How to Make Simple Box Bottoms | Wood Box Making

Step by step how to make a stupid simple bottom for a wood box or cabinet drawer. I make a lot of boxes, which obviously includes wood panels for box bottoms. If you want to make a box or cabinet drawer and aren’t sure on how to do it, maybe this video will help to explain how easy it can be. In this video, I’m making a box bottom for a box with miter corners. If you are using another type of joinery such as dovetails, box joints, or rabbet joints, then the same process applies; however, you may have to use a router and plunge the workpiece down, avoiding cutting all the way through the ends. For an example of how to do this, check out my video on making a rosewood box: • Can I Save this Rosewo...
If you don’t have a planer or drum sander, don’t sweat it. A drum sander makes sanding panels faster, but I didn’t use one for years without a problem. This same process works for any thickness panel so you can buy 1/4” plywood (including walnut plywood) and you have an instant box bottom, no planing required!
•• About NewtonMakes••
I’m Billy and I make fun things. Sometimes, it’s something I need like tool storage ideas. Other times it’s silly or nerdy stuff that I want to build. If you want to get ideas for making stuff, or just want to watch something entertaining then make sure you subscribe.
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Website: newtonmakes.com
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Esty: www.etsy.com/shop/GenWoodworker
Here’s a list of tools and materials that I used to make this project. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
•• Tools & Materials ••
My Amazon Store: www.amazon.com/shop/newtonmakes
Drum sander: amzn.to/2MyjpKG
Jet Table Saw: amzn.to/2RwQTJa
Dewalt planer: amzn.to/38LarPW
Forrest Woodworker II Saw Blade: amzn.to/3kezMHf
Random Orbit Sander amzn.to/2RxjkXo
120 grit sandpaper: amzn.to/2QW835c
180 grit sandpaper: amzn.to/39y5kVM
•• Music ••
Friendly Day by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...

[@NewtonMakes]

I never want to skip over the fundamentals of a project. I thought this video may help those who are new to making boxes or cabinet drawers and would like some tips on how to construct the bottom. There are a few ways to do this depending on the joinery used. I talk about it more in the video description.

[@The_Conqueeftador]

I like using plywood as a bottom to eliminate the threat of expansion and contractions that may warp the box and mess with the joints. I pretty it up by adding the nicer wood on top of the plywood. A little extra work but like you said. Quality matters.

[@NewtonMakes]

I'll use plywood from time to time too. All depends on the project.

[@dwayneford1990]

I am just now doing my research on how to build a jewelry box and I've watched more videos than I ever thought possible. I keep coming back to your videos because you explain things in terms that even I can understand. You have helped me more than you could ever know. I typed out each step meticulously and those notes will be on my bench when I start actually building the box which is for my wife. I have an awesome piece of 8/4 walnut, a piece of 8/4 maple with some very cool grain, a piece of wenge for the sides and a piece of leopard wood that may or may not have a home in this box. Thanks Newton. ❤

[@artwellmdineka3424]

Men you have just change my entire experience from wood project and tips.much appreciated.

[@ecarrillo71]

That was such genius idea for measuring. I’ve been fumbling around trying to figure out how to do it. So thank you for the awesome tip!!

[@unicornconservationco]

It's so satisfying to see it all fit!

[@bradleygann]

I was racking my brain on the best way to get the perfect bottom fit. Super clear video of how to do it. Thank you.

[@carolrasmussen7269]

This video was super helpful especially after not doing it correctly yesterday. Thanks again

[@tomsommer54]

Brilliantly done.

[@My-Your-Recovery]

You made this simple to understand. Thank you very much!

[@Paskanakki-Jack]

That's a fine box!

[@PaulCiura]

Very handy tip! Thanks for sharing.

[@fabiomerlin8820]

These are super useful ideas.Thanks

[@quirtdrozario9983]

This is very useful to know. Thank you.

[@lylehough7793]

thank you for your video. Well done.

[@4Letyon]

I am a new subscriber to your channel and love making boxes. Your approach to fitting the bottoms to the box alone makes the subscription worth it. I have been sneaking up on the fit for my bottoms a lot of trial and error; but the use of a combination square is going to simplify my life. Thanks for the great video!!!

[@NewtonMakes]

That's awesome to hear!! If you're on social media tag me so I can see your stuff next time you post something.

[@darodes]

Your channel has become one of my favorites…. Your way of teaching is very clear… you talk us through the process and don’t talk “at us”, and don’t include useless nonsense. I’m very appreciative for this video and many MANY of your others

[@NewtonMakes]

Thanks! I do my best to explain what I'm doing while trying to make a somewhat entertaining video.

[@darodes]

@@NewtonMakes I don’t know if I just fall into your niche, but there’s a handful of creators that I can just watch and watch… then others that I enjoy, but I see some of their videos and think “eh, not interested”….. I don’t think that’s happened yet with any of your videos

[@daveschmitt6369]

Very helpful

[@JB-tb1rq]

Awesome video! Your project videos are great but I love your instructional videos! You do a great job of explaining each step and making it look so easy.

[@NewtonMakes]

Everything I do... I do it for you 🎶

[@GKganesan]

Thank you. Helpful

[@boblasley5640]

Good to see you back at it Billy!! Awesome job on the video.

[@NewtonMakes]

Thanks Bob. It was a nasty cold. Still have it in my chest so not a ton of work in the shop.

[@iancrossley6637]

Good video, I needed some tips.

[@Flyingdutchman586]

Nice wood, well cut.

[@NewtonMakes]

Thanks!

[@nicolenew1708]

SUPER ❤

[@1joshua]

Very clean, walnut is by far my favorite. I like how you sized up the bottom there

[@whatsatownwithoutnoducks2091]

Glad to see you're fighting through the Zombie plague to keep putting out videos!

[@NewtonMakes]

I think the worst is over but you could hear that my voice was a mess while filming!

[@tomsommer54]

What are you going to do with those curvy slabs in the back ground. I have some of those but haven’t figured out what I to do with them. I own a sawmill here in Northwest Arkansas. I mill all hardwood. Thanks.

[@airdaff4973]

What if you are trying to build a frame around a pre existing bottom that you don't want to cut? What is the math for the additional mitered joints? So if you have an 8 inch bottom, what do the sides need to be to account for that miter. Is it just the thickness of the sides times 2? Thanks

[@herbsu4330]

Good technique and tutorial. Do you have a video for tops ?

[@NewtonMakes]

I have a ton of box making videos. Check out my playlist on it. 👍

[@SxmTech101]

Love it

[@atteljas]

Move over Doug Stow and Matt Kenney! You should make a book on boxes!

[@me12youable]

What thickness do you use for the wood sides?

[@MrRod4000]

That’s cool for miter joints. But with box or finger joints, you need a blind dado. Do you have a simple way to do that?

[@marcisaacs9407]

Ok question. Teaching beginners to simply attach bottoms without a groove since it’s an extra step. Give the tendency for cupping or crowning, slight concave face up or down. I would think concave face down, as any additional movement might bow out the bottom of the center of the box causing it to rock. Whereas concave down probably wouldn’t.? Thoughts

[@NewtonMakes]

I've never encountered an issue with box bottoms doing that. I use dry, stable material.

[@marcisaacs9407]

@@NewtonMakes in my own work I don’t have the issue either but schools get what they get. I decided to flatten the cup with moisture and if necessary heat and mount the board , former concave side down so it won’t rock if some cupping returns. They use a 1” thick board which is about 3/4 and screws, not my choice. No dado. Thanks for getting back.

[@flapdrol]

Can't believe I watched all this.

[@peggywest8371]

You are the second person I've seen scribble on the wood before sanding. May I ask why?

[@NewtonMakes]

Helps to make sure I've sanded evenly across the board.

[@jeffcarr392]

Ok, Box bottoms, check - do you plan to do a video about different box lids ?

[@NewtonMakes]

I don't know about a specific video, perhaps in the future. But I have a playlist on making boxes and they show a variety of box lids.

[@gumtree7177]

Can you make me a few boxes ?

[@flamabl1]

lol, so practical. Now I feel like a dunce.....again.