Steps:1. Set the tool rest so the gouge hits just below the center of the blank (figure A).
2. As with the lid, make a small depression to give the tool a good starting point.
3. Just like the lid, eyeball the desired depth of the box, and mark it with a finger on the gouge (figure B). When you have the depth drilled, begin to hollow out the bottom of the box.
4. When the base of the box begins to take shape, it's time to round off the lid. Because the tenon on the lid is too delicate to turn in the chuck, you have to snug the lid onto the body of the box (figure C), and use it to support the lid while it is being rounded. A gentle curve is needed across the lid.
5. Since the top is slightly larger than the base, both pieces are smoothed while fitted together (figure D). This gives a smooth, cohesive look for both pieces.6. Sand, keeping the sandpaper moving as the box turns. This helps avoid scratches and gives a seamless look to the finish.
7. Hollow the body of the box, using delicate but consistent pressure to even out the interior wall (figure E).
8. Sand again with a sandpaper pad.
9. Cut a small recess where the lid and the base of the box meet (figure F). This breaks up the line where they meet, because the grain is never going to line up perfectly (figure G). 10. Then carefully remove the tenon from the body of the box (figure H). This is a critical step, one that even an experienced wood turner could botch.
11. Cut the box from the lathe. A well-fitted box will make a popping noise when the lid is lifted from the base.
If you find that you are slow when creating wood turned objects, keep this in mind: veteran wood turners find repetition is the key to becoming a faster turner, but most choose to hone their skills at a slow pace.
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