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OK… the title should be, "Wooden Boxes for Dummies." I recently got the urge to make some simpler boxes. Boxes that have no hardware. No God forsaken hinges, no trays, no feet, you get the point. The only problem was, I've never seen how they're made.

Now I've had some good mentorship, and I think I have a pretty good grasp on some things. So, I just googled wooden boxes, and old wooden boxes. I found a neat box (and there is one here on LJ very similar) that was Japanese inspired. Often used for tools, these boxes use an ingenious but ridiculously simple closing system used in Japanese boxes for centuries.


The top just slides into place, the brackets on the top ends holding it there.


So… I decided to make one, then two, then three…it was easy! I was delirious with joy as I did not have to fit hinges carefully only to be sickened by an uneven gap or a bad fit. The new system was not without a little trepidation however… I have tried to make boxes with inset lids like so many of the talented guys like Greg Little make here on LJ… but never seeing it done, I just wing it. So, I just made my box frame, taped it together, square it up, and set it on the board I was going to use as a top. Since I had not put in the bottom yet, I could just use a pencil and trace the outline.

Then I cut a piece (sneaking up on it) to fit. Now at this point the lid would fall into the box. You need a little gap all the way around, or it won't slide later. Add the top brackets (glue and pegs for me) after a little figuring, and one end of the top should slide right under the end bracket on the box. Slide it back a little and there you go!


I made two smaller ones (about 12" x 4" x 5") and a larger one (15" x 6" x 7"). I finished them with tung oil only, as it looks simpler and more utilitarian. I made a complete box in a day, with lots of time in-between gluing. It is nice to start with a board in the morning and have a nice sliding lid box by supper.

Now I don't think these little boxes would win any beauty contests, but they will hold chisels, paint brushes, router bits, pencils, or just about anything. I think scrap wood would work nicely. Fun, pretty easy, and CHEAP. That's what I like!


I hope you like these… although I didn't invent them, I stumbled through making a few, and now I am hooked!

Gallery

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Congratulations!! Love that boxes too! Is awesome simple and practice. I m hooked too. Big hug from Argentine
 

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You have made some very nice designed boxes Jerry. You are so right about the beauty found in simplicity. It is so easy to over-complicate and over build a project. I like the raised dowel plugs you have used…a very interesting effect.
 

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Nice job. I need to try a couple as well.
 

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Love 'em !!! I've got a bunch of wooden pegs, my trusty CAD drawing software, and a laser on my radial arm saw. I'm going to give it a try. Not "think I will", I will.

I suppose you could complicate it with hand-cut, double-blind dovetails at the corners. :)
 

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Just noticed that it looks like a good start on a xylophone box. Hmmm.

 

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Ano Ney,

Tihen stekki desu!

Translation: Hey, Very nice!
 

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Very nice. Is there some sort of locking mechanism that prevents the lid from sliding off and spilling the contents?
 

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Love it. Makes me wonder if we take some of the joy out of woodworking being elaborate.
 

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Simple. Quick. Cheap. Functional, too.

What's not to love?
 

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Kewl, I love it, that lid is so simple and perfect, thanks for sharing
 

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Jerry, great job. I like the Japanese flavor and simplicity. You will do anything to avoid hinges! Can't wait to see them for real at the show this weekend. Guess we'll both know a lot more about selling in the tent by Monday. You might consider editing in the dimensions. I can't tell if they are big or small. See you later.
 

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I think they are beautiful, elegant and simple, beautiful finish.
But I'm hooked…
You can read a lot more here about Japanese tool boxes.
http://lumberjocks.com/mafe/blog/30264
Best thoughts,
Mads
 

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Great looking boxes-simple and elegant!
 

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That is a cool design that I had never seen before. And your execution was flawless. I too will go to great lengths to avoid store bought hinges!
 

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I can see how it works in the last photo-the little gap. But, as David Fisher commented, "How would you lock it to prevent the top from popping off and spilling the contents?"

Maybe something like a hidden sash lock?

Slide it and then turn something? There must be a solution as simple as the box itself.
 

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Jerry, so sorry to have missed the dimensions. I must still be jet lagged.
 

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Thanks everyone. Much appreciated. As for the spillage potential… haven't figured that out.

Maybe an elastic band and a knob? That wouldn't look too good would it? Maybe a matching peg to push down when it's closed? These boxes do stay closed pretty good if the measurements are tight… a little friction.

Just keep the box parallel to the ground and it won't accidentally open spilling your treasures LOL. I made a bigger wine box that has the same problem. I put a rope handle on the upper end ensuring it would be carried in such a way that the lid would stay closed. Of course after you drink the wine all bets are off.
 

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How about a flat wooden hook that slides until it hits a dowel just as the gap is revealed. The flat hook would keep the lid from opening until it's rotated.

But then I'd have to remember to lock it. It needs to manually unlock and then automatically lock.

Spring? Complexity?
 
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