Arts & Crafts Decorative Box

Instructions

1. 1Introduction

   Please be sure to read through complete instructions before you begin any work on this project.

2. 2Cut 1/2" boards

   Following the cut list provided - cut the top, short sides, long sides, short top frame sides and long top frame sides from the 1/2" thick boards.

3. 3Cut legs from 3/4" board

   • Use either a table saw or a router table with a straight bit to cut a 1/2" X 1/2" rabbet in the edge of the 1 X 2 X 12 inch board.
   • Then use a table saw to rip a 3/4" X 3/4" X 12" board from the rabbeted edge.
   • Then cross cut that board into the four 2 1/2" long legs. Use 100 and 150 grit sandpaper to smooth all of the leg surfaces.

4. 4Cut bottom from 1/4" plywood

   Use a table saw to cut the bottom board from 1/4" plywood. Use 100 and 150 grit sandpaper to smooth the bottom.

5. 5Cut dados in the sides

   Use either a table saw or a router table with a straight bit to cut a 1/4" X 1/4" dado 1/4" up from the bottom edges of both the short and long sides. Use 100 and 150 grit sandpaper to smooth all of the sides.

6. 6Cut the top bevels

   Use either a table saw or a router table with a raised panel bit to cut the four bevels in the top. The table saw method is what I used as raised panel router bits cost over $100. Please note that the border of the field is 1 1/2" X 1/8" deep and the bottom of the bevel is 3/16" deep. The angle I used on my table saw was 8 degrees. Use 100 and 150 grit sandpaper to smooth the top.

7. 7Attach top frame

   Use 100 and 150 grit sandpaper to smooth the 4 top frame pieces. Measure the opening of the box and make any small adjustments to the length of the frame components so that the frame will fit snugly inside the box. Use Titebond I wood glue to attach the frame to the underside of the top.

8. 8Assemble box

   • Use Titebond I wood Glue at the corner butt joints and in the side dados.
   • Assemble box using short sides. long sides and bottom. Hold the assembly together with clamps until glue drys.
   • Check that the box assembly is square. If necessary loosen clamps and adjust until square.

9. 9Attach legs

   Use Titebond I wood glue and 1" pin nails to attach the four legs to the box.

10. 10Finish

    • Now that the build is complete fill all nail holes and other imperfections with wood putty, let dry.
    • Then use 220 sandpaper to do a once over on all surfaces in preparation for the finish.
    • Clean well to remove all dust. (I use compressed air and clean dry rags). As I wanted to use this in our master bedroom with our craftsman style furniture (see designs on this website), I chose to use Weathered Oak Minwax Stain on the box sides and bottom. For the top and legs no stain was used. After the box stain was dry I used Minwax Tung Oil finish on the top and the box. I gave them three coats following manufacturers instructions.