Beginner Guidance? Box.

[herosol]

Hey watsup guys, I'm really new to this carving art.

But i recently wanted to start up a small project by making a wooden shoe box. It's to be used as a gift, also since i'm a sneaker fanatic.

Anyways, i'm pretty sure since the angles are simple that that is not the main issue. I was wondering what tools would I need, what type of wood will provide a gloss for the box, and perhaps how to engrave the box.

Thanks!

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

What are you carving, is it on the box?

Dave

[AlArchie]

Not knowing exactly what you have in mind,here's what I'd suggest.

For the sides try 3/8" or 1/4" aspen stock. You should be able to pick up some nice material for this at Home Depot, Menards, Lowes or any well stocked lumber coompany. That comes in widths up to around 8 inches.

For the top and bottom, 1/8" or 3/16" birch plywood. That stuff is also available at the same places and usually in smaller 2'x4' or even 2'x2' pieces. Not too expensive that way.

If you are not too experienced and don't have the equipment to do finger joints, simply lap joint the front and back onto the sides. With that thin stock, you'll have to pre-drill holes for small brads, slightly smaller than the brad diameter. Make sure you use a good carpenter's glue on the joints, too.

You can rabbet the top in below the level of the frnt, back and sides or just tack in in with brads.

I'd definitely rabbet in the bottom before assembly.

Make the box in one piece, let it set up so the glue is dry, then cut the top free on a table saw, using an accurate fence. This assures that the top and bottom of the box match.

Now, on the inside atthe top of the box, attach 1/8" thick strips, about 1"wide as a lip to secure the top when it's put on. These will be attached around the entire perimeter, and can be simply glued and clamped.

I won't venture a guess on the "engraving" because you really didn't give any idea of what you want done.

For a finish, sink all your brads with a nail set and fill the holes with a good wood filler. Elmer's water based filler is a good choice, but there are others. After that has driedgive the whole box a good sanding with fine, then extra fine sandpaper. Next an application of sanding sealer, followed by a light sanding after it has dried. I'd use one more application of sanding sealer if this is to be presentation grad. Then another light sanding and a final application of either satin or matt Krylon spray. Several coates of this with a light buffing with 0000 steel wool between coats. The last coat shouldn't need any steel wool.

I'd give the inside one application of the sanding sealer, too. This will prevent the wood from warping with humidity changes.

Hope this helps and not overwelms.

Here's a box I made using this method......not a shoe box but the process is the same.






Al

[Donsexton]

That is a very cool tool box thank you for showing a picture. Yes for us to give you good information we need more info as stated.

[Thor]

Very pretty box Al.
Christina

[Riverman]

Al that is agret looking box!
Bob

[breezly]

Great looking box I see you you have a millers falls set I love mine

[herosol]

oh hey thanks!

I acutally don't need the hinges, i plan on making it have a detachable box top anyways. But the tools and supplies needed helps alot!

and in terms of engraving. I just want to engrave a few words and numbers. nothing fancy really. no symbols or what not.

[AlArchie]

Dremel makes a small router attatchment that can be used for lettering. Just use a cone shaped bit.

Al

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Nice box Al, I love the Millers Falls tools.

Dave