Rosewood Block Box
Five years ago I came across a mysterious board at an estate sale. The wood had oxidized a bit over the years, and I assumed it to be Cocobolo. The woodworker who owned it had passed away and was an avid collector of lumber. Last year decided to use Cocobolo for making a small edition of a block box with a new theme. I began to mill out this same board for production. Rather than The spicy odor I find with Cocobolo this had a truly sweet floral aroma to it. Further research seemed to indicate this was none other than Brazilian Rosewood, the "Holy Grail" of all rosewoods. Unfortunately the Brazilian Rosewoods popularity made it a target for over forestation over the last 200 years. The now surviving trees are protected for good reason, making it very hard to come by for woodworkers. At any rate, having this brief opportunity to work with this wood, I quickly understood why this wood has been so celebrated. The remaining chunks I have left over are now stashed away in my own woodpile.
Only 8 Rosewood Block Boxes were made from 2009 to 2011.
Solved!
The Rosewood Block Box functions just like the original Block Box with one exception. This time you must shift the sliding blocks so that all five ebony rings are formed. Once you have accomplished this, the box is unlocked and opens up.
