I built this wine display box from walnut and accented the lid with Genuine Mahogany.
The wine and glass holder is custom-made in the shop, where I CNC’d out a block of foam and flocked it with green flocking.
The box started out pretty straightforward, but as I created the insert to hold the wine glasses, it got a bit complicated and tedious to get the perfect shape.
The insert is made out of rigid insulation foam and then flocked with green flocking.
A Special Thank you to Elements Wood Imports for providing the beautiful Mahogany for this project.
Their genuine mahogany is urban old-growth, not plantation grown, and is sustainably harvested from St. Lucia.
Mike and Carly began the journey of importing after visiting their sister and brother-in-law, who live in Saint Lucia. They discovered that the trees grow like weeds there. Their trees are sourced from private property near people’s homes, making them “island urban lumber.” They are the only importers of mahogany from Saint Lucia.
If you want to check out more about their available options, Check out their website. https://elementswoodimports.com/
Also, a special thanks to Brusso Hardware for providing me with such high-quality hinges
If you would like to know more about the story behind this box, please visit my custom furniture website
The Build Process
Tools needed:
- Planer
- Table saw
- Dado stack
- 1/4″ router bit
- Band saw
- Vacuum bag (for veneering)
- Clamps
- Drill
- Brusso hardware hinges
- Chip brush
- Tape (for masking)
Crafting this piece has been a labor of love, incorporating woodworking techniques and attention to detail to create a stunning final product.
First, I selected the materials. For this project, I chose walnut and genuine mahogany from Elements Wood Imports. Their sustainably harvested exotic lumber provided this wine display case with the perfect combination of elegance and durability.
Once I had my materials, I began by jointing and planning the boards to ensure they were square and smooth. Precision is key in woodworking, so I made sure to rip the boards to the exact dimensions needed for the case. The miter gauge shown here is one of my favorites by Incra.
I opted for box joints for the joinery to add strength and visual appeal. I carefully laid out the pieces, ensuring the grain flowed seamlessly around the box. Each joint was meticulously cut and tested for a perfect fit before moving on to the final assembly.
To add a touch of sophistication to the case, I incorporated a genuine mahogany slab for the top. The slab was wider than I needed it to be, but that was ok. I try to cut the pith out of a board whenever I can. The pith is the center of the tree. The pith is often unstable and can cause warping.
After cutting and joining the slab, I applied a custom blend of water-based dye to enhance the mahogany’s rich color and bring out its natural beauty.
With the main structure of the case cut out, I needed to create the dados for the top and bottom. I used a router bit at the router table to cut the dados because, on the sides, I needed to top before the bit cut through the box joint. Chamfers and bevels were added to soften the edges and add visual interest to the piece.
Next came the hardware. I carefully mortised the hinges, ensuring they were aligned perfectly for smooth operation. A tray was added inside the case, providing a space for notes and other small items.
One of the final touches was creating custom foam inserts to securely hold the glasses and bottles in place. After testing various adhesives, I opted for flocking to give the inserts a luxurious finish. I used a CNC machine to cut out the wine glass shape
Finally, it was time for assembly. With each piece carefully placed and secured, the wine display case began to take shape. The finishing touches were applied, resulting in a stunning piece that seamlessly combined form and function.
Creating this wine display case was a true labor of love. It combined traditional woodworking techniques with modern craftsmanship, from selecting the finest materials to meticulously crafting each joint. Every step was taken with care and precision. The end result is a timeless piece that will be cherished for years to come. It proudly displays cherished bottles of wine and creates memories for all who enjoy them.
