How to Build Boxes for Furniture - An Intermediate Woodworking Guide

Building boxes and cabinet making for woodworkers at an intermediate level.
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In this video I'm going over some tips and tricks for how I build boxes that are going to be incorporated into furniture projects. In addition to building a pair of mitered boxes, for a modern furniture project...one from plywood and one from hardwood...I also talk about box making in general, that will hopefully benefit you regardless of what style of woodworking you're into.
#woodworking #MakingBoxes #Miters
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[@justinrickert3485]

I haven't fully red this book kzbin.infoUgkxbnOKZBE4evMO5V2vroHeCjq6d_MV6wJO yet but it is a good basic understanding of the different woods that all woodworkers should know.

[@facundosepulveda286]

Lets pause for a moment to appreciate the amount of time, and material resources, this guy has devoted to show the rest of us how to properly build boxes. I feel very humbled by this video.

[@Foureyes.Furniture]

You're too kind :)

[@johnbuckleydesigns]

Amen brother.

[@nunoandre4964]

+1

[@SpencleyDesignCo]

Absolutely killer content as always! I really love this deep dive idea. I'd love to see one on templates on how to route them!

[@ericwilliams538]

I've spent most of my life working doing commercial construction work, and some experience in residential construction. Framing ( wood and metal), concrete, drywall ( hanging and finishing), building and the installation of custom cabinets, finish carpentry, and painting. I've been making the transition from construction work to wanting to build custom furniture. I've started off with smaller projects such as making jewelry boxes and ring boxes. Trying to hone in my skills a little more building and making smaller projects first. I've found your videos extremely helpful, even with some of the experience that I have. I'm always opening to learning something new, and or different ways. Thank you.

[@Foureyes.Furniture]

Thanks Eric...glad you found us and that the videos are helpful to you. Appreciate the kind words. :)

[@MrSeminole77]

44.9 degrees! Its those little tips that elevate the content Mr Salomone. Thanks!

[@christianscustoms6429]

Just wanted to comment on how clean and organized your shop is. I know a lot of people don’t think it’s too important but in my opinion, it’s a huge deal. Your workspace should reflect your product, and it’s clear that it does in your case. Also, a clean shop is so much more welcoming and helps start your day on a positive note, at least that’s my philosophy. I have a lot of respect for neatness

[@kaptajndisko9515]

wow, this is not a tutorial this is a masterclass!

[@katzmosestools]

Thanks for the shout Chris! Great rundown on box building!

[@Foureyes.Furniture]

Thanks Brother :)

[@leightonterry3359]

@@Foureyes.Furniture and then the pretty bad

[@williamnelson2298]

We love you

[@MikeSessler]

I recently came across your channel and I'm really enjoying the content. As someone who started working with wood in high school back in 1980 (yeah, I'm old), I really enjoy your presentation style. I've learned something in every video I've watched, and even if I'm not much of a mid-century modern furniture guy, I have mad respect for the pieces you guys create. As an award-winning video editor, I will also say your videos and story telling is quite good. I watch more of your content than pretty much all other woodworking channels combined because of the way you craft each story, in addition to crafting the piece. You also deal with the craft of woodworking in a sensible and non-dogmatic manner, which is refreshing. I now design technical systems and I always tell my customers that all design is a compromise. There are many ways accomplish a system and which way you choose is based on what is most important to you. You articulated it well at the end of this video. Which is better, plywood or hardwood? It depends. What matters more to you and to this project? Both are valid options and while we may have our biases, the true craftsman can create a beautiful piece from either material. Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience in a compelling and artful manner.

[@Starie78]

Very helpful video. I am very much a novice and have often wondered why people seem to use plywood such a lot but I think I truly understand now.

[@BeauChampion]

Loved this breakdown of "plywood vs hardwood." As someone with limited tools due to space issues, this definitely helps. I think I'm a plywood guy yearning to be a hardwood guy. One day!

[@squigglyline2813]

Now is the time to do it, from what I hear plywood is getting pricey!

[@nunoandre4964]

+1

[@VaracolacidVesci]

Great content. And you are one of the few to speak the truth about wood movement. People always speak about it like if it would move and walk by its own while it is just a bit of expansion/contraction

[@1pcfred]

How much wood moves depends on a number of things. When wood does move on you a lot you'll learn a hard lesson then too.

[@VaracolacidVesci]

@@1pcfred I know but still is not like it will move as I said, and walk. Even in the most extremes cases if done correctly is not a big deal.

[@DianogaPactor]

Thickni will soon be in the dictionary, never fails to make me smile. Lots of good info, makes me more inclined to try different things. Thank you.

[@Thewibareports]

Those boxes are luscious

[@EricBurbeck]

Fantastic video! Love your use of "thicknigh" (multiple thicknesses) :P

[@nikguthrie1514]

A thurogh guide like this on making hard wood panels for rough wood, could be nice 👍👍

[@kreitv6391]

Very informative video..beginner here. Thanks for the video

[@sixshooter3313]

Very good video. I learned new ways to do things and that is always enjoyable . Thank you.

[@JimPepperTactical]

Best video you’ve ever made. Thank you.

[@mpxsane]

Fantastic advice, thankyou. Simple, articulate and very useful. You also invented a new word 'thick-ni'. 😄👍

[@jorispepe]

Loving the “Thickni” wink! Thanks again!

[@edwardtse8631]

Chris's heisenberg transformation has completed

[@ToolsElectroDIY]

Say my name.

[@MrNathBlack]

thanks a lot for sharing your experiences! Love the shy/proud angle concept!

[@dvanhorne]

This is great. I appreciate you taking the time to break this down into so many minutiae. Some of this material is in books but video gives greater context. Wow.

[@Trauton]

Very helpful comparison! Thank you very much.

[@CrafterMaker]

Super helpful video! Definitely will save for future reference. Thanks

[@davekusek8040]

Great video Chris - wish I had a clear explanation of this topic when I started woodworking.

[@justrandem]

Thank you Heisenberg

[@hersir557]

Bald and beard suits you perfectly!!!!!!!

[@jnewmy14]

I just stumbled on your channel and I have to say, I'm impressed. Delivery was informative and pretty funny, inforomation was clear and concise. Got a new subscriber.

[@aaronbruce514]

Has thousands of dollars worth of woodpecker measuring tools, the most precise measuring tools in the game... Use a super mario ruler

[@1pcfred]

The most precise measuring tools? I guess you've never heard of these people? www.starrett.com/

[@mrwarlock5070]

@@1pcfred Ive still got a Starrett depth micrometer set that belonged to my grandfather when he was an engineer that still works as well today for me as it did for him many moons ago, they're definitely good tools :)

[@1pcfred]

@@mrwarlock5070 Starrett offers traceable standards. Not sure if Woodpecker has that.

[@MixingGBP]

Mind you, it's a Woodpeckers Super Mario Ruler so...😅

[@mindyhall4638]

Always find your videos helpful; thanks!

[@allthingsnu4673]

You did a beautiful job!

[@darvaish4552]

well now i am bious towards your channel. there are lots of tips and tricks in one short video.

[@remkoleupen]

after a very serious subject, your end is funny. not biased.

[@245rizwan]

Awesome video

[@DrBoobY2K]

Such a good resource.

[@jbb5470]

Great video, found it very informative! Thanks for posting, always enjoyable.

[@andyboybennett]

Good job as always.

[@EdMangualFJDiveCruiser]

Great video Chris! Starting my wood working journey and videos lime these really help. Appreciate all the work you guys put into these.

[@neilf4128]

Thank you. I appreciated that

[@wildwood6612]

Great information Cheers Chris!

[@ajayalfred]

Super informative and helpful. Thank you! Would love to see more videos like this.

[@Foureyes.Furniture]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MindBodyMuse]

Your tips are great! Learning a lot :) Keep them going!

[@Hapotecario]

what a master! thanks for sharing!

[@Foureyes.Furniture]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Scott_G]

I already liked the video but I'mma need a love button for 19:29

[@HugTheLoveBear]

I don't think the "thickni" joke will ever not be funny.

[@awildschuetz1]

The wink along with it was priceless!

[@SpencleyDesignCo]

It's the fact that the joke has been going on for years that makes it funny! If you're brand new to the videos, you dont really catch it. That's why I love the joke!

[@coll1208]

It's kind of a Latin pluralization, so I would go with thicknii.

[@HugTheLoveBear]

@@SpencleyDesignCo Oh I know it's been in so many videos every time in a new form

[@cocon16_PW]

Please, please somebody explain. I'm new to the channel

[@joesenn8910]

I really like this stile of video. I feel like I left entertained and having learned something. New subscriber!

[@actualperson9628]

You guys are damn good at what you do. From craftsmen, to show runners, to teachers. I wouldn’t watch a bunch of soy-infused hipster dorks any other way. Kudos to your acumen.

[@jamartin1]

Thank you!💜

[@davidattasseril6304]

Awesome vid! I’ve got a challenge for you... make a project with no numerical measurements. Use only your other cuts to “measure”.

[@bobbonham4823]

Thanks! Great discussion. Confirmed a few of my thoughts, learned a couple of things. Keep up the good work.

[@Foureyes.Furniture]

Thanks Bob...appreciate it

[@TtheConqueror]

That's the most lively "dead-blow" hammer I have ever seen. Sneaking suspicion its just a mallet...

[@xaytana]

It's a mallet with rubber on the head. I have one just like it, definitely not a dead blow.

[@CarlYota]

Unless it's a dead blow made in Asgard, I'm voting for mallet too.

[@Scott_G]

Love the new do man, welcome to the club!

[@BeesyWoodCo.]

Wait a minute, wait a minute, wait a minute...... this dude pulled out a Mario Brothers ruler! All the woodpeckers hanging there on the wall, but no he chose Mario Brothers !! love these guys even more now

[@isaiahmoroshan6505]

It's like I'm learning woodworking from Kratos. Lol Great video, lots of information as always! I always learn something new from you!

[@capitalv8062]

I made a credenza based on one of your designs as my first woodworking project last year. I used butt joints and my box turned out good but it had 91 and 89 degree corners. I had to use a circular saw because my dads table saw he let me use was only had 12 inches on each side of the blade. When I Assembled it I used glue and screws then covered the cheap plywood in walnut veneer. I tried making drawers but they don’t work that well.

[@andrewbrown8148]

Great info, Chris~!

[@guillermo7777]

Great video it cover everything, ply and wood thanks so much you got great shop 45 just glue works perfect on ply nice demo

[@Foureyes.Furniture]

Thanks for watching!

[@63Ducati1]

@21:32: that is NOT a dead blow hammer. Dead blow hammers do NOT bounce back as seen when this rubber hammer bounces back every time. Dead blow hammers have some sort of heavy shot, lead or steel, inside that moves to the impact face when the hammer impacts something. This causes all of the energy of the blow to go into the impacted item. When your hammer bounces back, energy has been stored in the hammer and is released when it bonces back. Steel hammers do this to a lesser degree than anything elastic as rubber, because steel, as much as elastic to a small extent as well. That energy stored in the hammer, causing bounce back, does not transfer to the impacted item. The idea of making the miters 44.9° vs. trying for exactly 45° is a great idea. Now that you have pointed this out, it is obvious. I don't know why I didn't think of it. Thanks for pointing that out.

[@PromisesFromGodsWord]

I think you have them as a sponsor, but can’t remember where you said you got your glasses. They are awesome. Great video.

[@msk3905]

I make my boxes out of plywood because I do not own a thickness planer yet (thanks tiny workshop) and have not found anywhere that sells hardwood ready to use for a box other than cut to size. If any wood supplier is listening there has to be a market for this, priced within reason I buy every time I make a box!

[@mathieunantes]

Awesome ! Thanks !

[@mkteku]

Neat stuff. The tabletop I would flip upside down, however. So that the arms of the user sit on the beveled edge instead of the sharp one.

[@joeslost1255]

Wow. This is such high quality content I feel like I should have paid to watch this and the panel video that brought me here. The two of you put so much valuable knowledge into every step of the way. I watched both just expecting to enjoy your content, in addition to that I feel like I've learned something for every stage of these processes. Keep up the fantastic work fellas.

[@Reign_In_Blood_963]

just ordered your chair build templates and instruction. I can't wait to get it going. Following that, I'll be making the desk in ash or walnut.

[@Foureyes.Furniture]

Nice. I'm just about finished with the desk...out of Beech. I'm really liking the way it is coming out :)

[@165Dash]

Question: The most common box “failure” that I have seen seems to be screw holding at door hinges on non- face frame minimalist cabinets. Have you ever seen 3/4” thick x ??? depth hardwood edging (doweled and glued) being used on a plywood or veneered particleboard sheet good box for screw holding strength? Would this be over-complicated overkill? Also...a review of best practices for plywood selection in minimalist modern box-based furniture or casework construction would be helpful.

[@TaroUehara]

Hi. I’m always wondering how you keep your shop so clean. How do you organize or how often do you clean your shop.

[@seanbrotherton542]

The 44.9 degree miter trick all on its own makes this video awesome! Great content throughout. Thanks for sharing👍

[@Bart-dg6qv]

I love videos with included paid promotions. When I see this I only regret I don't pay for YT. Imagine - paying to watch commercials showing another commercials.

[@christianjanes]

Great resource thanks for making it. Some takeaways. When Shaun lays on top of his work when he’s finished the real test is to just lob it in the air? I really want a poster for the shop with things like the miter angle as a reminder and other useful tips. Thanks again.

[@3rd_stall]

"Shop Accidents that may happen," he must be talking to you Mr. Boyd.

[@MrJKellerLewis]

2 things: a question and a statement. Do you ever use hardwood for the top and plywood for the rest? I worked with veneered plywood for a long time before I got any milling machines and it was a terrible feeling when your piece falls off the back of the table saw and their corner dings. When I started working with hardwood I had that same feeling when the piece would hit the ground and I saw that it didn't get messed up at all. That made me appreciate hardwood that much more. But I still like using plywood for boxes.

[@bonezy1]

do you use an outfeed table for the saw?

[@MrJKellerLewis]

I do now. When I started up I had no solution, or room, for an outfeed table. Sometimes I just don't feel like setting it up now

[@Jamesfrancosdog]

YES! I was just thinking this morning that it’s been too long since a new Foureyes video came out!

[@Foureyes.Furniture]

perfect timing...we got another one coming out in about a week as well...a bit one :)

[@Jamesfrancosdog]

Chris Salomone NICE!!

[@kasianame5086]

Hello, I was wondering if you could do a video on how to choose the length and thickness of wood for shelfing (make sure the shelf won't bend under heavyweight overtime).

[@djcast33]

I have been having issues with my boxes and I feel like I’m just not setting my blade angles correctly. Thank you for showing how you set and use your tools!

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

Great points, Chris, and well organized video format. I've been using plywood quite a bit lately and have felt the need to do some hardwood projects, my house is starting to feel like a baltic birch museum. I like the idea of using thicker hardwood for edging as well, need to try that one. Thanks!

[@phillipquigley5095]

The last part of your discussion got me thinking that it would be cool for you guys to do a video in which you refurbish old pieces of furniture and rebuild them to the quality of all your pieces. Would you guys every do something like that?

[@jeremyspecce]

That’s not what they do. Maybe find an old piece and build their version of it from scratch would be more their speed.

[@Sadowsky46]

So, how do you do a five-sides box with miter joints? The bottom with four miters all around and rest of the box to match these?

[@jasonjohnston94]

What about glued miter joints for MDF?

[@MrGrombie]

How many dowels did the box you broke have? Or was it pure glue?

[@DrFearCo]

There’s not too many videos about using plywood and leaving the edges exposed like in a large variety of mid century modern furniture. I’d love to see a video where you show how to treat exposed edges to make them beautiful instead of covering them.

[@1pcfred]

Just make the edges smooth. Sand, fill and sand again. What else could there possibly be to it?

[@DrFearCo]

@@1pcfred That argument can be applied to sticking on a veneer. By that logic why should any video exist on any topic? I want to know tips and techniques to ensure a long lasting and beautiful edge and unfortunately, I am not as knowledgeable as you.

[@1pcfred]

@@DrFearCo I made some bookshelves a while ago and left the plywood edges exposed. They're still holding up well. Some things are as straightforward, simple and easy as they seem. Raw plywood edges is one of those things too. It is literally the least thing you can do. But how it looks doesn't bother me. i.imgur.com/TTBGhYa.jpg

[@cjxrider125]

what kind of plywood do you guys use for cabinets? it looks like it has a lot of plys

[@dajesterman]

Hey Chris. Your videos are always awesome. Thanks for sharing. QQ - what tablesaw blade do you use for cross cutting and mitering veneered plywood? I seem to always get tear out with my combination blade.

[@youssefmahjoub2588]

I don't understand why you used the 44.9 trick on the plywood only? Why not on the hardwood too?

[@1100mrjohnson]

Come on, say it, say it, saaaay it (Chris says it) wink - yeah, that's the stuff!

[@neilrw86]

will all videos be shot in this 90's rap video camera angle from now on?

[@bototorockstyle]

i've ended up into the world of woodworking by accident (literally) and im a beginner, and to find your and shaun's channel has been so helpful, and honestly, you guys have been inspiring not only because of woodworking, but also, because of the video editing, music, camera settings, script, sketchups drawings (mybe not sketchup), video description and links, and all the details that comes with making this video. so i guess i just can say THANK YOU GUYS! greetings from Chile

[@Foureyes.Furniture]

Thanks Rodrigo. If it's Chris is Sketchup...if it's Shaun its Fusion :)

[@Diliverium]

Lots of great information! How do you fix those problems you talked about from shop-accidents with plywood? Like sanding through or dinging a corner. Have been there way too many times and still not found great solutions to those situations...

[@Foureyes.Furniture]

Depends on what the problem is....most of the time, you just need to avoid them unfortunately

[@schaddalton]

The intro tune sounded an awful lot like an rdavidr beat. Credit where credit is due, my dude.

[@dennisaslan9684]

Thanks for the detailed explanation but my mind went to the figure 8 fasteners tht allows the wood to move.. Never heard of them before.. Is tht something new or has it always been there?.. Just wondering how they work..

[@shinobitree5711]

Do you have any recommendations about where to get walnut plywood online?

[@Nick-k4n5d]

Past 45 degree and he hast it at 44.9 degree. Please explain properly.

[@bhavishmahadoo1924]

Hey Chris, Which software do you use to make drawings and plans?? Btw ... love your videos and projects I've learnt so much from you Keep it up🔥🔥

[@Foureyes.Furniture]

Thanks! I mostly use Sketchup :)

[@bhavishmahadoo1924]

@@Foureyes.Furniture thanks bud✌🔥

[@filmthatbuild]

I like your new look ;) I'll shave my hair too lol

[@codacreator6162]

What an awesome video! Experience is the most difficult part of teaching anything because there are so many variables that go unnoticed -- especially after years growing expertise. A lot of KZbinrs miss including a bit of the stuff they learned in the beginning of their woodworking experience, overlooking details that may not be crucial, but are impactful to the final project. You do an exceptional job of covering questions that pop into my head as I'm watching, which is (believe it or not) a gift. This is the quality that separates mere teachers from great teachers that can neither be taught nor truly learned. Giving the gift of knowledge that can allow a student to use your experience and knowledge as a solid foundation to their own journey to mastery is a demonstration of true altruism. If more people understood the true value of extraordinary teachers, we (Americans) wouldn't be so quick to view teachers as disposable and pay them like burger-flippers. The challenge for students is to find the teacher with both the expertise AND the gift. I hope everyone watching this channel will share it with everyone you know who is remotely interested in woodworking or what quality furniture looks like during its construction and maybe some of them will migrate away from big box stores and invest in the kind of handmade furniture that craftsmen and women can and do create. Or, learn to craft some for themselves. I recently had to give up riding a motorcycle, which was a big part of my daily mental health care. I just rediscovered woodworking which I'd been taught in a public school as a kid. I thought it was a lot of fun, then, and built some stuff that I was pretty proud of back then. When the class was finished, I moved onto other stuff: music, journalism, history, literature in high school and college, completely forgetting about my experiences in both wood and metals when I was young. I gravitated toward professions that were pretty far removed from trades, though my dad had been a professional welder/steel fabricator. And the further I got from doing creative stuff, the more anxious and aimless I felt. It never occurred to me that the problem might be in that tendency away from making stuff that might be the root of the problem. All I felt was that despite holding an advanced degree and doing everything in my power to convince myself that I was much too smart for trade work, I was miserable and continued effort to engage in everything designed to make me compliant and engaged with my work, from self-help and business success books to corporate classes and workshops we think will mold our behavior and make us better people, finally to prescription medication and intensive therapy -- none of which accomplished the goal of making me a well-balanced employee, citizen, or human being. I don't know if it's all as simple as taking up woodworking or rediscovering my love of the outdoors or even buying another motorcycle. But, somehow, I feel like it's all part of a bigger trend that subordinates people who aren't professionals simply because they're not then using that criteria as a rule to elevate the money-makers above the service providers, creators, and teachers that made our society. Literally. I know this is far afield of the subject of this video, but not so far as you think. In the not too distant future we will have automated a majority of jobs to the point that we'll be faced with the very serious dilemma of redefining what it means to work. My job won't exist. Ironically, the sponsor of this video, Policy Genius, is a great example of this trend. But, like all static troves of information, it will never be a true substitute for the insurance agent that has your back. All coverages are NOT created equal. All variables that can be covered by one or another policy cannot be homogenized to the point of one size fits all for the sake of efficiency and market share. But that's the trend. We do these things at our own peril. When robots and computers, 3D printers and CNC machines take over woodworking and the craftsman no longer has access to the base materials of his work, we will have lost yet another art vital to the progress of humanity. We are not designed to sit in offices and cubies monitoring the WEENUS. And it's especially destructive when corporate leadership lauds performance based solely on company growth, as if connecting with and providing for their clients and customers meant nothing. Beauty is important. In a world of robot craftsmen and women, there can never again be another Da Vinci, Frank Lloyd Wright, or Carroll Shelby. Thank you for allowing us to share your knowledge and experience, it's a tremendous gift and priceless. I'm here to save my soul and will be for a while. Thanks for letting me hang out, too. I'll try not to get in the way. Cheers!

[@rosswhite9607]

Chris, I’m in the UK and trying moisture resistant (MR) MDF instead of plywood for a few projects like your boxes. Have you any experience of this material and if so, anything you would differently to plywood? It seems to be more stable, has less chance of tearout, has a smoother face, is cheaper however possibly not as strong. Veneered and for painted finish. I’d be grateful for your and Shaun’s thoughts.

[@KillerZero259]

Cam you please tell us where you got the Mario Themed ruler???

[@mrteecee]

Thanks for the nice video with the great drawings! You did great job on the illustrations also! But speaking about the safety: 2:56 strings near a rotary machine? 6:51 random dropped pieces on the floor near a saw? I know I'm only a hobbist, but I always collect the leftovers thrown in a huge box near the saw, sorting them after the day is over. So I won't fall to the saw stepping on them and also it looks much cleaner. ;)

[@trevorcrist5456]

Yessss. Haven’t even watched it yet but this is what I’ve been hoping for. My boxes are always terrible!

[@Foureyes.Furniture]

Hope it helps :)

[@ddd228]

@@Foureyes.Furniture You can never have too many clamps.