Introduction: A Faster, Easier Way to Make Boxes
In my other instructable on making boxes, techniques are used for more decorative boxes. Time constraints may prevent some from making them of course. So this instructable shows an easier method, which can be used for "utility" boxes, or boxes that don't necessarily have to look good. It's a good way to help organize just about anything.In the shop, in the house, the kitchen etc.
Step 1: Choose Cardboard From Existing Box.
You will want to have box cutter, craft utility knife, straight edge, ruler, tape measure, glue and clamps ready to use. Select the cardboard you want to use. Boxes can be obtained at most grocery stores, and other venues that receive lots of goods.
Step 2: Score All Lines With Tool
The lines can be scored with a fid, a bone scorer, the back side of your scissors, etc.
Step 3: Cut Blank on the Lines Indicated
The box blank is cut so that the edges and ends can be folded up to form the box.
Step 4: Glue As Indicated
The box is glued in this step. My clamps are ready as well as some glue blocks or pieces so that the cardboard isn't dented by the clamps.
Step 5: Box Is Done, Ready for Use.
Fill box with paint, or use for your intended purpose. This is a simple way to make boxes you may need. Just vary the dimensions to whatever size you need. Your blank will have to be large enough to lay out your fold lines, but you can always glue pieces on as needed.
Step 6: Examples of Other Boxes
These pictures show other boxes made for various purposes. I like to organize things, and even label boxes to be able to find what I need at a glance. It has saved enormous amounts of time and frustration. Cman
17 Comments
11 years ago on Introduction
I think I'll make a batch of these for my jewelry projects, that way I can constrain the beads for one project in one place and eliminate the holy mess that is my desk top! I was thinking of using the box top off of my shoe boxes, but this is better since i can make whatever size I really need.
Thanks, I'm sure this will make a major difference in my creativity output; not pulling my hair out trying to find things in the middle of a project!
11 years ago on Introduction
am new at working with cardboard what glue do you use
massmidget45
12 years ago on Step 6
Thanks for the instructable - very well done. What's your procedure for making box lids?
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
You can either make a shallow box that fits over the top or you can use cardboard large enough to have flaps at the top just like a commercial shipping box. I mostly make my own shipping boxes so I make flaps on the bottom and top as that is more secure for shipping due to the double thickness on the top and bottom.
For me the bigger problem is getting large pieces of cardboard. ;-)
12 years ago on Step 2
I use a tool for re-screening window screens. It's a handle with a rotating wheel on each end. Once wheel has a grove for the spline and the other has a smooth edge. Both rollers will work but I find the grove wheel works better for me as the other wheel tends to cut into the cardboard. These are available at most hardware stores that sell window screen or window screen kits.
13 years ago on Step 6
You gotta be one crazy dude. Fantastic boxes and ible! thanks
Reply 12 years ago on Step 6
That's my kind of crazy. I love it
12 years ago on Step 6
Great stuff here...wish I had the ability to be so precise! That's on my to-do list :)
13 years ago on Introduction
Such a great, easy idea for using free cardboard and pennies worth of glue. Cheers. //rick//
13 years ago on Introduction
Note - these technically aren't boxes, they're trays. Still very useful, but boxes tend to have 6 sides, not 5.
I'm still trying to work out the most efficient way of cutting down scrap large boxes to fold/tape into smaller shipping boxes...
13 years ago on Introduction
Excellent Ible'!! I was able to make 4 little 6x5x3 (LxWxH) boxes from the side panels of a bigger box using this method!! Thanks very much! They fit into a plastic cube I bought from target today to try and organize my room (Which probably wont ever happen). Again, great job, and thanks!! Oh, and 5*
14 years ago on Introduction
Great job. I really like the idea. Seems simple enough and great way to recycle. I will make some for my garage instead of buying plastic totes. I love stuff like this. Thanks.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Thanks DaveNJ. Yes it is simple and I am amazed at how we overlook simple solutions (or just never see them). The boxes are fun to make, save money, and utilize whatever space you have more efficiently. Cman
14 years ago on Introduction
thanks for this:) i sell a lot of stuff/crap(lol) on fleabay and i found this 'ibble' priceless so once again thanks.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Thank you. Cman
14 years ago on Introduction
Incredible Instructable Creativeman!
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Thanks! Cman