chanter box

[Thor]

I finished my chanter box. It's got me started carving some more boxes with thistles on them too.
Does anyone know of a place where I can order a good clasp to keep this closed? I will be tying a leather cord around it until I find something better.
Thor

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Re: chanter box

Woodcraft has all kinds of clasps etc

[Kenny_S]

Re: chanter box

Neat box. Love it!
If you have a hobby Lobby or Michaels, or a catalog from Wildwood. Lowes, Home Depot should have clasp also.

[dryheat]

Re: chanter box

Try Lee Valley. the have a great assortment of hardware.
ES

[Bartster]

Re: chanter box

thor,

great looking peice, what type of finish will you use for the box?

bart


p.s also try rockler.com they have alot of hardware also.

[squbrigg]

Re: chanter box

Great looking design and box. What is a chatter box? It's too small for my mother in law!!!

Bob

[Goody]

Re: chanter box

Thor,
Is it hinged or are you looking to clasp it at both ends. I am thinking that something handmade on the lines of a tavern puzzel would be cool. What are the measurements of the box? Anna used to do a lot of seamstress work and there was a clousure called a frog. Something like that would be different. Even a couple of carved wooden buttons with a decorative twine figure eighted around them may work. Just dont seem like the kind of box for commercial hardware.
Goody

[justanick]

Re: chanter box

Great box! I just love anything with celtic knots or anything Scottish. I agree with Goody about not using commerical hardware. Do you know any blacksmiths?

[Nancy-G]

Re: chanter box

That - especially the thistle - are really nice.

[Thor]

Re: chanter box

HI, and thanks for all the comments.
Bob, a chanter box is a box to hold my chanter. "Chatter" might be a better word for it, but it is an instrument for practicing tunes prior to learning how to play the bagpipes. I'm taking lessons, and hope to learn the pipes in a few months. I hollowed out the inside to the dimensions and shape of the chanter inside. That's why the carving had to be so shallow.
I agree that it would be better to use leather, wood or hand forged hardware...my husband is actually a blacksmith along with other skills, but his projects and mine rarely overlap.
I did put brass hinges on it, but I have to take them off and replace them as they went on crooked. That was a dissappointment.
Considering your comments, I will try to cover the hinges with a leather hinge, and fabricate a hasp out of a wooden toggle and leather strap as well.
Bart, I used boiled linseed oil, and have yet to wax it. The basswood showed the detail really well without even using a stain this time.
Thor

[whitecree]

Re: chanter box

Bob - you beat me to it. Again.

Thor - you forgot to mention another reason for practicing with a chanter before attempting the 'pipes. It's because most newbies sound like they are skinning a cat. With a spoon.





BTW, I like bagpipe music.

[Thor]

Re: chanter box

Actually Whitecree, I'll be glad when I can make it sound that good.
This is a humbling experience. When I can make it sound like skinning a cat, I think I've gotten the hang of it.
Thor

[dryheat]

Re: chanter box

The October 2005 issue, page 54, of Fine Woodworking has an article on Custom Clasp for boxes. This might give you some ideas for your box. These are for clasps but I think that you could make one of the pins fixed rather than removable and it would make a good hinge. If you have trouble finding the issue I’d be goad to copy it and mail it to you.

Ed

[wade clark]

Re: chanter box

Thor,
Nice work as always!
Do a search for Van Dykes Restorers catalog. Maybe just under Restorers. They have a great catalog with tons of neat things from hinges, hasps, webbing, lamps...you'll love their catalog. they're prices are fair too.
Wade