Introduction: Simple Laser Cut Wood Boxes

This Instructable will help you make some really simple wood boxes.
This small box contains a drawer, so no kind of hinge is needed.
They are really easy to make, and are a good way to make a gift a little more special.

Step 1: List of Materials

The piece of wood is the most important part of this project.
I got a piece of 2,5mm ( 1/10 " inch ) plywood that already comes with Okume veneer in one face.

You will also need:

  • Laser Cutter
  • Router with 45° Bit - Not 100% necessary
  • Wood Glue
  • Cotton Swabs
  • Clamps
  • Paint/Laquer

Step 2: Laser Cut

Cut the DXF with the Laser.
The file contains the plans for a 150 x 150 x 100 mm, and a 150 x 150 x 75 mm box ( and their respective drawer ). It shouldn´t be hard to modify to other sizes, They could be bigger, but I wouldn´t recommend making that unless you start using thicker plywood.

Step 3: Clamp It!

This kind of plywood is really thin, and sometimes it can be naturally bended.
After cutting the material, I used some clamps and got everything together for a few days, to make it as flat as possible.
Next time I will try to get some metal sheets to use as guides.

Step 4: Assembly

Get all the parts on a table and glue them.
Yo can use the cotton swabs to wipe excess glue.

Step 5: Clamp It Again!

Using some scrap wood I made a block that fits right into the box.
This "Block" is not 100% necesary, but lets you clamp the outer box without warping it.

Step 6: Machining

This step is not 100% needed, but it is really usefull helping the interior drawer move freely. ( I also like how the laser cutting pattern appears on the outside ).
If you don´t have a Router, you can sand the edges manually with sandpaper and/or files, at least in the interior tray to help it move.

Step 7: Lacquer / Paint

After just sanding the edges ( not the venner, is too thin ) aplly lacquer.
For some boxes I also painted the interior of the smaller tray black, to give it a more professional Look.

Enjoy!

Make a Box Contest

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Make a Box Contest

Full Spectrum Laser Contest 2016

Participated in the
Full Spectrum Laser Contest 2016

Plywood Contest

Participated in the
Plywood Contest