Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) Knife Box

• Wood Selection: Typically, a durable hardwood is chosen for its ability to hold fine details and withstand the engraving process without chipping. The box is likely pre-assembled or prepared in parts, depending on the CNC machine used.

• Surface Preparation: The wood may be sanded and smoothed to ensure the engraving will be clean and precise. If the wood will be stained or colored later, a light base color may be applied at this stage.

3. CNC Engraving Process

• Machine Setup: The wooden box (or its parts) is placed in a CNC machine, which uses a laser engraver to carve the design.

• Engraving: The CNC machine follows the G-code to engrave the pattern. Each section of the pattern is engraved meticulously, and the machine moves with high precision, ensuring consistency in depth and detail.

• Multi-Pass Engraving: For deeper engravings, the CNC machine may make multiple passes over the same area, gradually deepening the cuts to achieve the desired look without over-stressing the wood.

4. Detailing and Finishing

• Sanding and Cleaning: After engraving, the wood is often lightly sanded to remove any rough edges or burrs left by the machine. This ensures the engraved lines are clean and sharp.

• Staining and Sealing: A dark stain may be applied to the engraved areas, which creates contrast by making the design stand out. The wood may also be sealed with varnish or lacquer for a polished, protected finish.

• Metal Hardware Attachment: The decorative metal brackets on the corners, latch, and feet are likely attached last. They’re screwed or nailed in place, adding both functional strength and aesthetic appeal to the box.

5. Final Assembly and Quality Check

• Assembly: If the box was engraved in parts, it’s assembled at this stage, and the hinges are attached to ensure the lid opens smoothly.

• Quality Check: The box undergoes a final inspection to ensure the engravings are consistent, the hardware is secure, and the finish is even. This step ensures a high-quality product ready for sale or use.

Result

The final product is a beautifully crafted jewelry box with an ancient-inspired design that’s precise, durable, and visually appealing. CNC engraving provides accuracy and consistency that would be challenging to achieve with hand-carving, making this method ideal for intricate designs like the one in the image.