Thread: Tool wish list for making boxes

Jeff, try and get hold of Basic Box Making by Doug Stowe. He makes very nice boxes with very few tools/machines. A tablesaw and a sander are his basic tools. He shows you how to make a sled for finger jointing etc.
Worth reading.

Jefferson,
Most of my work is boxes and clocks, A thicknesser is probably the most useful machine in my shop, followed by the bandsaw.
For small boxes being able to re-cut timber and then run it through the thicknesser is invaluable.
I have seen some great looking boxes ruined when you lift the lid and find it is made with 19mm stock.
With a simple jig you can also use the thicknesser as an edger.
For my money a thicknesser is the go.

Hi Jeff,

The guys have covered the big tools so I'll head the other way and suggest some small tools.

I'd suggest a few basics such as a drill, not only your every use one, but a small one for tight spaces and one of those $40 pen type drills for very tiny drill bits, especially if you are going for miniatures. There's nothing worse than trying to drill a hole for a small item and nothing you have works (too big), or the screw splits the thin timber you've slaved over for hours

A box jig to assist with gluing/fitting together and keeping it square

some little clamps, some? doh! Lots of

A good sharp stanley knife, a good marking knife and a scratch awl - I'm finding these three are now essential in my box making tool kit.


cheers
Wendy

Thanks for all the responses.

It sounds like I have enough gear to get started, so no excuses! (But maybe I need a drum sander???) I am also short on the drill for tiny bits.

But I still do have some doubts / concerns:

- do I need to use quarter sawn timber always? I'm worries about the tops and bottoms I guess.
- what about hinges and where do I get good quality ones from?
- small boxes, in say 10mm or 12mm ok?

I'll probably stick to redgum and Vic Ash for a while. Both machine differently but I'll work around that.

thanks Jeff

Bandsaw and a drum sander

But I still do have some doubts / concerns:

- do I need to use quarter sawn timber always? I'm worries about the tops and bottoms I guess.
- what about hinges and where do I get good quality ones from?
- small boxes, in say 10mm or 12mm ok?

G'day Jeff,
It all depends on what you want to achieve.
A lot of box makers use veneer clad ply or mdf for lids and bottoms, and there are heaps of threads on how to do that.
Hinges are one of those asthetic thingos that you'll work on very hard to get right, and there are good quality/ crud quality....and concealed hinges.
There are quite a few places that sell very fancy timbers for box making, then there's the re-saw your own.....new bandsaw...drum sander..... thicknesser......and away we go.
There are several excellent box makers on this forum, but sometimes the trick is to search the right answers from the Google search at the bottom of the page (Highlight WWF)
Big Shed was right if you can find a copy of that book by Doug Stowe.

Hi Jeff,

Following on from what Watson said

Quartersawn is great! Beautiful! - but comes at a cost i.e. if you buy quartersawn you will pay $ for it and will also have to search for it as not everyone will break down a log to get quartersawn from it.

Bottoms - can be solid timber panels, mdf, ply. To allow for movement of solid timber bases, rebate a slot on each internal side of the box, cut the base so it is just a little shy of the internal slot measurement, eg when you slide in the base, it is not tight against all 4 sides, but a little movement happens. MDF and Ply can be painted, or covered with fabric or flocking.

cheers
Wendy

All of the things above and a means of measuring, guess that goes without saying. Seeing as its your first box I wouldn't worry too much about the timber at this stage, just get the feel of making a box and learn from the mistakes you will make. you don't necessarily need a band saw for resawing if you have a TS you can resaw on that to a limited size but usually enough for box sides.
I'm with Wendy on this, you need those small tools for box making, makes your work so much less frustrating. Good luck with your first attempt and don't forget to post some pictures when you're done.

Originally Posted by jefferson

I run the risk here of being criticised for being over-reliant on machines,

Although there are some churlish tool snobs about, you will not have any trouble in here about methods, results are what everyone likes to see in here.

do I need to use quarter sawn timber always

You can use any old timber to make boxes, from pine to ebony, sometimes all that is needed is contrasting timber to make straight grain look nice.

You don't need quarter sawn timber, it an advantage if you can, but you can just keep an eye out for figured pieces as well.

I'll probably stick to redgum

Redgum is a nasty box making wood, glue problems, (you need to use epoxy or similar after rubbing off all gum with acetone), with the eternal shrinkage mean mechanical joints are best option, ( dovetails are best), having said that, redgum also produces some beautiful boxes.


You have the tools, you have the timber, waiting for the pics.

So now the pressure is on!

I have set some cash aside for a drum sander - I've almost settled on the Carbatec one for around $2300. Already have a bandsaw (not well tuned I might add) and the new table saw should be here next week.

I'm also waiting on the Doug Stowe book that a few of you recommended.

I've been searching the net for some decent butt hinges - the JJames.com website either doesn't have small hinges or I'm not looking right. Any suggestions as to an alternative supplier?

So don't hold your breath!

regards Jeff

Mcjing have a really good deal on 5mm barrell hinges

I'm coming in a little late but, I am in the process of thinking the same thoughts.
Here is a list of what I have & what I'd like.

I have 'The Lot' pakage from Gifkins with a couple of extra things, mainly the #1 box set of router bits.

I have a couple of routers & a table.
I'd like a dual router table like the one Roger uses.

I have a Bandsaw for resawing timber.

I have a planer/buzzer/jointer for flattening & squaring 2 faces.

I have a thicknesser for making the other 2 faces parallel.

I have a very good SCMS for cutting the ends square accross.
I'd like to have a good table saw, mine is fine for rough sawing but not good enough for the acurate corners for box making.

I have a combination of other sorts of sanding equipment but I would like either a drum sander or a belt sanding thicknesser next.

I haven't started down the box maker's hardware path yet.

Thats not a bad collection of toys Cliff.

Originally Posted by watson

Mcjing have a really good deal on 5mm barrell hinges

Yes, bought a packet of them at the show last weekend from McJing.