I mentioned recently that I felt like actually making something before working on my bench. What better project for my beginner skills than a simple dovetail box? I haven’t waded through the loads of plans online for boxes, so this plan of mine might not work. Let me know what you think.
First, I had an idea that maybe I could build the entire box out of a single block of 2×4 that is 5 1/2″ long. Here’s my block – it’s kempas by the way (click for big size, you wood junkies):
The dimensions of the box top (and bottom) I thought would be roughly 4″ by 5 1/3″ (I read somewhere that a 1:1 1/3 ratio is nice for boxes). So I thought that I would just rip the top and bottom of the box right off the top of this block of wood – I dunno, maybe 1/2″ thick for each? That would leave me something like 5/8″ left. Is is crazy to think of cutting that in two 1/4″ (ish) pieces, that I’d then rip down the middle for the four walls? Are dovetails for 1/4″ thick pieces too fine for a beginner?
I guess I’m just being lazy to cut off more wood for the walls, and also I’m trying to mimimize (maybe neurotically so) wood waste.
Another question I have is how to join the box to the bottom. I was thinking that I’d just slap some glue on the bottom of the box walls and throw it onto the bottom, but that sounds so crude to say it. The top will be hinged somehow – I’ll burn that bridge when I get to it.
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January 26, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Luis
Hi Eric,
I think you’re trying to get the pieces for that box from a very small block of wood. Usually it’s a good idea to get the four sides from a single board, that way there will be a continuous grain pattern around the box.
To join the bottom to the side I wouldn’t advise to just glue the two parts. You must remember one very important thing: wood moves!
On such a small box, you may get by without worrying about this, but on something larger, you must take this in consideration when designing your projects.
A good way to join the bottom of the box to the sides is to cut a rabbet all around the bottom. then create a dado near the bottom of all four sides.
I’m sorry but this is easier to explain with a drawing than with just words. I’ll try to post a drawing and get back to you.
Luis
September 15, 2008 at 8:08 am
jake
what woods did u use
September 15, 2008 at 8:51 am
Eric
@Jake: Exclusively kempas (a tropical hardwood readily found in this part of the world)
October 18, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Tony Ennis
You can glue the bottom to the sides with safety – if the bottom is plywood or a similar man-made product. The reason is that wood expands across the grain, not with the grain. That is – a box will get taller, but not wider. Letting the bottom in with a rabbet or groove would be nicer. Be advised you have to make a stopped rabbet (or groove) or it will show!
If you’re putting in a solid wood bottom then the traditional method is to ‘float’ it – capture the bottom in a groove without gluing it.
October 27, 2009 at 5:17 am
Eric
Hey Tony, As you can see from later blog posts, that’s exactly what I did (glue the bottom to rabbeted sides). I think it’ll hold just fine unless my wife drops a big wrench into the box, which I’m thinking is unlikely.