mrrhode04 Posted November 21, 2014 Report Share Posted November 21, 2014 Here is a rendering of a box that I want to build. I haven't built very many small things so I am looking for guidence on somethings. What would be the thinnest that I would want to make the wood? Is 1/8" to thin? would 1/4" be better? Do I build it the same as any other box? Build the box and then cut it to make the two halves. If you are wondering what the metal looking things are, they are magnets to hold the cover on. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted November 21, 2014 Report Share Posted November 21, 2014 You could get away with either thickness. Suggest seeing what you can get for the magnets before selecting the thickness. Being small and thin, it's perfect for box joints. I would build the box and then cut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrrhode04 Posted November 21, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2014 The magnets shouldn't be a problem, I can get all the way down to a 1/16 diameter. I would assume you would hand cut the box joints since the box is so small. If you did box joints those would be the front, back and two sides, would you try to make the top and bottom fit inside those pieces or on top? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted November 21, 2014 Report Share Posted November 21, 2014 You could make them on the table saw or router table. Stack the 2 pieces together and do them at the same time. Also, add a backer to reduce tear out. I would put the joints on the narrow sides and rabbit in the front and back. That's certainly a personal choice and opinion tho. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted November 21, 2014 Report Share Posted November 21, 2014 Kev, Are you/he talking about jointing all four sides w/ the top and bottom using finger joints?Ken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clarryr Posted November 21, 2014 Report Share Posted November 21, 2014 Consider building the box out of larger wood and then plane/sand it down to finished size after all the construction. Working with larger pieces would be safer and easier. Larry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted November 21, 2014 Report Share Posted November 21, 2014 I would use 1/4" wood and joint the sides with finger joints and let the top and bottom float in grooves cut in the sides. The top would be even or a little proud of the sides and the bottom would be 1/4" above the bottom of the sides. Then slice the top from the bottom on the ts. I think the preferred way of doing this is cut almost all the way thru the sides to where you can finish the thru cut w/ a box blade. Then insert that massive stone into it and surprise the young lady. Looks like congrats are in order If you do a good job on the box Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barron Posted November 21, 2014 Report Share Posted November 21, 2014 I think miters and 1/4 stock would look great. Doug Stowes "Beautiful Boxes" has great examples and tips on construction. Highly recommended.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted November 21, 2014 Report Share Posted November 21, 2014 I think miters and 1/4 stock would look great. Doug Stowes "Beautiful Boxes" has great examples and tips on construction. Highly recommended.. Doug has several good books and videos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted November 22, 2014 Report Share Posted November 22, 2014 Kev, Are you/he talking about jointing all four sides w/ the top and bottom using finger joints? Ken Yep.. This keeps them out of the cut line and fully visible Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted November 22, 2014 Report Share Posted November 22, 2014 Myself, I would take a solid chunk of wood, square it up, slice off the "top" and bore out a cavity with a forstner bit. Once she gets a look at that rock, the box will be completely forgotten. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted November 22, 2014 Report Share Posted November 22, 2014 Myself, I would take a solid chunk of wood, square it up, slice off the "top" and bore out a cavity with a forstner bit. Once she gets a look at that rock, the box will be completely forgotten. A band saw box would be cool! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rapid Roger Posted November 22, 2014 Report Share Posted November 22, 2014 Myself, I would take a solid chunk of wood, square it up, slice off the "top" and bore out a cavity with a forstner bit. Once she gets a look at that rock, the box will be completely forgotten. I like this idea. Especially if you can find a REALLY nice piece of figured wood. Make it look like just a block of solid wood with a nice finish. A smaller version of something like this..... Rog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrrhode04 Posted November 24, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 24, 2014 Thank you all for the replies, I like the idea of glueing the front and back on to the sides and the solid box idea. My girlfriend use to be a machinist so she notices the details. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Cancelleri Posted November 25, 2014 Report Share Posted November 25, 2014 My girlfriend use to be a machinist so she notices the details. If you really wanna impress her, make it out of aluminum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrrhode04 Posted November 25, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2014 I could do that, I have access to a full machine shop at Dunwoody College any time I need it. I would rather make it out of wood since that is what I am good at. When we were going to Dunwoody I was in the program that would design the parts and she was in the program that would make them. She is also finding more interest in to wood working. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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