Wooden boxes are a popular project for beginning woodworkers, and making one will teach you many basic techniques that you can apply to other projects.It is possible to make a box that is simple and elegant, or highly stylized and decorated.It's easy to start out with a hinged or sliding lid so you can get some practice before moving on to more advanced techniques.
Step 1: You can choose your wood.
You can reuse wood from previous projects or buy new wood.Take into account what your box will be used for.Thin pieces of cedar, ash or oak are better for a jewelry box.Thinner wood will make it easier to make a smaller box.For larger boxes, save larger pieces or boards.You won't have to do too much trimming.
Step 2: Pick out your supplies.
Keep your basic tools in your workspace.You should have access to power outlets if you are using power tools.You'll want a ruler, hammer, nails, wood glue, and of course, your boards.Always wear eye protection when using power tools.
Step 3: Measure and mark your boards.
You have to decide on the size of your box.To make your box, you'll want to know how long, wide, and tall you are.Measure your boards using a ruler and pencil.Measure the item to make sure it will fit in your finished box.
Step 4: If you haven't already, cut your boards.
You can cut the boards with a hand or circular saw.You'll need four boards for the sides, the base, and the lid.Power tools can be useful, but not necessary.You can make a box with a screwdriver, carpenter's square, hand saw, and hammer.
Step 5: Use a butt joint to assemble the side pieces.
Use glue between the joints to join the sides at a right angle.At this point, it should look like a square with no base or lid.Next, hammer or drill to finish the job.While you drill nails or screws into them, you may want to use a clamps to hold the sides together.It's a good idea to drill a hole through the side of one piece to the other.The pieces should be pinned together in a "L" shape.After the sides are pinned, cut the dowel flush.
Step 6: Attach the sides to the base.
If you want the sides to be snug around the base, make sure they sit evenly.Attach the base and sides with glue.It is possible to hammer or drill in finishing nails.Before you seal or use your box, make sure it is dry.
Step 7: Attach the lid to the box.
Measure and mark where you want your hinges to be before setting the lid on the box.Attach the hinge knuckle to the lid with a drill or hammer by keeping it facing out from the back of your box.It is important that you square the hinges to the sides of the case.The door won't close or open correctly if it's not functioning correctly.When measuring and installing the hinges, it's helpful to put the side and lid together.
Step 8: There are nail holes.
To fill nail holes, use a wood putty and putty knife.Before sanding the areas, let the putty dry.A professional look to your project can be achieved by filling and sanding nail holes.If you're not concerned with decorative aspects, you can remove this step.
Step 9: You can choose your wood.
You can reuse wood from previous projects, boards from broken down pallets, or purchase and cut new wood.Take into account what the box will be used for.If you're making a jewelry box, consider thin pieces of cedar, ash or oak.Thinner wood will make it easier to make a smaller box.For larger boxes, save larger pieces or boards.It will prevent you from doing too much trimming.
Step 10: Pick out your supplies.
You should keep your basic tools in your workspace.If you are using power tools, make sure you have power outlets.You'll need a ruler, hammer, nails, wood glue, and of course, your boards.Always wear eye protection when using power tools.
Step 11: Measure and mark your boards.
You have to decide on the size of your box.To make your box, you'll want to know how long, wide, and tall you can make it.You will need to take grooves into account and narrow your lid in order to slide into them.Measure your boards using a ruler and pencil.Measure the item to make sure it will fit inside your finished box.
Step 12: If you haven't already, cut your boards.
The boards should be cut with a hand or circular saw.You'll need four boards for the sides, base, and lid.Power tools can be useful, but not necessary.You can make a box with a screwdriver, carpenter's square, hand saw, and hammer.
Step 13: Take the grooves out of the side boards.
A guide is needed to cut a straight horizontal grooves near the top and inside of the box.The lid can be slid into place if the grooves are deep along the top.It's important to cut grooves into three sides of your box.
Step 14: The front of the box needs to be cut.
Measure from the top, where the lid will be, to the bottom of the grooves you cut, first.To cut a horizontal line across the top of your box front, use the same distance.If you put the sides together, you can slide the lid into the grooves and over the front.
Step 15: Use a butt joint to assemble the side pieces.
Make sure the grooves are facing in the opposite direction.Use glue between the joints to join the sides at a right angle.At this point, it should look like a square with no base or lid.Next, use a hammer or drill to finish the nails.While you drill nails or screws into them, you may want to use a clamps to hold the sides together.It's a good idea to drill a hole through the side of one piece to the other.The pieces should be pinned together in a "L" shape.The sides need to be pinned before you can cut the dowel.
Step 16: The sides should be secured to the base.
If you want the sides to be snug around the base, make sure they sit evenly on it.Attach the sides and base with glue.It is possible to hammer or drill in finishing nails.Allow the box to dry before you use it.
Step 17: The grooves should be cut for the lid.
If you want your lid to be flush with the sides of the box, you can use a saw to cut a grooves in the lid.The lid should be over the top of the box.If your side grooves were cut from the top to the bottom, you'll want to cut the lid's top edges down.
Step 18: There are nail holes.
To fill nail holes, use a wood putty and putty knife.Before sanding the areas, let the putty dry.You can add a professional look to your project by filling and sanding nail holes.If you're not concerned with decorative aspects, you can leave this step out.