Cub scout project: Wood Tool Box

The tool box is one of the projects our cub scout pack builds. Its uses few materials and costs less than $3 per scout. This is a great beginner project. The cub scouts learn how to use a hammer, saw, glue gun, and sanding block.
It takes a little preparation to get things ready for the scouts. The instructable is in two parts, Preparation steps and Scout steps. Prep steps are done by the leaders prior to the meeting. The scout steps are done by the kids at the meeting.

Remove these ads by Signing Up

Step 1: Materials

Materials:
1” x 4” x 8' pine board (Furring strip). One board per two tool boxes. (~$2)
1” x 2” x 8' pine board (Furring strip). One board per 8 tool boxes. (~$1)
1lb box 1-3/8” ring shank drywall nails. One box per 20 tool boxes. (~$4)

unklegwar says: Apr 7, 2013. 7:18 AM

Oh, also...have them "break" all the long edges with sandpaper, especially the handle, to help prevent splinters.

unklegwar says: Apr 7, 2013. 7:16 AM

As a woodworker myself, I'm concerned about the use of nails into end-grain for the handle. This is a triple whammy. End grain, nails, soft wood. That connection will eventually fail unless this is just left on a shelf.

I realize this is a kid project, but a handle that easily separates from the box while the child is trying to carry stuff is going to be discouraging. And depending what's in it, might make for a mess or injury.

There's not many easy kid-doable things that can be done to beef up this connection. But even using some glue for the handle will help a little. That joint can use any help available.

I think someone else suggested real wood (PVA) glue, that would help this butt joint, even if not clamped. Titebond I and II will give about 5 minutes of "open" time. Titebond III will give 8. Plenty of time to get positioned and nailed. It's not stringy and cleans up with water. And it's even safer than using a hot glue gun.

nfrith says: Jan 21, 2013. 7:48 AM

Nice, simple project and perfectly age-appropriate for younger Cub Scouts. I will be doing this with my Wolves on Tuesday night, I will let you know how it goes. One change I made is that I will be using carpenter's glue instead of hot glue, as some others have suggested. Great idea, simple and low-cost - I was able to get my cost under $3 per box.