Introduction: Dice Box/Vault
In this instructable I'm going to show you how to make polyhedral dice boxes. My friends play dungeons and dragons and asked me to make some dice boxes for them. I think they came out really well and will suit their needs. I am also selling these on etsy.
I engraved the top of the boxes with the d & d logo as an added effect.
Step 1: Tools & Materials
1. Wood
2. Saw
3. Drill
4. Magnets
5. Stain/Finish
6. Drill
Step 2: Cutting the Wood
I started out by ripping 3/4 in maple to the size of the various boxes that I was making. I used a table saw for this but you could use a pull saw.
Next I set up a stop block on the miter saw to make the repeated cross cuts easier.
Step 3: Adding Templates
I layed out all the boxes and then attached drilling templets to the wood using spray adhesive. This part was tricky to get them lined up properly. Just take your time.
Step 4: Drilling the Holes and Sanding
I drilled one inch holes into the wood to hold the dice. I should have added a center point in each circle to make this process easier. After I finished drilling this piece I did the same to all the others. This took awhile to finish.
I then sanded all the pieces up to 220 grit sandpaper.
Step 5: Engraving Logo's & CNC
I used my cnc machine to engrave logos to the box tops.
I wanted one box to have hexagons instead of circles so I cut that out in the cnc machine. You could do this by hand with a chisel but would take a really long time.
Step 6: Staining & Finishing
I used watch walnut stain for the boxes because I like how that stain soaks into the wood. I was having trouble staining the circles and hexes so I ended up just dipping my finger in the stain and spreading it around. Staining all the pieces took a long time.
Step 7: Magnets
I wanted to hold these boxes together with magnets. So I just used super glue to hold them in place. They are plenty strong.
Step 8: Enjoy Your Box!
Overall, I love how these came out and more importantly my friends love them as well. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or comments.
10 Comments
6 years ago
Man, this is awesome! I would make one, but I do not Have a CNC
6 years ago
Definitely making this! Also, guessing you're a Critter?
Reply 6 years ago
Post a picture if you do and yes, I am a critter.
6 years ago
Hey there, fantastic Instructable! What were some of the measurements and dimensions used for these? (drill hole size, length, depth to be drilled) Id love to make a couple of these for my groomsmen, being that we are playing D&D for my bachelor party.
Reply 6 years ago
The long box is like 9.25" by 4.25"
Reply 6 years ago
Awesome. Congrats on getting married. This box was roughly 4.5" by 5" I used 3/4 stock and the holes are drilled a half inch into the wood. The hex holes are a little bigger than 1" while circles would be exactly 1". Post a picture if you make them.
6 years ago
Nice! now I need this. great idea and build!
Reply 6 years ago
Awesome! Post a picture if you make one.
6 years ago
What's the link to where you all these? My hubby would love this!
Reply 6 years ago
Cool. Here is the link. http://etsy.me/2efk9Bs