Boxes

[Sparkey]

OK all you box makers out there. I am going to make my first box and am getting ready to order some wood. What is the preferred thickness of wood for making boxes 1/4" or 3/8"?

[browders]

I've done both. I think I like 3/8 a little better. You can get a nail into it if you have to, also less warping.

 

Jim

[LarryEA]

I'll follow this and see... Funny, I just made 12 little boxes...3/8" except for top & bottom they were 1/4"

Edited February 13, 2015 by LarryEA

[Scrappile]

I started a box this evening that has a lot of fret work involved.  It is to made out of 1/4" material.  That is what the plans call for.

[heppnerguy]

Paul,

  If you started a box, I would not expect it to be anything but a lot  of fret work involved.. I am going to sit down before I open the post on that box.  good luck, pal. I bet t will be a thing to behold

 

Dick

 

I started a box this evening that has a lot of fret work involved.  It is to made out of 1/4" material.  That is what the plans call for.

[Phantom Scroller]

I prefer 1/4 INCH then I use my favourite tool the leigh D4R Pro Dovetail jig and cut splines in contrasting woods for the corners that way the corners can't part. Roly

[jamminjack]

3/8 makes for a little more hefter box.

Especially if you want to put a sliding top on the box.  (allows more recess in the side panels.)

 

Thats just my two cents worth.

I am sure what ever you tackle it will be outstanding.

 

Later

Jamminjack

[amazingkevin]

My dollar bill puzzle, boxes were 1/8" wood,I've never tryied anything else except for a harmonica box which was 1/8' also.

[Scrappile]

So, Rusty what kind of box are you going to make?  I would think that would help dictate the thickness of wood.

[Sparkey]

I looked at the pattern and it said 1/4". The top and sides are scrolled out. the top and bottom are 13" X 6" and overlap the sides a little. The sides are around 4" tall. I tried to take a picture of the pattern with my phone and it wouldn't upload very good. I will try to take a picture later, I am getting ready to go to work.

[Jim Finn]

I make a lot of boxes and inlay images into the hinged lids.  I use 3/8" stock for a few reasons.  For years I could not find 1/4" screws (I use them now) to attach the hinges with so I went to thicker wood. I use cedar mostly and at 1/4" thickness it is quite weak.  I can re-saw and plane cedar to 3/8".  Any thinner is risky. 

[Sparkey]

Good points Jim. I think I will go with the 3/8". Now I just need to figure out what type of wood.

[Sparkey]

Ok here are some pictures of the pattern for the box I am going to make.

 

[jamminjack]

Personal preference   I would go with cherry.

 

Very classy, cuts well, always a top seller.

 

Thats my 2 cents worth.  But what do I know, look at my avatar, does that tell you anything?  .

 

Later

Jamminjack

[LarryEA]

Personal preference   I would go with cherry.

 

Very classy, cuts well, always a top seller.

 

Thats my 2 cents worth.  But what do I know, look at my avatar, does that tell you anything?  .

 

Later

Jamminjack

 Har, I woulda thought your personal preference was 'corn'.  Corn use to sell good down in the valley.

Never 'cut' corn, it was always 'straight up'. hehehehe

[Jim Finn]

I now see, after seeing the pattern, that the box has a fretwork top.  I do not do fretwork, I do inlay, so my advice does not apply here.  I should know better, most people with scroll saws do a lot of fretwork and they assume everyone does and do not mention it in their posts.  My mistake.  I have no idea what thickness is best for fretwork.

[amazingkevin]

Thin is in! And maybe fill in with polymer colored clay .

Edited February 20, 2015 by amazingkevin