Gallery

The Magician’s Toolbox

Ryan Mabe
By Ryan Mabe
See the process behind my latest, and first woodworking project.

I recently found myself becoming interested in a couple things at once. Magic and woodworking. I originally did not expect the two to mix very well unless I planned to make some elaborate props. That changed when I collected enough props and decks that I was running out of storage space. That is when I decided to make what I am calling The Magician’s Toolbox.

I wanted to make something that would have a place for everything I already have, and perhaps a little extra for whatever I got next. Mistakes were made along the way, which I will attempt to explain in some following sections. Overall, I am very happy with how everything turned out, and now I know more for the next time.

Planning it out

the original plans for the project
Half of the original cut list
all the pieces cut and routed out, before I knew not to do that first
here’s another shot of all the pieces laid out, ready to disappoint
This is a little less than half of the original cut list
this artsy shot is just extra

I started out by planning everything out on paper, then in a 3D cad program on the computer. Thought I would just be able to make the cuts, and everything would fit together perfectly. Boy was I wrong. Lesson learned. Onto the next section, where things start going right.

Learning from my mistakes

Hey, its me with a box!
made a solid box and cut off the lid
you can see the inner workings beginning to form

So after the initial kerfuffle, I watched some videos online. This one from Adam Savage at Tested.com helped a ton. I measured what I wanted to fit in the Magician’s Toolbox, and made a solid cube, then cut off the lid, and a set of front swinging doors. Everything really started to work out as I was making one set of measurements at a time.

Adding some character

all the drawers fit together better than I could have hoped
Here are some of the drawers sticking out
another angle for good measure
the doors on the side are going to swing open in front
This is what it looks like all closed up

I added some extra panels to all the edges, and an extra lip to the front of one of the doors to keep the other side closed when it is all locked up. It is turning out really well at this point, though I am still incredibly nervous about adding the hardware. I was sure I would do something wrong and split the boards, ruining the entire piece. Next comes the stain and finish.

Getting the color just right

I just knew I wanted something a little darker
I think this color worked out well in the end

The stain worked out better than expected. I wanted something that would be dark enough, but not too dark. After the stain I added a few layers of clear varnish to protect it. Then I added on the hardware. All my worries were for not, as the hinges and handles went on without a hitch. I made sure to drill pilot holes for everything, which I have learned before is an important step.

Hardware and weathering

everything is put together and beat up a little
all the drawers still close up nicely
Really happy with all the hardware

I found most all of the hardware online by searching google for “steamer trunk hardware.” Some of the smaller pieces I got from Amazon. After the box was all put together, I beat it up a bit with a hammer and then added some black, brown, and green oil paint into the corners for some additional weathering. Learned that from Adam Savage too, so thanks again for that.

It’s finally done

all the magic gear fits just right
no the credit card is not real
It’s a box!!!

About four months later (I have kids) I got to add in all my magic equipment to the Magician’s toolbox. It all fits just like I was hoping, and there is even a little room left over for when I decide to add more to my collection. I also put in some extra flair on the inside of the doors. Overall, I’m really happy with how it all turned out.

I plan on doing more in the future, but I think a model project like this one is going to come next. Stay tuned.