How to Build Boxes for Furniture - An Intermediate Woodworking Guide

Building boxes and cabinet making for woodworkers at an intermediate level.
To start comparing quotes and simplify insurance-buying check out Policygenius: policygenius.com/foureyes Thanks to Policygenius for sponsoring this video!
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
▸ Plans For Sale - www.foureyesfurniture.com/plans
▸ Support on Patreon! - / chrissalomone
FEATURED TOOLS
▸ Woodpeckers Clamping Squares - bit.ly/WoodPeckerClampingSquare
▸ Rockler Project Mat - bit.ly/iiii-ProjectMat
▸ Rockler Bandy Clamps - bit.ly/iiii-bandy-clamps
▸ Rockler Clamp It Squares - bit.ly/iiii-CornerClamps
▸ Rockler Cross Cut Sled - bit.ly/iiii-crosscut
▸ Rockler Digital Angle Gauge - bit.ly/iiii-DigitalAngleGauge
▸ Mirka Dust-Free Sanding System - bit.ly/Mirka-Online
DOVETAIL VIDEO
▸ Jonathan Katz-Moses - • A Comprehensive Guide ...
FOLLOW
▸ Subscribe | goo.gl/oVdN4f
▸ Patreon | / chrissalomone
▸ Instagram | / foureyesfurniture

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@simonefron3580]

This video is 3 years old and and a great watch for any amateur wood worker who is trying to up their skills, the detail and time that 4eyes has put into this is to be commended but the little tips setting the saw to just past 45 is a great trick that I would not have known had he not mentioned it. This is why you need to subscribe to this channel. He builds great furniture, whether it is to your particular liking or not is not as relevant as the great information and techniques that are shared. PS i love your designs they are very much to my likening. Plans are available on the website for those interested.

[@Fallenangel_85]

An especially great trick if you saw is capped at 45 lol

[@ephraimschmitt3106]

The level of detail while keeping it simple is unmatched for a video like this, such a great video!

[@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.

[@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.

[@seanbrotherton542]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@EdMangualFJDiveCruiser]

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

[@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.

[@travelinganvil5711]

I just found your channel. Your tone, creativity, and production value are amazing. Thanks so much for the work you're putting in and your relaxed attitude. It is so refreshing!

[@fredastaire6156]

This is exactly what I was looking for in a video, especially the precision tip of the mitred corners. That, to me, is why I subscribed. Plus, I love your style. So much so that I'm getting one of those dope shirts! Cheers!

[@nikguthrie1514]

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

[@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!!

[@bradwatson2085]

So glad to hear somebody like you say wood movement is overblown, especially if you’re starting with properly dried materials

[@165Dash]

Very nice and informative video guys! I particularly appreciated the strength test. A few years ago I saw a lecture by a well regarded structural engineer who was custom designing a canopy that would employ laminated glass as a structural element. There were no mathematical formulas for this so he basically did the same thing. He had a glass shop built a few representative assemblies and then they loaded them to failure... several times until he was satisfied.

[@1S4Per]

Love the video. Been watching yours for just a short time, and would love to see more of this informational type content interspersed within your other videos, i.e. spend a minute or so per video to highlight the reasoning/challenges/benefits of going a certain route vs another. Good stuff. Thanks!

[@emmettrans2150]

This vibe is so relaxing.

[@MrSeminole77]

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

[@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. :)

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@MrNathBlack]

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

[@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

[@magssaddler2626]

Awesome video mate! Great explanations for those of us who are starting out.

[@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.

[@7469626572696F]

Very, very good video. Content wise as well as style. Thank you for helping us in our woodworking.

[@jjgarza2244]

Thanks for the video. Great advice that we would have had to learn the hard way. Thanks for saving us money!

[@moneymakingmikeg.9555]

Another great video & so many helpful tips!! And the interaction with each other will never get old!!!!! Hoping all is well guys, Dirty Jersey out!!!

[@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

[@cjgrandjean]

I am building my first furniture grade box now, and even for a simpel box, there are so many decisions to be made. Thank your for clearing that up, in a easy to understand way 👍

[@Foureyes.Furniture]

Glad it was helpful!

[@williamellis8993]

Great info, Chris. I'm 71 and have been a hobbyist woodworker for over 30 years and I'm still always looking for tips and new ideas to learn. Thanks. Yes, thicknii (wink). No scrapsketball? Take care. Bill

[@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.

[@davekusek8040]

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

[@jbb5470]

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

[@davidpietranczyk]

Excellent video. Thank you!

[@BluzThemes]

Ty so much for creating these amazing videos! I learn so much from you guys! ❤

[@janosadelsberger]

This is such good content for beginners! Thank you so much :)

[@ajayalfred]

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

[@Foureyes.Furniture]

Glad it was helpful!

[@FredMcIntyre]

Awesome work Chris, thanks for the info! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@bloosbelly]

Explained and shown so well, thank you.

[@msjm78]

thank you very much! Im building a computer monitor stand and this video was very helpful

[@mindyhall4638]

Always find your videos helpful; thanks!

[@JimPepperTactical]

Best video you’ve ever made. Thank you.

[@shaunisclutch]

Um, crazy how I needed this right now. Scary but thank you.

[@demoque]

This is great. I've been wanting to make a desk with mitered joint for a few months but I was worried about its strength. After your thorough explanation and strength demonstration I am way more confortable with the idea now

[@Scott_G]

Love the new do man, welcome to the club!

[@CrafterMaker]

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

[@The42Joker]

Very well done and presented! Thanks! Also, thickni! Also, also, nice look with the smooth dome!

[@edwardtse8631]

Chris's heisenberg transformation has completed

[@ToolsElectroDIY]

Say my name.

[@sixshooter3313]

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

[@rjhcarpentryandjoinery]

Great tip on the caps inside the mitres rather than out!

[@MindBodyMuse]

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

[@jimmyz1686]

That tip on cutting your bevels just proud of 45 is a lifesaver.

[@adrielhernandez4073]

You are a great teacher. Very well planned lesson

[@joesenn8910]

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

[@TallGuyDIY]

Awesome vid Chris, your incite is very valuable!

[@SeanDoranirishman]

Excellent video!

[@phoenix5694]

Instant like.Thank you for the knowledge.

[@danparks8894]

Great video! Really good to hear your thoughts on the when’s and what’s, and the why’s , whatever that means. Cheers x 4

[@trooperjoe73]

Great video. Saving this for reference, thank you.

[@kaptajndisko9515]

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

[@mpxsane]

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

[@NabilAbdelRahmanDEEB]

Thanks a lot, I've learnt a lot from you through this video, which is the first video that made me know you. And for sure, you've got a a new happy subscriber, good luck and keep up the good work.

[@Trauton]

Very helpful comparison! Thank you very much.

[@nordyfamily]

Great work dude

[@patrickdunn8918]

Truth...hardwood is better. Thanks for all those great tips Four...I’m pleased to meet you. And that destructive test on the box really gave some perspective on how strong the glued mitre is. Good stuff!

[@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 :)

[@LetsGoHelio]

I love these straightforward videos. You should create an online course. Seriously, you offer tons of amazing advice!

[@Foureyes.Furniture]

The plan builds are kind of that. We’re actually thinking about doing that once we have a good catalog of plans put together.

[@marciobatista6952]

​@@Foureyes.FurnitureMe avisem pois o seu trabalho é dedicação, inspira a ser perfeccionista, não disponho das ferramentas, mas temos que fazer com o que temos da melhor forma possível, sempre melhor! Gratidão pela didática que nos apresenta. Parabéns!

[@storjoel]

I really like how your channel has changed lately. Good wörk!

[@Foureyes.Furniture]

Thanks!

[@kevinetheridge6153]

Nice comprehensive look at this process. Well done :-)

[@kellerbenjaminjames]

Really appreciate the video, and will be applying some of these ideas for a tortoise enclosure that is going to be 5' by 3'. I think I would like to work with hardwood but due to moisture in the tortoise enclosure - even with sealing the wood and adding a pvc liner, I think my project is going to be better suited to plywood this time.

[@elege9430]

hermano sos un crack! me despejaste un montón de dudas

[@ewout2211]

Excellent explanation! Tnx a lot.

[@Erin_Wilson_Studios]

Wow...I haven't stopped into your channel for a while...you were still working in your garage. Nice to see the way you've grown!

[@Foureyes.Furniture]

Welcome back...it's good to have you! :)

[@dwgar1322]

Thanks bro love your videos.

[@joshmccullock4996]

Excellent info, thanks!

[@wildwood6612]

Great information Cheers Chris!

[@kreitv6391]

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

[@andrewbrown8148]

Great info, Chris~!

[@allthingsnu4673]

You did a beautiful job!

[@245rizwan]

Awesome video

[@BubbaLeroy]

Really liked this video. Thanks

[@DrBoobY2K]

Such a good resource.

[@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.

[@TheBrothersCompound]

This is the box master class

[@jorispepe]

Loving the “Thickni” wink! Thanks again!

[@bromma1979]

That's a lot of details 👍🏻🪛🪚🔨

[@garagemonkeysan]

Great video. Well thought out and produced. Mahalo for sharing! : )

[@rongoldberg8174]

Great topic

[@BigmoRivera]

Bien Echo 😉👍🏽 Nicely Done 🪚🔨📐 Keep Up The Good Work

[@ikymagoo]

awesome video!

[@BrianClincy]

Chris my G, I appreciate the breakdown of the basic square (90 degree) I just bought a biscuit jointer for the corner. Not sure if you're from Michigan, but the D tigers hat, and your ones shoe game is in full display!

[@cnut4563a]

Great video