If you want to make a box that looks like a professional craftsman hand made it, but don't want to spend hours measuring and hand fitting, just follow these instructions and you'll not only impress your friends, you'll even impress yourself!

All of us have made boxes of one type or another. We've had boxes turn out out of square, twisted to where they rock back and forth when put on a table. The lid might not match quite right or might not close tight.

My goal here is to show you how to eliminate these problems and make a box that looks professional built with less effort than any other method.

I like to have the finished box look like I'm an accomplished woodworker and this method works every time. I have put a home drink coasters in one of these boxes and the box was considered the best part of the gift!

The corners are mitered at 45 deg, the top and bottom are fitted in slots which forces the box to be square and the corners match perfectly, every time! With the box built as one complete assembly and the lid cut off guarantees a great fitting lid.

The box I'm building here is a specific size and shape. Feel free to modify the size to fit your needs. I've made boxes this way using various hardwoods and the results are exceptional! I'd recommend using walnut or oak if you want an outstanding box!

This is by far the easiest and most accurate way I've found make a box.

Step 1: Everything You Need to Make This Box.

MATERIALS:

2.5cm x 10cm (1"x4") pine board about 1 meter (3 feet) long.

30cm x 15cm (12"x6") piece of 3mm(1/8") plywood.

2 hinges with screws

1 latch

TOOLS:

table saw

painters tape

tape measure

wood glue

screwdriver

Step 2: Cut Material to Size

Set the table saw blade to 45 deg and cut 2 pieces of the pine board 23 cm 9" long and 2 more 17cm (6.75") long.
Return the table saw blade to 90 deg and cut 2 identical pieces of the 3mm (1/8") plywood to 12cm x 20cm (5.75" x 8").
Set the blade for a height of 6mm (1/4") with the fence 3mm (1/8") from the blade.
Cut a slot on the inside the both ends of all 4 pieces of the box sides, as pictured.

Step 3: Assemble the Box to Test the Fit

Slide the top and bottom into the slots on one of the sides.
Add the remaining 3 sides.
If the corners do not completely close you will need to trim a little off the plywood until your happy with the fit.

Step 4: Glue the Box Together

Lay out the sides and ends on a flat surface with a straight edge. The table saw and fence work great!
Make sure you have alternated the pieces. There must be a short piece 17cm (6.75") then a long one 23cm (9") then a short one, last a long one.
Apply 2 pieces of painters tape, start near the center of the first piece and extending beyond the last piece. I prefer painters tape over masking tape because glue will not stick to the painters tape but will stick to some types of masking tape.
Turn the pieces over and add glue to the 45 deg cuts. I used my finger to spread the glue to cover the full surface.
Put the plywood in the slots of one of the sides, then fold up the other 3 sides. It is not necessary to glue the plywood into the slots, there will be enough glue squeezed into the slots at the corners to keep it tight. If you choose to put glue in the slots, use only a small amount, you do NOT want glue squeezing out, it makes it tough to get a good stain on the wood without a lot of sanding and it's tough to get all the glue off.
Pull the final corner closed and tape it tight.
Let dry for a at least an hour. I always leave it over night.

Step 5: Cut Off the Lid

Sand the box now. Round over the edges.
Set the fence to cut off 2.5cm (1").
Have the blade deep enough to cut thru the sides 2.5cm (1").
Cut all 4 sides. Now you have a box with a perfect fitting lid!

Step 6: Attach Hinges

Depending on the type of hinges you get, pay attention to the location of them, if they are not even and aligned they could bind.
I like to fold the hinge as shown, that way the pin of both hinges will align correctly. Attach both hinges to the box.
Clamp the lid to the box and screw the hinges to the top.
Now it's time to stain or paint the box and you're done!
Have fun building!