Clamshell Box - Part 1 - Small Tray

I'll show you a finished box and begin construction on two larger boxes.

[@frandmckay]

Hello Sage, I have used your videos here on making clamshells as a reference for a few different projects now, and they come out stunning every time! I can't thank you enough for taking the time to share your knowledge so clearly and thoroughly. Cheers!

[@Ceropegia]

+Fran McKay it's nice to hear that, Thank you. Glad to have been helpful. Thanks for writing and watching!

[@mmeanabarbosa]

Henry is very nice.

[@Heeky18]

Thank you so much! =) I am going to make this for a project I am doing for my final year course. XD

[@nlp3000]

I really need to start using a roller for my glue.

[@allinon1sw]

I am confused as to how he uses the gauge. I can see how it makes for very easy work to cut out the pieces for the small tray, but how do I get my dimensions for the larger tray to fit snugly over the smaller? I would like to cut all my pieces needed for construction in one session. Thank you Mr. Reynolds for posting these terrific videos!

[@Ceropegia]

You should be able to construct a complete box in 2-3 hours if you have basic binding/covering skills. I can do it in an hour or so. It is essential that you make the small tray and cover the edges before cutting the large tray for a snug fit. Double thickness side of the gauge for head to tail length and single thickness for the fore edge to spine sides of the tray. Cut the cover boards to fit the large tray. The double thickness of the gauge spaces the cover pieces. Email if you need more info

[@circusbark]

Hi Sage, I find your videos very helpful, thank you. I've begun to look at paper cutters and keep coming back to yours, in the video. Is it commercially available or custom made? If custom made, which available cutter would you recommend? thanks

[@XCyclonusX]

Is it important when measuring the double thickness that you always use the fabric wrapped side of the guage? Because the fabric would add to the width of a double side, but your single side thickness does not have fabric wrapped. Great video.

[@bighousedaddy]

Can you give us a link in the discription box to where we can buy the type of board you're using?

[@orlandoyanza]

Hello Mr Henry is pleasure to see you again this is Mr Luis from NY maybe you remember can you tell me were can i by the chip board please

[@penelopepurchase6306]

Dear Sage, need to know if I can get instructions (written of course) from you. I have found your video on KZbin very good indeed and have followed them to find that they work very well. Your instruction are very simple with regards the flip box and the clamshell box very easy and it seems to be all about the gauge. Am I right in assuming this is the case? Also, do you place the "walls" on TOP of the board as opposed to the sides or is this a personal preference? I am building up my bookbinding studio in my basement in the UK and have a few small orders. The biggest one I had was a wedding album with oak covers and a copper pierced tree for a tree surgeon. Please could you oblige with written instructions. Thank you. Penelope

[@Ceropegia]

Hi Penelope, Yes the walls do go on top of the board. That's why I place the board against the stationary stop and then glue the edges of the wall and place it on the board. And Yes it is all about the gauge, with the gauge you are freed from using the clumsy measurements on a ruler. Are you asking for help with the wedding album? good luck with your new studio and thanks for watching.

[@PASamuelsART]

Hi Sage, very impressed with you work - wonderful! One question. What is the glue, you are using. Is it PVA? If it is, doesn't it dry out on the roller and in the tray, over the period of the work?regards, Philip

[@Ceropegia]

+Philip Samuels Please watch my video on Glue and Roller Basics. All and more questions are answered. Thanks for watching!

[@sleepyholiday]

Hello Sage, Thank you for your video. I would like a make one, and is wondering if it would be possible to add a ribbon inside of the box to help get the books out? What stage should I add this if it's possible. Thank u!

[@Ceropegia]

+sleepyholiday The ribbon is not necessary as the tray has an open side once you open the box. The spine of the book is readily accessible from the center of the box. Please watch the beginning of this video and the last video of this project and you will see that there will be no difficulty getting at the book. Thanks for watching.

[@mariudelpilar5734]

Hola Sage donde puedo imprimir ó ver las medidas de tu proyecto. Muchas Gracias por compartirlo! Saludos Mariela (Scrap Mariudelpilar facebook)

[@mbos4015]

Where can we find the type of board you are using to make these boxes?

[@itgeltbayan]

joann blick etc etc...

[@enda19]

How come 2 small trays are made? Is this because you are making 2 boxes at one time?

[@markanthonysantos857]

what kind of fabric are you using?

[@Pandaemiation]

KITTY.

[@Mareepu]

Thank you very much for the video! I have always loved these boxes, so they will be my next project. I have a question, maybe a little off-topic... the guillotine you use to cut your boards, did you ever need to replace the blade? I was handed an old guillotine that theoretically should still work, but the blade is very dull. Would you know places that provide replacements? Again, thanks for the video!

[@Ceropegia]

The Cutter I use is not a guillotine, the machine is called a Board Shear. I have only had to have the blade sharpened once in the 40 years or so that I have owned it. Look up a local 'grinding service' and they should be able to send an engineer to take your blade off of the armature and sharpen it for you. They may also take the blade on the table too. ( replacing the blade on an old board shear will be nearly impossible, and very expensive.) The engineer will also reinstall the blade, before he leaves, make sure it works as it should. If you can't find a grinding service, ask a local printer or bindery that has guillotines, those blades need to be sharpened more often and they will probably have a place for you to call. If you have any other concerns, write to me and I will answer if I know what you need. Thanks for watching.

[@Mareepu]

***** Thank you very much for answering my question! I will see if I can find a blade servicing place nearby.

[@tzu-juchen5687]

Is the glue diluted with water in this videographer do you only do that when gluing fabric/paper to the board?

[@Ceropegia]

I always dilute the PVA. It is because I use a roller, PVA is a very dense liquid and will not spread or be as easy to use undiluted. Please watch my Glue and Roller Basics video for more details. Thanks for watching.