Help with jewelry box

[Danno30008]

Hey:

I am going to make a simple jewelry box and have a few questions which are going to seem simple to many, but I need to know so I can make it right.

1. The top, sides and front are made from 3/4" thick Walnut. I need to use some Walnut that is 1/2" and 3/8" thick... should I just run it through my planer and then through my belt sander to get the correct thickness or is there another way?
2. I want to apply a nice finish and just bought a HVLP.. should I shoot lacquer or another type finish? Or, should I rub on one with several coats?
3. My concern is if I spray when it is assembeled, how do I get the insides sanded good for the next coats?
4. How many coats of what is recomended for a great looking finish?

Ok, that is it and thanks for any and all suggestions. I will take photos alongthe way.
Take care

Dan in Atlanta

[Don]

Hey, Dan. Sorry that I've been so busy with other things, I feel like I've neglected many requests.

If you have a planer and want thinner lumber then this is the way to go, unless the lumber is thick enough to re-saw first (bandsaw or tablesaw) this will conserve wood and machinery knives.

Small boxes look wonderful when done with laquer. It dries quick, sands easy and builds fast. It all depends on the look you want. If you want a deep, glass like finish that is like a mirror, then laquer is your boy.

Yes, you will finish this assembled, otherwise your joints will not be as good as they could be. Simply take your time and make some custom sanding blocks to fit the spaces you end up with. It does not take much to sand laquer, but start with laquer sanding sealer first and don't be afraid to build up several coats of sealer, sanding between each, then topcoat. You will get a much deeper finish that way. And easier too.

With laquer, a couple three coats of sealer and the same on topcoat should get you to a "piano" finish.

Post some pictures.

All the best, Don

[JasonB]

I would just like to add a little lesson that I have recently learned. If you do use laquer and you are using some type of figured wood do not use a flat laquer. Use a high gloss. That flat laquer just hides the figure making it look more like a photo and less three dimensional. I learned this the hard way with my daughters chess table. I just used whatever laquer was in the guns at the shop and it happened to be flat. Sucks cuz I had some awsome burled walnut that looked amazing wet but as soon as that laquer dried.....

Shelac is probably one of the best finishes for enhancing wood grain chatoyance.

If using laquer, (or shellac for that matter) apply a coat of a natural oil stain first. Just be sure to let it dry before laquering. This will help bring out some depth also.