Introduction: Keepsake Box
A decorative box that is about the size of a standard shoebox. It is used to hold keepsakes.
Supplies
All items are not pictured
2' X 4' 1/2" Plywood - we used Birch.
Table saw -or - Circular handsaw
Pencil
Brad Nails
Rope (for Handle)
Preferred Finish
Step 1: Gather Materials
Get all the supplies you will need to create this box. Have all the tools near your work area so you can use them when needed.
Step 2: Measure
To create the box you need to cut 6 pieces out of the plywood.
2- pieces that are 6" x 14" - these will be 2 of the sides
2- pieces that are 6" x 10" - these will be the other 2 sides
2- pieces that are 10" x 14" - these will be the bottom and lid
Map out the best layout on the plywood - See rough sketch provided.
Make measurements with tape measure. Make a mark on each side of wood and use the straight edge and pencil to draw the lines.
As an optional step you can put masking tape on the lines where the wood will be cut - this will prevent "blow out" and makes for a nicer finished product.
Step 3: Cut
Now that your board is marked out and taped it is now ready to cut.
Make sure you wear your safety glasses and ear protection and push stick- SAFETY FIRST!
Bring the board to your table saw and set the fence on your table saw to the appropriate distance for the various cuts
For the first cuts the blade should be at 90 degrees.
When finished you should have your 6 pieces.
Step 4: Angle Cuts
Next set your table saw blade to 45 degrees. Use your speed square to confirm the angle of the blade.
On our table saw we needed to move the fence in 1/2" when making the angled cuts. For example On the 10" cuts we set the fence at 9 1/2 " This setting made it so that the portion of the blade furthest from the fence was 10" away and the portion of the blade closest to the fence was 9 1/2" away.
When you make these cuts set the fence once then make all the cuts for the measurement - this will insure the cuts are the same on each piece.
For example there are 8 - 10" sides. Set the fence to 9 1/2" then make all 8 cuts.
When finished you should have a 45 degree angle on all sides of every piece.
Step 5: Glue and Tack
Now we are ready to glue the pieces together.
Glue one edge at a time and while holding the pieces together use the staple gun w/ brad nails loaded to secure the pieces.
Do this for each side and bottom of box.
Be sure not to glue the lid on.
Wipe away excess glue.
Let dry according to the glue manufacturers instructions.
Step 6: Handle Holes
Take the lid piece and draw a center line both vertically and horizontally so you can locate the center of the lid.
With your tape measure- measure 2" from center on each side on the center point. Make a reference mark to drill a hole.
When lid is marked Drill 1 hole on each mark using the 5/16 drill bit.
Step 7: Sand and Finish
Once the Glue is dry sand the box and scrape away any left over glue.
After the box is sanded apply your favorite finish. We used Minwax Mocha finish.
Let dry
Step 8: Handle
Cut desired length of rope to use for the handle.
Feed rope through the holes and tie a knot to secure.
Step 9: Finished
You now have a finished keepsake box to keep or give to a friend.
Participated in the
One Board Contest
