73 - How to Make Spline Miter and Dovetail Key Keepsake Boxes

Make Miter Spline and Dovetail Key Keepsake Boxes
A couple of months ago we built a jig to make easy keepsake boxes that had mitered spline joints and dovetail key joints. In this video, we show you exactly how to make both of those styles of keepsake boxes.
With Christmas coming these boxes make a fantastic Christmas gift! And they are super easy! With the jig, you could easily make a half dozen of these in a weekend.
Video on how to make the Miter Spline & Dovetail Key Jig:
• 52 - Miter Spline & Do...
Things we used for this project:
Tools:
BOSCH 12 Inch Sliding Glide Miter Saw - amzn.to/3j331SU
Kreg Trak and Stops Kit - amzn.to/3ZVgnkB
Kreg Self-Adhesive Measuring Tape - amzn.to/3DGNpLU
Grizzly Jointer - amzn.to/3j09TAk
Push Block Set - amzn.to/3DvgyJX
Microjig Table Saw Pushblock - amzn.to/3XQ7I1y
Grizzly Cabinet Table Saw - amzn.to/3wXwzo1
Wood Glue Dispenser - amzn.to/3D94pKz
Rockler Silicone Glue Kit - amzn.to/3HXbbWs
Dewalt Bar Clamp - amzn.to/3Rgtzgd
Dewalt 9ft Pocket Tape Measure - amzn.to/3HzzqZf
Woodpeckers Square 8-inch x 5-inch(851) - amzn.to/401kV9k
Ridgid 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander - amzn.to/3JefhdM
SUIZAN Japanese Dozuki Dovetail Hand Saw 6 Inch Pull Saw Tenon Saw - amzn.to/3iZY2Cl
Hand Sanding Block - amzn.to/3Rnsx1F
Steel Ruler Set - amzn.to/3jvY2ua
1/4" Shank Dovetail Router Bit Set - amzn.to/3X5Tl7Q
Grizzly Bandsaw - amzn.to/3XUUobR
Grizzly Planer - amzn.to/3x2v20l
1/4" Shank Rabbet Router Bit - amzn.to/3laZoLr
Rockler Wood Glue Applicator Set - amzn.to/3ws9Ctc
Grizzly 12" Disc Sander - amzn.to/3wsbjH4
Dewalt Router - amzn.to/3wKby0g
Freud Chamfer Bit Set - amzn.to/3l8VT8e
Vix Bits (Self centering drill bits) - amzn.to/2zdReVc
Center Punch Kit - amzn.to/3RpTZfh
Grizzly Drill Press - amzn.to/3jki7n6
CA Glue with Activator Bundle - amzn.to/3YaAuth
Materials:
Titebond III Glue - amzn.to/3wvDDIh
3M Sanding Sheets - amzn.to/3Ju2eoA
Minwax Finishing Wax - amzn.to/3kRHOvz
Deft Satin Spray - amzn.to/40ffHXw
Painters Tape - amzn.to/3jP6dBY
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Link to the KFW Community Woodworking group. Share pictures of your work & get help if needed. Join our Community Page. Woodworkers helping other woodworkers. Share advice, get project ideas. Free tips. Insider information. Get the best deals on lumber & tools: / kingsfinewoodworkingco...
Help support us through Patreon: / kingsfinewoodworking
Purchase plans on our website: kingsfinewoodworking.com/coll...
Please like and share our videos. Thank You!
We love teaching the world to do woodworking.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Join our Woodworking group. Share pictures of your work & get help if needed. Join our King’s Fine Woodworking Community Page. Woodworkers helping other woodworkers. Share advice, get project ideas. Free tips. Insider information. Get the best deals on lumber & tools. facebook.com/groups/KingsFineWoodworkingCommunity

[@Whatthensayyou]

If you mess up the miter can u use a round over bit on the corners to "fix" it?

[@malcolmalexander5246]

Tried to look at this video on your site, but didn't see it there. I was looking for details of the boxes.?

[@bradleejones9959]

It was very weird hearing you say, "Just a thin layer of glue, not too much."😂

[@LoneWolf-ph9xc]

What angle did you have your blade at to add the design to the tops of your boxes?

[@purplehelm8853]

You inspired me to do woodworking projects with my daughter. She is always on her phone and I found it was a good way to do some bonding and talk with her. Thank you!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

That’s awesome!! ❤️👍🏻

[@ahmadismail2754]

Watching Maya’s skills, I’m convinced that she’s ready to headline her own channel. The young lady is a master wood artist! You must be so proud James.

[@jeffpicken5057]

I have wood envy! That figured pacific coast maple is to die for.

[@marinaldocoelho1410]

very good very nice very cute

[@natipinheiro1896]

congratulations on the beautiful design of the boxes.

[@sharpeguns1]

Yeah, Mia... Watch out She is going too have her own SHOW!!! I'M LOVING YOUR FAMILY. I took in a VETERAN To help me after my heart attack. I let him use my spare guest apartment. I have a Machine shop downstairs ans a woodshop upstairs. I'm helping with building a Miniture Golf Bridge and other accessories. He's learning. I told Him just watch the Channel on my youtube. Again Your helping me and Helping others.

[@mariogarcia1747]

beautiful, I am in Mexico I am disabled, I have a small workshop where I do small jobs, and your videos help me a lot.

[@Vet6970]

THAT MAPLE REALLY LOOKS GOOD BOXES CAME OUT GREAT

[@barryirby8609]

I have been woodworking for over fifty years and still have 9.9 fingers. At about 24.35 Mia's hand looked awfully casual removing the offcut from the table. Just being a little more alert, I would still have 10 fingers. Be careful, after all these years I still miss that 10%. Beautiful boxes. It occurred to me you could have sculpted the bottoms you cut off to create feet at the corners. Thanks for posting.

[@user-vo4be3rl8o]

You can substitute any bar soap for the wax when inserting the brass screws. Enjoyed this video!

[@alanderson78]

That push block looks nicer than anything I have ever made....

[@peterfitzpatrick7032]

Cutting the splines through & into the box will give you tray supports ! 😎👍☘️🍺

[@bradleejones9959]

A Helper Kid? You're so lucky!

[@markab5019]

That maple is beautiful. That is one of my favorite woods.

[@facebookmakesmesick]

I would do this all day long if I could.

[@3dogs835]

Awesome!

[@bryanproskiw5554]

Great video👍

[@Phil_Goodman]

This is the nicest box I ever seen in my life

[@derekdodson5623]

Beautiful work

[@carmelpule6954]

One cannot deny that these are two very beautiful and elegant, simply made boxes. Being born before WW2 in a country where wood and other material, including food, was very scarce and powered machines were not available, and we even had to make out own hand tools, I do feel that the manner in which the boxes were made, the method of construction is very extravagant on natural wood and nature just cannot afford it. Those boxes are built like a Masculine Centurion Army Tank meant to protect the "Keepsake" from the attacks of a diving Stuka aircraft in WW2. I would have made at least six boxes, not two, using the same amount of materials. Sometimes a delicate feminine look about a product serving a decoyed function of security protection in a home does touch the human feelings more than a look of masculine solidity when it comes to items placed in certain rooms in a family home. In these boxes, a little more feminity would have matched the keepsake contents and the delicate and gentle curves of the owner for whom the box was meant, normally a graceful woman endowed with ample femininity. 1. Cutting the miters on the sides of the box from one long plank where one miter would serve two sides would have saved a lot of wood. The bottom could have been mitered in before the sides were glued in where the bottom would not need any glue. The top could have been built out of five domed separate pieces with the same looking result but a more graceful petite enhancement. 2. An additional shallow tray with an extended lip so that the lid would fit accurately in the main box would have enhanced the craftmanship. 3. While the metal additions are good, they rob the artistic value and elegance and the emotional music those boxes radiate out and a set of wooden hinges and matching feet would have complemented the rhythm much better into a higher romantic emotional tie with that precious classy wood in the presence of an appreciative human environment. 4. Simple secret logic to lock the lid with a secret Chinese lock arrangement would have added value to the mental enjoyment of the owner of that box and put the builder on an even higher level which I do feel that the builder deserves where after all, it would certainly rank with King's Fine Woodworking.

[@thepromrk]

Anyone else bringing in 2022 watching old King’s videos for next year’s project ideas?

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Brandon! Let me send you a couple sets of free plans! Anything you want! Email me and let me know. My email address is [e-mail]

[@thepromrk]

@@KingsFineWoodworking thank you so much that would be wonderful!

[@LoneWolf-ph9xc]

Love this. The purple heart spline design is what I'm going with to place my recently passed pets ashes in. Thank you.

[@grimtrigg3r]

A homemade box would be a nice way to honor their memory

[@LoneWolf-ph9xc]

@@grimtrigg3r that's exactly what I did. Unfortunately the vet lost her ashes 😥

[@kathypeterson3835]

I love how you include your family 💗

[@paulcupach8196]

Outstanding

[@pnowikow]

It's great that you get the girls involved. Great work

[@indalsingh704]

So very nicely presented and illustrated. I do admire the sequence and step by step demo and instruction. Nicely done and much appreciates. Thanks to your helpers and also appreciate the family cooperation and contribution.

[@arleneathukorala6503]

Very nice programme

[@fabiomerlin8820]

Really cool.

[@camillewing4507]

It is so awesome that you are teaching your daughters how to do this. I wish I had someone to teach me when I was Mayas age. Maya rocks!!! So do you Dad!!

[@jayjayquest4958]

Both pieces are absolutely beautiful! The only thing I would have done differently would have been to use piano hinges to have less brass showing, and maximize the beauty of the wood.

[@westfallframing7896]

WOW! That is some beautiful Maple. Nice work.

[@foos.998]

Absolutely gorgeous work! I saw techniques I’ve never seen before. And that jig! Way to go, Maya!

[@RICKYDENNIS49]

Beautiful

[@SCRAPWOODTOCRAFTWOOD]

Very enjoyable to watch james so much I watched it 2 times already I love the detail and the way you explain how to do things you my friend are in inspiration and a great teacher thankyou

[@josejavier1104]

making a maple and purpleheart box for my girls and was looking for ideas. Thank you sir.

[@gregmelang6853]

James, you are very articulate and very easy to follow. I enjoy watching your videos and have learned a lot. Thank you for sharing.

[@stevegronsky8904]

Another well presented and documented project. Thanks James and family for creating such good content for all of us.

[@gsp911]

That maple is insane. 😍 👍

[@smithsoncreationshandcraft5770]

Great video James!! Can’t wait to make my boxes with your jig. 👍

[@CindyL4261]

Absolutely LOVE these boxes! So happy to come across this video in early November....I can make a few in time for Christmas. I even have Purpleheart in my wood stash just waiting for the right project.Thank you.

[@lehcim777]

Absolutely beautiful work.

[@howardkennedy708]

I love your boxes and the wood. I kind of freaked when I saw you glue the top to the box and thought, "OOHHH NOO", but I guessed I needed to watch the rest of the video. Excellent work!!

[@ladykenja2700]

- Excellent ! ! ! Beautiful pieces & made easily enough that anyone can think about trying. Thanx 4 sharing.

[@rwkayser]

Love my Jig! You guys make it look so easy. Those boxes look like they'd make some great holiday gifts. Thanks Kings!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you! That’s very kind!

[@brook7ct]

I have seen a few of your videos thus far and you do a terrific job of presenting, videoing and commenting on each step along the way. Your approach is one that I find easy to follow, along with the reasoning for the process. Your daughter is a real plus to the videos, showing that it is something females can do just as good or better than a man. I look forward to seeing more of your videos.

[@stellabelikiewicz1523]

What a fun project, and I love Maya’s nails! Having a parent who’s a maker and can get you involved in projects that teach lots of different skills and mental gymnastics is SO invaluable!

[@DjmMik]

Wow! Those boxes turned out fantastic 👍🏻👍🏻

[@chandarussell]

Wow. Very nice. That quilted maple is beautiful. It has an amazing grain and is absolutely stunning. Purple Heart is also one of my all time favourite woods along with walnut, ebony, mahogany and Indian Rosewood. I love these boxes.

[@justingrant4860]

Those.look.awesome!! For such a small project I'm impressed...which is consistent with the craftsmanship on this channel great job really

[@dankayden7738]

Beautiful work James and Maya. Both boxes are gorgeous. Loved the video, really appreciate the detail and precise directions.

[@markduggan3451]

That wood is stunning and the boxes look lovely.

[@StreetKingz4Life]

They are wonderful i love them,great job to you and your daughter

[@HeathKnuckles_Tasty_Timber]

Beautiful work guys! 😍

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thanks man!

[@kbbb4227]

Man. You have some nice tools, hope I can do the same with the tools I have.

[@libork8106]

Very nice.

[@357lockdown]

Both of those boxes are absolutely beautiful! Thanks so much for the vid. I'm actually going to give it a shot.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@LoneWolf-yp2mo]

Thanks for another nice project to add to my Bucket list !! Nice to see a pretty young lady interested in woodworking !!

[@paulkelly1702]

Those are both beautiful boxes. When I drive brass screws, I run a steel screw with the same thread first then the soft screw. The wax is a nice tip too!

[@tracykooken2606]

U r not kidding about the iter saw blade in need of cleaning !!!!!😅

[@plumber13946]

Absolutely fantastic, and like you say so easy to make, for you yes, mesmerising.

[@jasonpowell8582]

Mate, good to see your kids getting involved, as they are in most of your videos. I'm going to build a few of your projects so that when my kids grow up, they will still be around for me to teach them like you have taught us. Cheers.

[@brucedickey5155]

Great job, enjoyed watching your box projects with splines and dovetailed corners Wow! Cheers from Arkansas!

[@FranksDIY]

Came out looking great. Glad you went ahead with it. Thanks Mya

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Frank. Thank you!

[@timphillips142]

Good Information, thanks

[@toolsconsumables7055]

Dear James, These little jewellery boxes are exceedingly well made as well as being well finished. A pretty sight on any lady's dressing table. Kind regards.

[@chrisgriego549]

Glad you went ahead and finished them. They are beautiful.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Chris. Thank you!

[@kathypeterson3835]

Beautiful box your girl's rock! 🤩

[@briankinnaman6532]

Beautiful work! Thanks so much for sharing this!!

[@crappo8459]

That maple is beautiful ! Nice job

[@afsharisohrab]

Hi.! -- Beautiful work.

[@michaelculver4029]

Wow, That was great! I’m inspired and just ordered some Purple Heart wood. I’m going to recreate one of these boxes. Thank you!

[@jajablonsky]

Very nice and simple project. The final product looks wonderful. Thanks James,,,,,,and family. Fantastic videos and narration.

[@meh-hair-Vaughn]

Amazing boxes! Great work guys!

[@mountainviews5025]

I know that you SIR are a extremely proud pappa I know that I would be love your family and everything y'all do and stand for thumbs up my friend

[@bigscreenbird8198]

Gorgeous, just gorgeous!!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@Phenrica]

Very nice boxes, love the wood selection 👍🏻 some self made wood hinges would be the icing on the cake. Thanks for sharing, Cheers Steve

[@glenngoodale1709]

Wonderful video, my friend. Thank you for sharing

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you very much Glenn.

[@egidioborg3421]

Easy on the glue, still a good job.

[@philbuswell8053]

GREAT Job, looks really nice. THANK YOU

[@pcubiotti]

That pacific coast maple is gorgeous

[@budman1252]

Very nice work, beautiful results!!

[@tonyioannoni4951]

Awesome projects and awesome videos, I really love it when you talk over but your girls actually do the job, it's great when a 'problem' arises and the simple solution is decided upon, it really shows that whatever happens, you can do something simple, without restarting over, and those girls will be good at woodworking and great in life, nothing will stop them!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Tony. Thanks for all the kind words.

[@tonyioannoni4951]

Hello James, most of the times it gets me in trouble, but I always say what I think, and I really mean it, I follow many channels for different reasons, but of my 2 favorites, you are number one, because I learn a lot looking at your videos, and seeing the girls doing it so easily , kicks me in the but to try new things...I also like when you give different option of tools we can use, because being a computer software analyst, you would freak out on the equipment I have, but for woodworking, I have the basics, but I might improve on that!!! Keep it on!

[@tomasarguinzoni9022]

Beautiful job my friend's👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@jimdoherty5010]

Been on a binge watch of your videos recently and don't usually comment but you sir have made it in life(Not suggesting you rest on your laurels) but the skills and projects you turn out and a fantastic family all taking part without much cross words if any is truly inspiring to see thanks

[@tjcarita]

Thanks for taking the time to make this very detailed video! Very nice work!

[@SamerAalrassul]

I like the way you do thing, your style just like mine in building projects .. and as you mentioned during the video you don't ned to have printed plan you can do somthing you got in mind and can modify during of build.. thanks alot for you and Maya i sooo enjoyed the show.

[@SDMPoahway]

Beautiful boxes

[@BookofIsaiah]

The boxes came out beautifully!!! I have been learning so much from your videos and they are very enjoyable to watch!!!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Matt. Thank you!

[@BookofIsaiah]

@@KingsFineWoodworking Thank YOU for sharing so much with all of us!!! It's also wonderful to see your whole family working together and sharing your passion for woodworking together!!! GOD bless you and your family ✝🙏

[@dalewilliamson1125]

Beautiful boxes James and family. Really like the filming also.

[@BADALICE]

I like those dovetail corners. I was we wondering how am I going to make the keys. Now I know, that was great; so simple it should have been obvious. Very good. I'm very excited about christmas gifts I'll be making this year. A few boxes similar to these. I want to add secreat compartments, and possibly hidden puzzle locks. Edit, "Now we have this little purple heart square we have to find something to do with. Lol, That's why I'm making boxes for gifts. I have boxes full of beautiful scrap I just can't throw away. Great video thanks.

[@gaylanbishop1641]

Nice!

[@trevordawson1947]

Wounderful,wounderful,wounderful.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Trevor, thank you!!

[@ortizseth6365]

This woodworking book is really detailed, *TopFineWoodworking. Com* ! With the aid of this plan, I was able to use words, drawings, real images and different diagrams. It is really an informative product. I am presently making furniture together with my brother and thanks to this product, I feel like helping him is possible.?

[@jb413]

Beautiful!

[@rogercowart2493]

Loved it!! Thanks for sharing 😉👍

[@kirkradzwill8311]

Very nice job on the boxes and a great choice of wood.

[@shanethompson4865]

I really like these boxes. I am new to splines. Just made a spline jig last night. Have not tries it yet. I really want make something really nice like these. thanks so much for sharing the video. I also love the rounded bottom. I think they look nice. Very Very helpful. Thank you.

[@MrPete1x]

Excellent video thank you. Stay safe guys.

[@z5picker]

Love your videos! Thanks! I'm working on your Padauk Keepsake box from the plan I bought.

[@tsquaredwoodworks3037]

Awesome as always! Love these and will be using some scraps up to make me one of these!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!