Spalted Box

Darryn:
I really like the stones you have cut/polished and used as handles on your small boxes. I have been toying with a similar idea using small beach rocks from the North side of Lake Erie (with fossils). How are you attaching the lid pulls? I should add the boxes are very well done as well. Thank you for sharing these.

Barry W. Larson
Calgary, Alberta, Canada (currently in S. Ontario) eh!

I drill holes into the bottom of the rock with a diamond bit on a foredom tool. Cut a small finish nail to length. Epoxy the finish nail into the rock with the pointy end out. Predrill a hole in the wood box top slightly smaller than the nail diameter and push the finish nail in.

Thanks Darryn:
Your stones look harder than the carbonate rocks I plan to use. My plan was to drill a small hole for a threaded insert and epoxy that into the stone and install with a small brass flat head machine screw which is my usual practice on antler pulls and even some wooden ones although these are more apt to get a small brass screw.
Best wishes of the holiday season.
Barry

Threaded insert may work on something softer, or larger. I usually work with agate, jasper, or something very hard. I will keep the insert method in mind as it may be useful in some manner. Have a nice holiday!

Thanks Darryn. Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.

Barry