This is a project for LIS 7580 at St Catherine University. For this project, I will show you how to build a box to hold your cat toys in. It is a beginner level project someone can try as a way to familiarize themself with a few basic woodworking techniques and tools. Also your cat will love it.

Supplies

2 18 inch by 4 inch Poplar boards
4 36 inch by 4 in Poplar boards.
4 Large Wood Clamps
1 Chisel
1 Saw
Sandpaper
Wood Glue
Mat for gluing
Cat
Ample Cat toys

Step 1: Measure for Sides

Measure Sides of toy box to be the length across of 2 poplar boards. Use a chisel or drawknife to make an indentation in the boards to make sawing easier.

Step 2: Measure Long Boards

Use the pre cut board to measure the length of the two side board to ensure that all lengths are equal. Use a chisel or drawknife to make where to cut.

Step 3: Saw

Saw all boards at the marked lines.

Step 4: Sanding

Sand the recently cut edge of each board until smooth.

Step 5: Glue the Long Boards

Glue 2 long boards together to form a 90 degree angle using wood glue. Use clamps to hold the boards in place while the glue dries. Repeat this step 2X. This step will take 24 hours because the wood glue will need that much time to cure and bond with the wood. To protect your project from cat sabotage, be sure you have a safe level place to store the project while you wait.

Step 6: Glue the Two Sides Together

Now that your 2 sides have successfully been glued together, you can attach them together. Apply your wood glue along the entire edge of 1 of your sides. Then bring them together, making sure that the two edges are flush and even. Once you have the boards glued together, apply 2 wood clamps, as seen in the picture, one on each end of the box to maintain ensure that the glue holds firm and evenly. Once again, this step will take 24 hours because the wood glue needs to fully cure.

Step 7: Add the Sides

Here we are, the final step! Glue in place the 2 cross boards along the open short sides of the box. Once again you will use clamps to hold them in place as the glue cures and dries. This step can be tricky because you are clamping 3 pieces together (the 2 end boards and the box itself). So you will need to be mindful that the pieces do not shift and move as you are clamping it. Once 24 hours has passed, you are done and may fill the box with as many cat toys as you can aquire!