USCG hat box

I have learned that it is a tradition when a USCG crew makes Chief for them to build a box for their hat. This guy approached us about showing him how and letting him build a hat box. I gave him pointers and let him do the work. His joints weren’t that great, so I suggested the upright pieces in the corners, which actually looked great. The window in the front is apparently the traditional way to build these. He decided on the engravings, which were done in the laser shop. The hinge supports were a pain in the butt, but they came out great. He did a fine job. Posting with his permission.

Attachment 419168

Very nice! How were the engravings done before lasers came along?

Nice work Chief!
Kudos to you and the shop for helping him to get this done Malcolm!

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Originally Posted by Mark Daily

Very nice! How were the engravings done before lasers came along?

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Funny thing, Inlays and engravings (by hand- the old school way) are my specialty. I see lasers as a good thing more than a competition. They make hand work even more unique and appreciated.

Great project. I wish I had one for my cover.

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Originally Posted by Malcolm Schweizer

Funny thing, Inlays and engravings (by hand- the old school way) are my specialty. I see lasers as a good thing more than a competition. They make hand work even more unique and appreciated.

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Hand work certainly is a dying art.