A Faster, Easier Way to Make Boxes

In my other instructable on making boxes, techniques are used for more decorative boxes. Time constraints may prevent some from making them of course. So this instructable shows an easier method, which can be used for "utility" boxes, or boxes that don't necessarily have to look good. It's a good way to help organize just about anything.In the shop, in the house, the kitchen etc.

Step 1: Choose cardboard from existing box.

You will want to have box cutter, craft utility knife, straight edge, ruler, tape measure, glue and clamps ready to use. Select the cardboard you want to use. Boxes can be obtained at most grocery stores, and other venues that receive lots of goods.

Step 2: Score all lines with tool

The lines can be scored with a fid, a bone scorer, the back side of your scissors, etc.

Step 3: Cut blank on the lines indicated

The box blank is cut so that the edges and ends can be folded up to form the box.

Step 4: Glue as Indicated

The box is glued in this step. My clamps are ready as well as some glue blocks or pieces so that the cardboard isn't dented by the clamps.

Step 5: Box is done, ready for use.

Fill box with paint, or use for your intended purpose. This is a simple way to make boxes you may need. Just vary the dimensions to whatever size you need. Your blank will have to be large enough to lay out your fold lines, but you can always glue pieces on as needed.

Step 6: Examples of other boxes

These pictures show other boxes made for various purposes. I like to organize things, and even label boxes to be able to find what I need at a glance. It has saved enormous amounts of time and frustration. Cman

Comments

[ArtsyFartsyGirl]

I think I'll make a batch of these for my jewelry projects, that way I can constrain the beads for one project in one place and eliminate the holy mess that is my desk top! I was thinking of using the box top off of my shoe boxes, but this is better since i can make whatever size I really need.
Thanks, I'm sure this will make a major difference in my creativity output; not pulling my hair out trying to find things in the middle of a project!

[kgerman1]

am new at working with cardboard what glue do you use
massmidget45

[pamfae]

Thanks for the instructable - very well done. What's your procedure for making box lids?

[dpainter]

You can either make a shallow box that fits over the top or you can use cardboard large enough to have flaps at the top just like a commercial shipping box. I mostly make my own shipping boxes so I make flaps on the bottom and top as that is more secure for shipping due to the double thickness on the top and bottom.

For me the bigger problem is getting large pieces of cardboard. ;-)

[dpainter]

I use a tool for re-screening window screens. It's a handle with a rotating wheel on each end. Once wheel has a grove for the spline and the other has a smooth edge. Both rollers will work but I find the grove wheel works better for me as the other wheel tends to cut into the cardboard. These are available at most hardware stores that sell window screen or window screen kits.

[startree]

You gotta be one crazy dude. Fantastic boxes and ible! thanks

[riseabove]

That's my kind of crazy. I love it

[pnky_14]

Great stuff here...wish I had the ability to be so precise! That's on my to-do list :)

[rickdf]

Such a great, easy idea for using free cardboard and pennies worth of glue.  Cheers. //rick//

[talonts]

Note - these technically aren't boxes, they're trays.  Still very useful, but boxes tend to have 6 sides, not 5.

I'm still trying to work out the most efficient way of cutting down scrap large boxes to fold/tape into smaller shipping boxes...

[Zem]

Excellent Ible'!! I was able to make 4 little 6x5x3 (LxWxH) boxes from the side panels of a bigger box using this method!! Thanks very much! They fit into a plastic cube I bought from target today to try and organize my room (Which probably wont ever happen). Again, great job, and thanks!! Oh, and 5*

[DaveNJ]

Great job. I really like the idea. Seems simple enough and great way to recycle. I will make some for my garage instead of buying plastic totes. I love stuff like this. Thanks.

[Creativeman]

Thanks DaveNJ. Yes it is simple and I am amazed at how we overlook simple solutions (or just never see them). The boxes are fun to make, save money, and utilize whatever space you have more efficiently. Cman

[chalky]

thanks for this:) i sell a lot of stuff/crap(lol) on fleabay and i found this 'ibble' priceless so once again thanks.

[Creativeman]

Thank you. Cman

[duck-lemon]

Incredible Instructable Creativeman!

[Creativeman]

Thanks! Cman