Introduction: Finger-Joint Box

Simply follow this tutorial to create your very own finger-joint box!

Step 1: Step 1: Cut Out Sides for Box

Cut out four250x100x12 mm pieces of wood for the sides of the box.

Step 2: Step 2: Cut Out Lid Pieces

Cut out four250x15x12 mm pieces of wood to make the lid for the box. Then cut the ends off at a 45° angle, as shown.

Step 3: Step 3: Cut Grooves in Lid and Sides

For the lid,cut a 5 mm deep, 3 mm wide groove, 5 mm from the edge, as shown. Do three of the four sides.

For the sides of the box, cut a 5 mm deep, 6 mm wide groove, 7 mm from the edge, as shown. Do all four sides.

Step 4: Step 4: Marking Out the Sides

Mark out the pieces for the box as shown.

Step 5: Step 5: Marking Out for the Hinge

On the piece of lid that a groove was not cut in, 50 mm from the edges, trace around the hinge as shown.

Do the same on one of the sides of the box, making sure that the hinge would be facing outward, away from the grove in the box and on the top, the side that the groove isn't.

Step 6: Step 6: Chiselling

Now chisel out inside the spot that was traced around the hinges. Chisel down about 2 mm, or the width of the hinge, as shown.

Step 7: Step 7: Cutting Out the Finger-Joints

Now cut out the spots on the pieces of wood for the sides of the box that were previously marked out, as shown. Once the cutting out is complete, file the edges as necessary to fit the sides together.

Step 8: Step 8: Cutting Out the Bottom and the Lid

To make the bottom of the box, cut out a 245 x 245 mm square, from a piece of 6 mm thick wood.

To make the lid, cut out a 245 x 245 mm square from a piece of perspex that is 3 mm thick.

Step 9: Step 9: Gluing Together the Sides

Once the bottom of the box has been cut out and all the sides of the box can neatly fit together, you need to apply glue to the faces of the fingers that will be touching, and and fit all the pieces together, with the groove that was cut out at the bottom and on the inside of the box, and with the square of wood inside the grooves.

Step 10: Step 10: Gluing Together the Lid

Now glue together all the pieces of wood for the lid. Make sure that each corner is at a 90° angle and the perspex fits neatly inside the grooves. The area chiseled out for the hinges must line up with the chiseled out area on the lid.

Step 11: Step 11: Sanding and Puttying

Now it is time to sand the sides of the box and the lid if necessary. Make sure that all the finger-joints are flush, and the edges line up correctly. If there area any gaps between joints then they may be filled with putty. Once the putty has dried, lightly sand the box again.

Step 12: Step 12: Applying a Finish

It is now time to apply a finish to the box. Varnish, oil or other kinds of finish can be used on the box.

After the selected finish has dried, the box is complete. The box can be lined with cloth or other materials if you want.