Octagonal Bowl (Box Joints)

Box joints are traditionally used to join two pieces of wood at a right angle, with the tabs sanded flush with the surface of each board. Using extended length box joints on an octagonal bowl, with its 45 degree angles, creates an interesting effect on both the inside and outside of the bowl.

This instructable shows how to design, cut out, and assemble the pieces used to make such an octagonal bowl.

I made this at TechShop www.techshop.ws

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Step 1: Materials and Equipment

Vector drawing software (I used CorelDRAW)
Laser cutter (my TechShop has a Trotec Speedy 300)
150 grit sandpaper
5 minute epoxy
Clear polyurethane
2-1/2" x 15" poplar (1/4" thick)
5" x 5" poplar (1/4" thick)

This instructable assumes some basic familiarity with CorelDRAW and a laser cutter. If you don't have access to a laser cutter, you can still cut out the box using other tools such as a scroll saw or coping saw.

Dream Dragon says: Dec 29, 2012. 8:14 AM

I know these a "Finger Joints" since many techniques could be used to make a "box". They are a variation of a Dove Tailed joint.

I like this application, but I wonder how fine you could make your fingers? A laser cutter ought to make fine fingers much more easily than cutting by hand.