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Simple Plywood Tool Box

A five-piece plywood tool box with a dowel-rod carry handle, sized to come entirely from one half-sheet of plywood.

Materials

Overall cost: $. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.

1. Lay out and cut the five pieces
Tools: Table Saw. Materials: 1/2" plywood, 18in x 26in half sheet
Lay out a bottom, two side panels, and two end panels on your plywood half-sheet, sized to fit together with a little room for the saw kerf. Cut all five pieces.
2. Nail the sides to the bottom
Materials: 1/2" plywood, 18in x 26in half sheet, Finish nails
Nail one side panel to the bottom panel, then nail the second side panel to the other edge of the bottom.
3. Close the box with the end panels
Materials: 1/2" plywood, 18in x 26in half sheet, Finish nails
Nail both end panels between the two side panels to close up the box.
4. Add the handle
Tools: Drill / Driver. Materials: Dowel rod, 1-1/4", Finish nails
Cut the dowel rod to fit between the two end pieces above the box, then nail it in place through each end with two nails per side so it can't rotate under load.
5. Sand and finish
Tools: Random Orbit Sander. Materials: Paint or finish
Sand all edges and surfaces smooth, then paint or finish as desired.