How To Make A Simple Wooden Box

This is a step-by-step video for how to build a really simple and cheap wooden box for beginners and advanced woodworkers alike! I used leftover pine and cedar scrap wood from previous builds. If you find this video helpful at all, consider subscribing! I have a lot of great content planned and would love for you to come on this journey with me.
#diy #woodworking #woodenbox #box
Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:21 Cutting The Sides
01:01 Stripping Dow the Sides
01:39 Cutting 45 Degree Angles
03:07 Adding Groves
04:39 Measuring groves
05:05 Dry Fitting Box
06:09 Gluing Box Together
07:55 Creating The Lid
08:33 Attaching Hinges
10:33 Final Touches
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Products I Like
Dewalt Table Saw
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6” Clamps
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24” Clamps
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Titebond 2 Glue
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Titebond 3 Glue
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Milwaukee Hammer Drill
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Rigid Planer 13”
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Milwaukee Cordless Router
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Milwaukee 18 Gauge Brad Nailer
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Equipment for Filming
RODE Wireless Go 2
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Canon EOS M50 Mark 2
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Raleno Softbox Lighting
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Please be careful when using power tools. They can be dangerous when mishandled. Use them the way they were intended to be used.

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

Let's address the Elephant in the room. I was very new to wood working when I created this video and even though I was very careful I should have used the push stick with the table saw. Please make sure you do! Don't want stubs on your hand! That is all :)

[@ladybuilder]

LOL

[@user-kc2yw4ti2y]

I have been around family working in some project or other my entire life (I’m currently over 50). Be careful sure, use safety measures sure, but you work with what you have…. Or you end up fingerless.

[@larrysheldon5249]

Ok

[@peterbonifacio3288]

Excellent work. The project is easy to build and the presentation great. Compliments!

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

I appreciate the kind words!

[@Gd-dr3yd]

Great video and step by step instructions!! Thanks

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

I’m happy it helped you out!

[@anthonyb8208]

Im going to try this.

[@moniquesagarese1242]

Great box! Appreciate this video so much! Easily took me through the steps to follow and understand. Thank you!

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

I’m glad it was helpful!!

[@HouseScraper]

Great box without dove tails really enjoyed how you show each step great job.

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

I really appreciate it! Hopefully it helped you out!!

[@timdoyon1964]

I’ve been a woodworker for over 30 years, and I enjoyed your video. I’m glad you addressed “the elephant in the room”. I was always very careful using my table saw. 🤔 Until the day it happened; I was cutting a board when my girlfriend walked in my shop. I lost my concentration for just a second and ran my middle finger over the blade. 🫨😐🫤😣😖😫 I still have it mind you, but it wasn’t a pretty sight. The blade went length wise completely through my fingernail and about 1/2” into the bone. Kinda like peeling a banana. 🍌 The pain was indescribable… even worse when they stuck a needle into the bone marrow to numb it up for surgery. Oh my God that sucked so bad! Anyways, that was about five years ago, and my finger has long since healed, but it is numb up to the first joint. I never skimp on safety equipment now… in fact, whenever I get ready to use power equipment, I lock my door, and there is a sign that says “If the door is locked, either I am not here, or I am using dangerous equipment. Please do not disturb… don’t even knock. When I am done, I will come unlock the door. Thank you for your understanding.” Trust me, distractions are your biggest enemy. Okay, about your box. Your design was timeless, your miters are tight, it looks beautiful and solid as a rock. Great job! 🏆 It will last through your lifetime and beyond. Date your pieces… it’s always fun to look back at some of your old pieces and see how your skills have improved. Anyways, I didn’t watch your video to critique you… I just enjoy woodworking videos,and I find that I still learn new stuff all the time; even from youngsters like you, (please take no offense, I’m just an old fart and have grandkids about your age). 👴🏼 lol I have liked and subscribed.. see you around dude! ☮️🍻

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

There’s just something special about creating an object out of a piece of wood! And even though I’m a youngster who is relatively new to the craft 😄 I find it very filling to share the techniques I have learned up to this point. I love hear from people like you who have the experience because it gives me the opportunity to learn a new skill or trick! Thanks for the comment!!

[@wilburrrrr742]

Thanks for telling your injury story. It makes me worry about you, however, when you say that you lock the door. I understand about locking out the distractions, but still "shit happens". And it's hard enough to holler for help over machines running, now you've added a barrier to being rescued. Please just humor me and go with a big bold sign on the door. Happy sawdusting!

[@timdoyon1964]

@@wilburrrrr742 You know, that’s a great idea… in fact, I’m going to go design a sign and hang it right now. That is great advice, and I thank you for it. ☮️♥️

[@danalaniz7314]

Very nice project and a great final product. Thanks for taking the effort and spending the time to share it.

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

Thank you for taking the time to watch it! I appreciate the support!

[@MGR12272]

Excellent job on the video and thanks for making it simple.

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

I’m happy you enjoyed it!

[@benzampino5248]

Stop blocks would also help to keep same size F & B panels to eliminate trying to eyeball the correct size.

[@nazarsalih6635]

Very helpful! Thanks

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johnnybaer8268]

Great looking box. I've subscribed to your channel. Cant wait to see whats next.

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

I appreciate that Johnny!

[@davidboston4574]

love it!!!! Wow awesome job…

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it

[@MikeTheSith200]

Very dangerous to use the miter gauge and the fence as well. But great box!

[@KandidReviews]

this is very nice ! thank you

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

I’m happy you enjoyed it!

[@ronnyrice697]

Nice work. Was fun watching you.

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

Thanks for watching! More to come!

[@territodude]

Excellent, simple and to the point for newbe box makers, lol

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

I'm glad you found it useful! I was a newbe box maker at the time as well and was happy to show the process I took.

[@The_Joker_]

Nicely done 👍

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

Thanks 👍

[@mundlkalli4396]

Wish I would have seen this video before I made my first box today. Great demo ,simple explanation, soft background (low volume) music.Thank you very much !!!!!! Any suggestion on how to properly cut the 45 on the table-saw (or any saw for that matter) without going over or under.....thus not fitting worth a damn ( my issue ). LOL..... Thank you again. !!!!

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

I’m happy you enjoyed it! The way to find a close to perfect 45 degree is by using a digital angle finder.

[@basement_song_covers]

@@DrewLarsenDesignsI built this for my wood shop class and we used a miter saw for the angles

[@1barron]

cool a very easy design.

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

I appreciate the comment!

[@peterstevens6555]

Kia Ora & Good Evening from North Shore, Auckland, New Zealand …great video bro …

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

Appreciate the support!

[@Indahchannel]

I really like your videos

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

Thank you!

[@shroomy7199]

New to your channel enjoyed this great guide. I think adding a shock absorber to the lid will save the hinges from any stress which i will do

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

That’s a great idea!

[@presramh]

Very Nice

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

Thank you!

[@fredrickjensen-nv7qm]

good video and thanks for the tips but what materials do you use?

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

The box was made out of cedar and the lid was pine

[@Sobhan385]

so nice very good

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

I appreciate it!

[@BahmanMah]

Nice

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

Thanks!

[@mickbrown9021]

Breaking every safety rule in the book !!!

[@redcharlotte]

Great tutorial for a beginner like me. Thank you! Can you share what wood polish production you used? thank you.

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

Thank you! There are different types that I use. Lately I’ve been using teak oil.

[@BasedGodEmperorTrump]

A box like this with lock miter joinery would be nice.

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

Maybe I should make a sequel, and post an updated box with some joinery!

[@buddydog1956]

Dovetailed, woulda been nice, along w/recessed hinges as well...nice box otherwise ~@@DrewLarsenDesigns

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

I would love to master dovetails. Not only do they look nice but they are also very strong!

[@buddydog1956]

Cutting them by hand is an art - doable, but takes practice. However, I submit to you to get a Porter Cable Dovetail jig, no. 4216 - it's a/b $200. I'm making predominately 'jewelry boxes' and it's perfect jig for these boxes w/ dovetails - such a nice touch - Anyway, the set comes w/ (3) templates. One, for 1/2" dovetails, one for 1/4". And another one for box joints or sliding dovetails. I can make the box joints w/ either of the 1st two i desrcibed. Additionally, the set comes w/ the proper bushings for your router and 1/2" & 1/4" bits, both dove and straight bits. Finally, you'll need to get the correct 'plexiglass' base that accepts the 1 3/16" bushings. If you need 'training' , YT is your friend ~ Merry Christmas ~ @@DrewLarsenDesigns

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

Thanks for the tips!! I’m glad you stumbled across my channel, merry Christmas to you as well!

[@Jack-un5im]

Nice video but the table saw technique almost gave me a panic attack haha

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

Watching it back, I feel the same way! ALWAYS USE A PUSH STICK DREW!!! haha

[@websterbehrens7837]

great video with detail instructions. What wood polish did youuse ?

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

Thanks I appreciate it!! For this specific box I used feed-n-wax.

[@SunshineSyl]

Cool tip - use a straw to collect excess glue out of corners 😊

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

That’s a fantastic tip! Love it!

[@MuffinsNZ]

Would you recommend a table saw or a miter saw as the first saw that I purchase?

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

Great question! It’s hard to give you an exact answer because they both accomplish very different tasks. I got a miter saw before a table saw, but it depends on what you are looking to do out of the gate!

[@tnabbott]

Two words: Stop block. Try it. 🙂 Also, use a riving knife for finger sake!

[@Benmeglei1]

My man couldn’t find a thicker pencil holy mackerel. Are you building a house or a wooden box?

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

I do both 😎

[@celalbayar9251]

Wery nice. Anahtar yeri yok

[@everettefox3793]

Very nice what kind polish did you use

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

For this specific box I used Feed-N-Wax Wood conditioner.

[@everettefox3793]

@@DrewLarsenDesigns do you mind telling where I can purchase it thanks

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

@everettefox3793 absolutely, I bought it from Home Depot. But any wood working store should a good conditioner 👍

[@MiriamKalson]

What is used for the bottom?

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

It is a 1/4 inch plywood sheet 👍

[@1252PFC]

Great video, great instructions and inspiring. New sub here. 1. Did you cut on the line, outside or inside? 2. Glue held up fine? Would you recommend brad nailing edges and if gauge? Thanks

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

I appreciate that! 1. I like to cut on the outside. But whatever you choose, just keep it consistent 2. The glue held up great, most times the wood will fail before the glue does. Brad nailing isn’t a terrible idea, if you decide to go that route 18 gauge would do nicely. I would prefer splines however because of the structural integrity of it.

[@1252PFC]

​@saltlifebuilds thank you for the reply

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

Of course! 😁

[@darrylprice3728]

Why did you put the hinges on the outside rather than in between lid and box?

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

It is the easiest way for beginners to add hinges and plus When I created this box my skill level was very low and didn’t know how to do that a the time 😂

[@darrylprice3728]

@@DrewLarsenDesigns Thank you and that is a very fair response. I did love the box!!!

[@bobwalker2293]

Ever hear of a push stick? One mistake and there will be two "Stumpy Nubs. Just some good advice for you yourng man.

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

I appreciate the advice 😊. I am extra careful when working with my table saw and am always aware of where my hand is in relation to the blade. Looking back however, using a push stick would have been the safest choice in that situation. 👍

[@MisterJ56]

I’m afraid some will say …… where’s your pushstick when using the tablesaw ! (safety first). Btw. Nice box (for a beginner) 😂👍 I couldn’t do it better (for a beginner). Note: Personaly I would have chosen for the same kind of wood for the lid as used for the box …. but ok, it’s your box, not mine 😊

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

Maybe my next video should be “how to make a push stick” 😂 I am always very careful when using power tools and would never try to push my luck. Whenever you’re working, you need to be extra careful!

[@MisterJ56]

@@DrewLarsenDesigns Can’t wait !! 😜

[@coldzero1214]

At a minimum you should be using a riving knife

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

Hit The Subscribe Button if You Enjoyed This!! Thanks For Watching!

[@dlow1g]

i lost a finger just watching

[@SmokinGun55]

I really wonder if all of these maniacal Safety Sallies are as perfectly safety minded when they get behind the wheel of a vehicle. Vehicular homicide statistics prove that they certainly are not.

[@dlow1g]

lol because everyone in the comment section has mowed someone down with their car? just dumb

[@SmokinGun55]

@@dlow1g Read and understand what was written, if you can read. Don't exaggerate my comments. YOU'RE the one who's dumb.

[@normasnokas]

I felt a bit uneasy watching this. Table saw and no hand protection.

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

Only the builder can control their level of comfort when working on a project. I have a lot of respect for power tools and am always careful when using them. If you feel uneasy when working, I recommend stopping and looking for a different way to complete the project! No need to push through that discomfort because that’s when accidents happen.

[@billj5645]

I watched all the way through to see if you got into any real woodworking... (real woodworking means sanding)

[@richklee5464]

Music sucks box is awesome

[@beerancher3225]

Please think safety , use push sticks or Grippa while you still have 10 fingers .

[@DrewLarsenDesigns]

Always thinking safety first is important 👍

[@bigdaddysshop8180]

PEOPLE... GET OVER YOURSELVES... I agree on safety but wow he doesn't need every other comment about a push stick or safety. I'm sure most of you don't follow EVERY SAFETY PRECAUTION.

[@The_Joker_]

They’re all just that next Gen woke PC npc nutters that do nothing only whinge behind their keyboards

[@peadookie]

Safety… and left ear. Nope.