A coworker who was planning for his retirement from the Air Force approached me about building him a shadowbox for the occasion. He didn't have an exact picture in his head as to what he wanted, but he did want the symbol and room for the flag in the base. Apart from that, he left me to my devices. I created a box with a clipped top that extended the lines of the symbol but not to the point of looking awkward. The box has three levels: the box which contains the items, the front panel and the stripes. The stripes were stained darker than the rest of the box for extra definition and the edges were treated with a 45 degree chamfer. Although I was hoping for a bigger difference between the stains, it was enough to be noticeable. The front panel behind the symbol is 3/4" thick while the top and bottom are closer to 1/4" and are similarly treated with a chamfered edge. I used hand chisels to trim the interior corners. The frame on the back was where I started, as well as the cause of some initial angst. I was afraid there would be multiple opportunities to err in snaking the blocks behind the symbol, and then have the joints be strong enough to support the weight. The top of the flag box features a handmade variable box joint for extra strength and hidden splines are cut into the sides to seat the upper half of the box. This was also supported by the fixed shelf above. The front was fitted with plexiglas and the back is covered with blue suede fabric.
Matthew White
A Maker who has been a valued part of this community for several years.
Customers say that this Maker ships promptly after completing a project.
This Maker has consistently demonstrated excellence in craftsmanship and customer service.
Good Morning. My name is Matthew White and I've been a woodworker since 1998. I'm mostly self-taught and I've been adding to my skills ever since.
By day I'm in the Air Force and I found woodworking to be an excellent creative release. It's also given me the opportunity to give back to those who have served.
I've burned murals for conference centers, built shadow boxes for retired Chiefs, and had my work grace offices in Washington D.C. I've had my work presented to Colonels and Airmen completing basic training.
It has been an awesome experience to share and I'm always open to a new project or challenge.
Eric Herman
For Whiskey Bottle Presentation BoxMatthew did an amazing job on my project. He was very timely with his responses. We had a little back and forth to make sure I was happy with how he was planning to make my project. I'm thrilled with the end product. I would work with Matthew again if another project comes up.
Marshall Burks
For Marshall's Dungeons & Dragons Dice BoxThis will be my first and possibly only review as I only got on Custom Made for two items, both of which are completed. I am happy with this box and I never thought it would be possible until now. I thank the creator as he was professional and orderly, this was completed in a timely manner as it was well within the time limit. They delivery was however strange but not to the owner, I just don’t recommend UPS at times but that’s because I live in the boonies. I recommend this creator and hope more projects in his way. As for me, thank you and goodbye, you have been a great help.
Amy Sides
For Retirement Shadow Box For Air Force Eod Technician (All Occupational Badges Available)Friendly, knowledgeable, timely communication, and most importantly beautiful work. the piece arrived exactly as expected, Matt is a true professional. Highly recommend!
Angela Olguin
For Retirement Shadow Box For Air Force Eod Technician (All Occupational Badges Available)Matthew was very quick to communicate and was very thorough in his description of the item. It came exactly as described in a very timely manner. It is beautifully made and very sturdy. I'd definitely recommend and work with him again. Thank you very much, Matthew
Jennifer Hartt
For EOD SHADOW BOXMatt did a fantastic job and I can’t wait to give to my husband for his birthday. Matt was great at communicating the whole time and was quick! Thank you Matt!!
Janice Sanders
For whiskey presentation boxMatt did a fantastic job on the whisky box for my hubby's bottle of Pappy, really makes for a wonderful Christmas gift! Great Comms, super well built, fantastic packaging - thanks Matt will send you a pic!
Marlene Boyce
For EOD ShadowBoxI got my project in a timely manner and it is GREAT! Communication was amazing, the product was amazing, everything was amazing. Highly recommend!
Jesse Garcia
For Air Force Occupational Badge Shadow BoxThe shadow box I ordered turned out amazing! For future needs of this nature, I will look to Delta Black Custom Woodworking before looking anywhere else. The custom work I needed turned out perfect! Once the item was shipped, I was provided with information regarding how to affix accouterments and if in the event the item had defects, the door was already opened on how to get it corrected (this was not needed as the items was packaged extremely well). I cannot wait to present this item during an Air Force retirement ceremony!
Herb Kraker
For Walnut Shadow BoxThis piece is phenomenal! Excellent craftsmanship. Beautiful woodgrain. I would gladly work with CustomMade again. Very pleased I chose to work with him.
Shawn Toenyes
For EOD shadow boxAwesome product!
Jaamal Menefee
For Us Air Force E7-E9 Military Retirement ShadowboxI really respect when another person tells me that they are going to put 100% Into something I ask for and give me additional options to make it even better and that’s what Matthew did. Throughout the entire process I knew exactly where he was because he had great communication with me. My retirement is going to be the best it can be and I am honored by his dedication and craftsman. I highly recommend and will most definitely be reaching out to him for future projects!
Tanner Fosmire
For Tanner's Toys & GamesMatt is an awesome and reliable craftsman and does amazing work, I have him my idea and he improved in it 10 fold would work with him again
Jeremy Hart
For Custom Rose Jewelry BoxLisa Miller
For Military Shadow TableMatthew White made just the right table I was looking for. He was an excellent help with stain color choice, and answered my questions quickly, professionally, and concisely. The table is absolutely beautiful, and we can't wait to display it proudly in our new home. The assembly was intuitive and easy, and the table was shipped extremely well-packed. I will absolutely contact Matt and Delta Black for future projects. Thank you!
FRIEDA BERLIN
For Intarsia Rose Jewelry Box in custom size and colorVery happy with finished project. Matthew was most helpful and it was a pleasure ordering from him. Would recommend him to my friends. All was good. Mrs. Frieda Berlin
Lea Fowler
For Segmented And Inlayed PensThis was a Christmas gift for my son who is active duty Navy. I was able to be there when he opened it and he was thoroughly impressed with the quality of workmanship and the history of the wood used. I will recommend your company to every one I know. Thanks for making my son's Christmas. Lea Fowler
Rick Floyd
For Retirement Shadow Box For Air Force Eod Technician (All Occupational Badges Available)Received exactly what I asked for and then some! I'd recommend Custom Made to anyone who is looking for quality at a decent rate.
Rex Rallanka
For Cherry Music StandThe music stand I requested is beautiful; came out exactly how I envisioned it would. Matthew packed it very securely. It came in several pieces, and it was very easy to assemble without instructions. The workmanship is of very high quality. I would not hesitate to order from Matthew again.
Robert Gill
For Military Shadow TableLate last year I commissioned Matt to build my Military Retirement Shadow “Box” Table. I have been busy since then with a move and looking for a new job, so it has taken a little while to write a review. But, I wanted to make sure to write a review to complement Matt on building a great table. He custom made the table to meet my request and was very cooperative throughout the process. I laid out what I wanted and he made recommendations…the outcome was a wonderful table that I was happy to use capture my military career. Thanks Matt!
Emily Koh
For Custom Music Stand?I cannot be happier with what Matt designed and made. This music stand will be a family piece for years to come, and I am so glad that Matt took a chance on this idea/project. I recommend Matt unreservedly and look forward to working together again. Thank you so much!
Todd McKamie
For Intarsia rose jewlery boxvery nice job. will do business again
Jordan Barker
For Wooden Magic The Gathering Deck BoxI'm so far beyond happy with my experience with Matt! He is honest and professional. He always responded to me in a timely manner and kept me a part of the process each step of the way. His prices are more than fair and reasonable. Personally, I feel honored to have worked with him. I can't thank him enough!
J McComb
For Custom Badge ShadowboxWow, Matt truly has a gift! The finished product was exactly as envisioned and discussed, and the time and attention he devoted to every last detail was evident throughout the project. Aside from his expert craftsmanship, he went above and beyond to ensure he had all the details of the desired outcome and communicated exceptionally well as the project progressed, giving status updates along with photos of the work in progress. Five of five stars across the board - I would definitely work with Matt again! You will be glad you did too!
jerry amidon
For Retirement Shadow Box For Air Force Eod Technician (All Occupational Badges Available)Mathew was great to work with and did a great job on the custom order. Shipping was packed great. Thank you so much for helping me out. Would def like to do business again.
Debbie Kummoung
For Debbie's American flag holder with certificateMatthew did a wonderful job. The flag cases exceeded my expectations and I have many compliments on my case after only being on display for a day. I know that my husband will love his as well. Thanks for the wonderful job, Matthew!!!
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