Bandsaw Boxes Made Easy

Warning Bandsaw Box making can be addictive.
  
However they are easy to create and make great gifts for storing little trinkets. Have Fun!

I want to thank Steve Ramsey at WoodworkingForMereMortals.com for his tutorial video that got me started in the box making world 

Step 1 Design Your Creation

Design your creation. You are only limited by your imagination. Or search the web for ideas. The following box is a facsimile of a picture I found created by " Lois Keener Ventura" 

Lois Keener Ventura wrote a book on making bandsaw boxes.

This design I drew up in Sketchup (free version)

Comments

[wilwrk4tls]

I will have to put my bandsaw to the test- very nice step-by-step.

[sawtooth1953]

This is the step that sets the limit for a box size... a full size band saw can typically handle 6-7" while a benchtop band saw is limited to about 3" or so... the same design style can be made, but smaller saws require scaling the pattern down.

[sawtooth1953]

And... don't forget the largest design for a bandsaw box is limited by the bandsaw that one is working with... benchtop bandsaws won't be able to handle the 6" width dimension.

[intdes]

interior design nyc

[terbo3]

Nice looking box that you made there! Band saw boxes always make me think of Alice in Wonderland... You've inspired me to give one a try; I've always been a little wary of my bandsaw abilities, so I tend to stick to mitered jewelry boxes and the table saw.

BTW, if you're looking for nice, figured woods for smaller projects like this, you should check out Horizon Wood Product's online specialty shop. It's got a pretty slick setup with zoomable photos and whatnot!.


http://www.horizonevolutions.com/eshop/

[ebergh]

Nice use of photos... clearly shows the steps! Bandsaw boxes are an easy project and a good way to use up shorts by laminating them up to make the box blanks.

My students usually finished of the interiors of the drawers by brushing them with a coat of enamel paint and then blowing in a puff of rayon flock of a matching color. It gives them the look of being lined in felt and hides any minor sanding faults.

Very creative shapes in your examples!

[Wood Chuck]

Thanks ebergh, those boxes were my first three I made. I have since started flocking the insides, even the inside of the opening which takes up a lot of the bandsaw cut lines and the drawers slide very nicely.

[dirkbo7]

I was wondering what type of bandsaw you use? I have finally received permission to get one from the boss and have been doing my research. Any input would be great.

[Wood Chuck]

I use a 14" Delta model # 28-206. When I was researching bandsaws I liked the blade support system both above and below the table. I have been pleased with the peformance of the Delta. Hope that helps. Bruce

[speedyspy2]

Nice instructible. i saw on of these in a store that sold homemade wood projects and made onee myself in carpentry class. mine was half of a tree stump (semicircle flat side down curved side made of bark) and gave it to my grandma for mothersday. i plan on making one like yours soon

[Wood Chuck]

Thanks for the comments - have fun

[sawtooth1953]

Nice job. I think it should be mentioned that this size box cannot be made on a benchtop sized band saw... those typically have a max. height capacity in the neighborhood of 3 1/2". This project was cut using a full sized band saw whose capacity is likely closer to 7". The step where the back is cut off is the limiting step... if the box on its side is taller than your saw's max. height capacity, then you can't cut off the back. Benchtop band saws can certainly make boxes with this method, but the design has to take that dimension into account... same with scroll saws, whose max. height capacity is typically around 2", give or take a little depending on the model.

[Wood Chuck]

Thanks for you input sawtooth1953, it's amazing what you have to consider when writing one of these instructables. Cheers

[zippydaspinhead]

While sawtooth is correct I think it prudent to say that you don't NEED to use a band saw to cut off the back. Other tools may be used. However a full size band saw would probably make the BEST cut.

[Wood Chuck]

Actually all you really need for capacity for this particular box is about 3", you just lay it down to cut the back off

[corsi]

i was about to say.... these pictures look really familiar. but then i saw that it was in fact Bruce aka. wood chuck. my favorite youtube channel did a piece on you and you bandsaw boxes. thanx

[Wood Chuck]

Corsi; Where might that be? You must be refering to the Woodworking for mere mortals site. Steve was the one that suggested entering this instructable.

[corsi]

It was infact the very one. Have watched all of his videos. I have made several bandsaw boxes with the help of this instructable.

[moonshinebluebird]

wow, thanks so much Wood Chuck. I'm going to give this a try, the instructable is great!

[Wood Chuck]

Your welcome - have fun

[quadracer]

Very nice work! Im going to have to try this as my next wood working project, Thank you. Now only if I had one of those sanders. And the saying goes, you can NEVER have too many clamps.

[littlepetry]

Very nice. Inspiring. When ever I try to make sharp turns on my bandsaw like you're doing, my blade breaks. What am I doing wrong? Any turns that I make on my band saw has to be very slight. Any Ideas?

[Wood Chuck]

You shouldn't be breaking blades, unless you are trying to make turns that are too sharp for the size of your blade or your saw needs a basic setup. I've included a link to Marc Spagnolos site (aka The Wood Whisperer) He goes over a basic tune-up, in particular blade tension. I hope this helps you out. Bruce http://thewoodwhisperer.com/bandsaw-setup-tuneup/

[littlepetry]

Thanks!

[boognishmofo]

I wonder how well this would work on a scroll saw? wish I had a band saw. nice work.

[Wood Chuck]

boognishmofo: there is no reason why a scroll saw wouldn't work. I know my scroll saw is very small and the stroke distance is too short - unless your going to make very small boxes. WC

[marjorieallea]

All three of your boxes are beautiful!

[Isamuk]

Absolutly amazing you have changed the game for woodworkers

[Wood Chuck]

Thanks Igor

[canida]

Beautiful work!

[Wood Chuck]

Thanks everyone for the encouargement and kind words. They really are fun to make.

[jeff-o]

Nice. I've been meaning to make a bandsaw box for a while but never got around to it. Your instructable is nice and clear, well done!

[mikeasaurus]

cool, the results look great!

[valhallas_end]

Very nice. I've seen these in wood-specialty stores for rather high prices...I never thought of making my own this way though. Well detailed, and beautiful final product!