, out of the box!

[@robertevans6481]

Now for some doughnuts🍩..lol.. Seriously that is one cool box, love the joints on it....and that top👍

[@mcremona]

Thanks Robert!

[@broncoclement2407]

Well done , beautiful box and great techniques .

[@mcremona]

thanks!

[@c.retana-holguin8318]

Just beautiful Matthew!

[@jaenulton9953]

Great video, lucky to have access to such highly figured wood for the project. Great selection of cuts for your pieces.

[@mcremona]

thanks!

[@StevenSuing1]

I never get tired of making boxes.

[@practicallyIndependent]

Beautiful box. I look forward to taking some time in the shop to do something like this just off the cuff. Been making custom orders lately, so been busy with that. I know this is an old video, but I enjoyed it. Thanks Matt

[@mcremona]

Thanks Mike!

[@jesseterpstra5472]

I like the trick of using the eraser end of your pencil to hold the piece as it goes through the saw. Good way to cut tiny pieces and save your fingers.

[@paxwoodworkingleming4671]

Love every decision you made about this box, especially the banding. Beautiful work!

[@mcremona]

+WhatWoodScottDo Leming thank you!

[@jackreeves3001]

Beautiful box and excellent work. Thanks for sharing.

[@mcremona]

thanks!

[@adamm.8607]

I was interested in this video since my dad makes small boxes, and my friends I play D&D with have their own dice boxes they have bought from thrift shops. It was nice to see all of the steps that go into a project like this, and then the finished project. Thank you for sharing!

[@Thom4123]

Super sweet design really like the wood selection. Also the way you cut the box joints was so cool going to have to try that with the layout marks and go that route awesome idea.

[@mcremona]

+Thom spillane thanks Thom!

[@Cradley684]

That was great Matt you make it look that simple, Have a nice day.

[@mcremona]

thanks Brian!

[@tabhorian]

Excellent! Now I'm getting inspired! And maybe enough time for a few before Christmas.

[@mcremona]

just under 2 months!

[@ericmcrory4668]

I love the tip of using the epoxy for stabilizing the birch; I have a bunch of spalted red oah which is gorgeous but too soft to use, so now I know how to harden it with the epoxy technique. Thank you!

[@almagill]

Seeing how the spalted birch came out once it was stabilised was interesting. Now I just need to find some spalted wood... Nice clean box design Matt :)

[@Jeff_369]

Great video Matt! I love the box.

[@mccantsc]

This video makes me happy, Matt. Thank you!

[@mcremona]

+Charles McCants hope you like it Charles! The unboxing video that Laura sent me was hilarious!

[@hoodee1]

Awesome box! Thanks for taking the time explain the steps. It’s first time I have seen wood stabilized.

[@mcremona]

Thanks Ed!

[@Badkitty24]

I like those triangles you used to hold them up while drying. I have a 3d printer and that never occurred to me... Now i gotta have some! 😁

[@slaithen]

Thank you very much, Matt. Finally, I understand how to get a continuous grain on the outside of a box. I've never gotten my head around it before. Big help!

[@mcremona]

+Brook Keele awesome!!

[@artconnolly9519]

That box came out awesome Matt.

[@mcremona]

+Art Connolly thanks!

[@jeanettenorman7052]

Fabulous - looks beautiful

[@wardvanderberg1403]

Beautiful box beautifully created.

[@giovannifiorentino8947]

Exquisite design by a very skill craftman.

[@claytonrealist8868]

Nice project. Beautiful woods.

[@dennis7511]

Very nice. Good craftsmanship.

[@urbanlumberjack]

This is so cool! Your channel has been such an inspiration to me. I have been slabbing logs over the last year, mostly red and white oak. I’m going to use some of the lumber to make keepsake boxes for my boys.

[@mcremona]

So awesome to hear!

[@jackreeves3001]

Very well thought out. So happy that I found your channel. Thanks for sharing

[@mcremona]

thanks!

[@TheWoodKnight]

I love the ash banding looks fantastic, makes an already pretty great box really pop.

[@mcremona]

Thank you Paul!

[@Kreith32]

Nice project. Interesting to hear you talking to the project. Nice style Greetings from my little German channel.Arne

[@dustyrusty7956]

A really handsome gentleman's box; ideal for storing cuff links, watches, your money clip, and other trinkets. When I have saved enough $$$, I would love to have one on black walnut, padded and lined in green worsted wool billiards table cloth, with the hinges 24k gold plated and a lid opener in 20k yellow gold.

[@mikecabe6127]

Great work on the box Matt.

[@mcremona]

+Mike Cabe thanks!

[@Sebastopolmark]

GREAT project Matt. I really like the "spaltedness" toooo! !! !!!

[@mcremona]

Thanks Mark!

[@derekdodson5623]

Beautiful box, Matthew.

[@mcremona]

Thank you!

[@FrankDoesIt]

Very beautiful build Matt!

[@mcremona]

thank you!

[@genekatauskas6904]

Nice work Man 🔨

[@reforzar]

Lookin good! I mean the haircut. The box looks beautiful too. That ash is interesting.

[@mcremona]

lol thanks!

[@klintharder2155]

I really enjoy your project videos Matt.

[@a0flj0]

The curly white oak really looked like pallet wood - until you finished it. Funny wood.

[@mikec2810]

Very nice project Matt!

[@slkknifelover]

That table saw sled is HUGE!😮

[@Simplecove]

Stunning box, Matt. Thanks for sharing it with us!

[@TheTranq]

Great box. The "live edge" pieces for the panels look sweet

[@leedsutd3413]

Beautiful piece of wood work

[@mcremona]

thank you!

[@christopherjames5192]

Great video. Lots of helpful tips and a beautiful finished piece

[@AZCobraman]

Given the 'bookmatch' I think mitered corners would have flowed better than the box joints, maybe reinforced with some wedges of the dark ash for contrast. Abut, as always, great work!

[@nordyfamily]

Great job Matt

[@roncooper6302]

Beautiful box. Thank you Matt.

[@mcremona]

Thanks Ron!

[@jamzach4]

Awesome job. Great video and great craftsmanship !!

[@spencerbass7142]

Wow, that is so nice. You have talent!

[@mcremona]

Thanks!

[@Hagg506]

Love the box......nicely done

[@mcremona]

thanks!

[@kbbb4227]

That is amazing, great job man.

[@ToolMetrix]

Outstanding, Matt!

[@mcremona]

+ToolMetrix thank you!

[@wolfgangclassics]

Matt, have you made a grandfather clock? If not that would be an awesome video. I'm fascinated by your techniques, thank you for letting us witness greatness!

[@mcremona]

I haven't yet. I'd like to at some point. Thanks!

[@tyronepelfrey8192]

Going to make this box for my great niece for Christmas

[@bilbaggins1]

Very nice job! Simple & clean design that shows the woods off perfectly. I like the box joints but if I were making it I'd probably go for mitres (bevels) with 3 splines in the ash to mAtch the lid trim. But everyone's a designer right? :-) 10/10 from me.

[@franks122]

Excellent job it looks nice and thanks for sharing.

[@luckyhiker3434]

Great job Matt!

[@mcremona]

+Lucky Hiker thanks!

[@socalwoodshop723]

Well done Matt. I just cut off a box lid like you did on the table saw... you made it look easy. I was sweating throughout the cut 😅

[@mcremona]

hahaha for what ever reason, that was a lot easier than it thought it was going to be

[@BillHartCooks.]

Nice box. Spaltedness and all! I'm going to have to get some of the stabilizer epoxy stuff. That will open up all sorts of possibilities. Thanks!

[@mcremona]

+Bill Hart thanks Bill!

[@Benssawmill]

Great video as always Matt. love watching your channel. Always learn something new.

[@mcremona]

+Bens sawmill thanks!!

[@loudozer2416]

Beautiful work, my man.

[@mcremona]

Thanks!

[@StMoritzGuitars]

Beautiful. Oh and i just LOVE that Flamed Oak !

[@glen4130]

Awesome craftsmanship! I've been binging your videos, great work.

[@mcremona]

Thank you!

[@CPreacher40]

would like to see something similar made out of black walnut or red wood. maybe a desk organizer for pens, note cards, sticky notes, paper clips, daily planner, calendar, tape, scissors, etc. fancy unlike those cheap things you can buy at the store.

[@kuffyswoodwork]

I like the no frills method for creating the box joints, and the side to side colour variation in the oak is the bees knees.👍

[@Dandroid61]

Thanks Matt. Good video. I'm inspired! I think I'll go make a box...