Keepsake Box
Craft a stunningly simple box for gifting or personal treasures. Measuring approximately 5.5" wide by 9" long by 4.5" high, this project offers elegance and functionality. Available in four exquisite wood species—Black Walnut, Curly Maple, Curly Cherry, and White Oak—each kit includes precisely surfaced and sized materials for a seamless crafting experience.
TOOLS
Clear packing Tape or Painters Tape
Measuring Tape
Miter Saw
Orbital Sander
Quick-Grip Clamps
Table Saw or Circular Saw
MATERIALS
1/2" x 3 ½” x 32" Hardwood
150-Grit Sandpaper
3/4" x 5 ½” x 20" Hardwood
Wipe-on Polyurethane
Wood Glue
Step 1: Box Top & Bottom
Cut a piece of 3/4-in. hardwood to 5 ½-in. x 20.
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Make a groove cut on the two long sides of the board 1/4-in. deep x 1/2-in. wide using a table saw.
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Next, cut the board into two nine-inch pieces for the top and bottom using a miter saw.
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Make two more groove cuts on the end of each board, 1/4-in. deep x 1/2-in. wide with a table saw.
Step 2: Cut Wood For The Box
Cut a piece of 1/2-in. hardwood to 32 inches using a table saw or skill saw.
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Rip the same board to 3 ½-in.
Step 3: Box Sides
Cut one board at 5 ½-in. with 45-degree angles on each end using a miter saw or table saw.
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Use the piece that you cut as a template to mark your board for your next cut.
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Cut one more 5 ½-in. side identical to the one you just cut.
Step 4: Box Front & Back
Cut two boards at 9-in. with 45-degree angles on each end for the front & back boards using a miter saw or table saw.
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Use the front piece as a template to mark your back board.
Step 5: Dry-fit the Box Together
Lay the front board flat with the 45-degree angles facing down. Place the left side board end to end with the front board. Next, place the back board end to end with the side board.
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Tape all three boards together with two pieces of packing tape or painters tape.
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With the bottom board’s groove side facing up, fit the box assembly in the groove of the bottom.
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Now dry-fit the right side to the front, back and bottom.
Step 6: Glue Box Together
Lift the box assembly off the bottom and remove the tape and right side, keeping the front, back and left side taped together.
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Apply wood glue to each of the 45-degree angles and in the groove on the bottom board.
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Place the box assembly back into the groove on the bottom board. Secure it with a clamp.
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Apply wood glue to the angled ends of the right side board and fit it into the box assembly. Secure it with clear tape or painters tape and clamps.
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Wipe away any excess glue on the inside and outside of the box with a damp cloth.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Allow plenty of time for the glue to dry. Sand all the parts using an orbital sander with 150 to 220 grit sandpaper.
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Finish with wipe-on polyurethane.
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Add stick-on felt feet as a nice touch to the bottom of your box to prevent it from scratching another surface.
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