Basic Box Making, Book

Winner of a 2008 Golden Hammer Writing Award.

Learn the art of box making from one of the foremost experts of the craft. Through Doug Stowe's decades of experience, you'll learn the basic techniques to get started, as well as more advanced ways to approach finely crafted boxes. Though it's not necessary to build the projects in this book in any particular order, they are arranged by the level of difficulty. As you grow in confidence working through the projects in this book, use your imagination and ask a few questions: What if this box were made in that wood? What if that joint were used on this box? What if the lid had more overhang? What if I made it larger, or smaller? The question "What if?" will challenge and engage you as a box maker for years of adventure.

Content:

• Introduction
• A Simple Lift-Lid Box; Prepare the stock, Mark and cut the box sides, Fitting the box bottom, Assembling the box, Add keys to the corners, Making a lift lid, Final touches
• A Rustic Treasure Box; Cut the parts to size, Cut the corner joints, Make and fit the bottom, Assemble the box, Add a lid, Prepare for final assembly, Attach the hinge
• A Sliding-Top Pencil Box; Prepare the stock, Cut the joints, Rout a groove to house the bottom, Make the bottom panel, Groove the sides to accommodate the top, Assemble the box, Fit and shape the lid, Install the lid stop
• A Stationery Box with Hidden Splines; Prepare the stock, Miter the corners, Fit the raised panel, Cut the hidden-spline joinery, Prepare the inside before assembly, Glue up the box, Cut the lid loose from the base, Make and assemble the base frame, Add pulls to the box, Install the tray supports and lid keeper strips, Make the sliding tray, Sanding, finish, and final assembly
• A Lap-Cornered Box; Begin with book-matched stock, Mark and cut the lap-corner joints, Assemble the sides, Make the lid and base, Shape the lid and base, Finish the box
• A Fold-Out Jewelry Box, Prepare the stock, Miter the sides, Cut grooves to house the bottom panels, Make the top panel, Shape the sides, Sand the interior, Assemble the box, Cut and install miter keys, Cut the lid and levels apart, Make the support arms, Make the rear support, Make the dividers, Sand, finish, and assemble, Hinge the lid, Cut and install a lining
• A Jewelry Box with a Sliding Tray; Prepare the stock, Cut miters for the lid and base, Fit panels in the bottom and lid, Cut the top and bottom panels to fit, Assemble the sides and lid, Make the top panel, Cut the slots and install the keys, Rout a finger grip, Making a sliding tray, Make the dividers, Ease hinge installation with a flipping story stick, Install the hinges, Final finishing steps
• A Dovetailed Box with a Wooden Hinge; Cutting dovetails starts with tails, Assemble the box, Build a frame-and-panel base, Make the lid, Install the hinges, Finishing touches, Index

Doug Stowe has been a professional furniture and box maker since 1976. He is the author of numerous woodworking books including Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Box Making. Doug is a member of the New England Associaton of Woodworking Teachers.