Building a Maple Box then a Special Trick to Make It POP!

I made an heirloom quality wood box and it was kind of stupid easy to build! I broke it down into a series of small steps. It starts with the basic concept of a box. Add a few curves to give it a graceful appearance. Contrasting legs really give it something extra and make the wood in the body of the box stand out. The lid looks pretty fancy, but it’s really only a few cuts, and it really brings the whole box to life. But the real kicker is the wood grain in the maple. I made the grain really pop by dying it before applying finish. It’s a super cool technique that I highly recommend you try out.
Want the templates and detailed instructions I used to make this box? You can get them here: newtonmakes.com/shop/p/heirlo...
•• 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.
Please consider supporting me on Patreon, where you'll get bonus videos, behind the scenes info, and sneak peeks! / newtonmakes
•• My Links ••
Patreon: / newtonmakes
My Amazon Store: www.amazon.com/shop/newtonmakes
Website: newtonmakes.com
Instagram: / newtonmakes
Facebook: / newtonmakes
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
Jet Table Saw: amzn.to/2RwQTJa
Rikon 14" Bandsaw amzn.to/3168ElS
Makita Circular Saw: amzn.to/2O54epZ
Double Sided Tape: amzn.to/3sOtnbd
Spindle sander: amzn.to/2CxDCvq
General Finishes Arm-R-Seal amzn.to/2vpFbaB
Brown dye stain: amzn.to/3lMSSa8
Spray Adhesive: amzn.to/3obvJyc
Dewalt planer: amzn.to/38LarPW
Jet 8” Jointer: amzn.to/310uabK
Forrest Woodworker II Saw Blade: amzn.to/3kezMHf
Diablo Ripping Saw Blade: amzn.to/30ZOJEV
Drum sander: amzn.to/2MyjpKG
Random Orbit Sander amzn.to/2RxjkXo
120 grit sandpaper: amzn.to/2QW835c
180 grit sandpaper: amzn.to/39y5kVM
Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue: amzn.to/2tU6B8d
Microjig Grr-ripper: amzn.to/38J7Buz
Starrett 6” combination square: amzn.to/3aPMN6n
Eye protection: amzn.to/37F5M1N
Hearing Protection: amzn.to/31JRpHa
Dust Deputy: amzn.to/3aXeqe6
Rigid Shop Vac: amzn.to/2U1V6Gz
•• Music ••
March of the Spoons by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...

[@NewtonMakes]

Want the templates and detailed instructions I used to make this box? You can get them here: newtonmakes.com/shop/p/heirloom-box-project-plans

[@johncostantino-xb1pl]

Definitely with the handle !

[@WoodworkerGuy]

Are you some kind of Genius? Love everything about it. The handle is dope, must have.

[@katherynlamarche7308]

I make a lot of boxes and now you have gifting me a way to think outside the box. Sorry just had to say that. Thank you so much. Julien.

[@darrylbuckett5380]

I guess you could say "You've really got a handle on making boxes". Beautiful,Cheers

[@NewtonMakes]

Well played!

[@SOLT_Mark]

Nice work. Handle

[@NewtonMakes]

In hindsight I'm thinking so too. But maybe I'll do another version without one in the future.

[@wilberjeffcoat8309]

The handle makes the lid. Well DONE. Your stain over the maple really made the Grain pop. Love it. Wilber & Margaret 👴🏻🧑‍🦳

[@kjames0603]

Handle. Keeps the fingerprints off the lid. Beautiful piece!

[@geoffriggins]

I LOVE the graceful curves!!

[@NewtonMakes]

Thanks man. It gives it a classy look so we can look fancy even if we ain't. 🤣

[@TurkiAU]

Handle 👍 Very nice 👏

[@robertmiles388]

I really like the handle on it I think it’s beautiful

[@NewtonMakes]

After seeing the finished piece I'm thinking the same thing, that having a handle worked out well.

[@williamshaffer2562]

Billy my boy you've done it again. Nice nice box. Great job and keep them coming.

[@CorEDilema]

Your moving diagrams are the best thing on YT.

[@brandonwoodworkersclub4097]

Beautiful box. Handle

[@laroseauxboisrosewoodwoodw8585]

Just WOW love that figured maple and what to say about that wengay oufff 😱👍🏼 Always excited to see your vids ❤️🇨🇦

[@NewtonMakes]

It's a fun combo. A lot of contrast but by adding the dye it's not too stark of a contrast like it may be with raw maple next to wenge. Bright white next to almost black may be too much for some people.

[@williambailey2459]

handle for sure, very nice box

[@INNYAFACCE]

looks better with a handle and the legs really make it awesome

[@thecarweewoodworker8629]

Handle just completes the box, Really nice box.

[@Vet6970]

Handle adds to the looks👍

[@positivelyportugal]

Two things that are awesome here, the tip about cleaning up the glue and the esthetic of the box. I am going to make this box for a Christmas present for my sister. Hey, that will check a box off for me.

[@patriotwoodworker6092]

Brother, definitely the handle! Looks amazing! It balances the box out in my opinion.

[@NewtonMakes]

That's the thing. I was worried about the balance if I didn't have one. It was good without a handle, but it does give it that little bit extra.

[@martinmarmolejo5052]

Hi...! I'm from México... I enjoy a lot your proyects. I love this box... I'll start building mine immediately.😁 Love your chanel..🤗You're a Cool Guy.. 🇲🇽🤗🇲🇽🤗🇲🇽🤗

[@NewtonMakes]

Hope it turns out fantastic!

[@davidjefferds8532]

I like the handle.

[@Brian-tb1zs]

Excellent video 👍 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thanks for posting it

[@maxfli343]

Nice box I like the handle 👍👍

[@22busy43]

Definitely handle. Looks beautiful.

[@triol13]

Beautiful handle!!!!!

[@marshallkatz8615]

Awesome. Handle makes it for me. Nice work!

[@scottmclean4237]

Definitely with the handle

[@bobquinn314]

Definitely the handle! Beautiful box!

[@olgreywolf9688]

Yeah ... like the design ... the contrast in woods is nice. I'll try maple and walnut. BTW, yeah , I got my maple stock by salvaging a very large maple tree (over two-foot diam base diameter) downed in a storm on a friend's land. Have a huge stock now .... and more than enough to make your box. Thanks for the idea.

[@stephandelange1776]

Beautiful Box... And my opinion, WITH a handle . Good job! beautiful work

[@pteddie6965]

Billy, the box is beautiful. I'm glad that you went with the handle. Thanks for sharing the video.

[@NewtonMakes]

There were so many choices and I don't think I could have gone wrong with most of them.

[@foos.998]

Lovely! I like it with the handle.

[@jonz01]

Like the handle a lot. I feel like it helps break the maple lid up some. I'm getting back into woodworking after finding so many ideas on YT. Just picked me up a bandsaw and pieces of an oak tree that was cut down.

[@TailEndCustoms]

Handle for sure. Looks great!

[@vids290]

Definitely with handle, looks beautiful

[@gardening-in-the-woods]

I have been struggling with what direction to go with my post retirement woodworking career. I am heavily leaning towards concentrating on making boxes after watching this video. Great Job.

[@michaelthanksheroes2975]

Handle 💯 makes the box great but your craftsmanship makes it perfect. Much applause 👏.

[@jscook54]

That is lovely. Your lesson did a good job breaking it down into helpful steps to build one. The handle was a definite thumbs up.

[@NewtonMakes]

Much appreciated! I'm digging it too!

[@riccardoverita557]

Great job. And compliment also for the simple explanation

[@pa7422]

Great looking box, thx for sharing.

[@woodstoney]

The extra effort to make and install the handle is quite worth it IMO. It just setts off the box! Nicely done!!

[@miki09876]

So many ideas in one video. Thanks!

[@joespilman7333]

Great looking box the dye really set off

[@ST-ku5ni]

Handle for sure. Beauty piece, sir!

[@ebmarson]

Handle! Very good job.

[@davidcotney7585]

That box is beautiful. And the handle is perfect for it

[@westfallframing7896]

Excellent video Billy! I sure appreciate you offering templates! I will be trying some of them. This is a beautiful box that anyone would love as a gift. I need to go back and watch again to find out the free software for making templates.

[@dartcreekfarmllc9313]

Handle! Beautiful box. Well done.

[@glennryzebol4472]

I thought it was crazy when you said you were gonna dye it but i had stain in my brain and not dye, let alone thinned dye. Boy, did it ever come out nicely. Well done. Makes me itchy to try something similar.

[@garymartin8451]

Handle for elegance.

[@dervorrichtungsbauer]

Really nice idea👍

[@thebobloblawshow8832]

Stunning build.

[@kevincoogan3518]

Handle is perfect !

[@claudeelliott3993]

Looks best with the handle. Beautiful work!!

[@lennienims4446]

good job. I like the handle.

[@mainelymaineoutdoors4117]

Handle all the way!! Nice build!

[@christopherharrison6724]

Love it especially with that gorgeous handle

[@martinkenny9384]

Much nicer with the handle very skill fully made

[@dennisbarney869]

IMHO Install the handle on the box. Great box.

[@terristroh3965]

That’s beautiful. I love when a plan comes together.

[@Shirlbw54]

Beautiful! Reminds me of items found in Tut's tomb.

[@maxfli343]

The possibilities are endless and I have made a few similar I really like it

[@timknevels9650]

That's beautiful. It looks Egyptian

[@SculptyWorks]

Great job! So creative! The box came out beautiful! ❤ 👍

[@cko78]

With handle. Very beautiful.

[@workerbee4891]

Nice job! Pro handle, here....

[@jeffrollins4973]

Beautiful job!!!

[@Kenfitzpat]

Handle. Beautiful

[@MichaelAndersonakaBear]

Beautiful box!

[@NewtonMakes]

Thank you

[@edwardsimmons3721]

Absolutely beautiful piece, thanks for sharing.

[@franks122]

I like the handle it looks better.

[@1adam1967]

Great classy spin on a basic project! Thank you!

[@NewtonMakes]

Thanks for watching!

[@jimpike3489]

Hey Newton, love the design and the finish of the box, you really emphasised the grain in the maple. Such a classy looking jewellery box, thanks for sharing,

[@NewtonMakes]

That little bit of dye really gives the box that extra pop! Thanks for watching!

[@thingmaker3]

Awesome background music! Nice box.

[@rosascreativeworks5403]

That's a gorgeous box! Well done, sir. Well done.

[@MixingGBP]

Nice. It has sort of a Japanese craft look. I see fallen trees by my house all the time and when I drive by I think..."I could make something from that". I need to do what you did and just go ask to take it.

[@derekdodson5623]

Beautiful box. Love the maple and wedge. Thanks

[@dwayneford1990]

Thanks, you gave me some great ideas. I won't steal them from you. I will simply use them as inspiration for my own iteration. See what I did there? Cheers!

[@chrisp.76]

Love it especially with the handle!

[@carldavis6902]

I love building boxes that one is a really beautiful box. Thank you for sharing it with us all !

[@henryimicasny4944]

Handle!!!

[@Lutzboater]

Love this box and your method in building it. I am planning on building a keepsake box for my only Grand Daughter for her High School graduation next spring. You have given me some ideas I may incorporate into her gift. Now a sub !!

[@NewtonMakes]

That sounds like the perfect opportunity to make a really nice piece!

[@FridayWorkshop]

Awesome video. Love this build.

[@royradlauer5635]

I like your idea on the box. I dislike sanding, so I would apply the die on the maple, cut to size than sand, this would allow for selecting the nice grain. Sanding all parts before assembly is, to me, a lot easier.

[@NotThatBob]

I seriously like this project. So very well done.

[@grampsoutdooradventuresdal7104]

Handle looks great! Beautiful box. Thanks for sharing.

[@michaelt7191991]

Man that is so beautiful. I love it and definitely would have put a handle on it. Great job!

[@1991pds]

Definitely needed the handle... I only just recently started following your channel- your enthusiasm and humour are a perfect complement to your skill. I'd love to see you tackle some furniture (folding chairs, deck chairs etc)... Perhaps you've already done it and I need to dig a little deeper.

[@NewtonMakes]

Thanks, I certainly don't take myself too seriously. I simply want to have fun and hopefully help others to have some fun too. I think I made a half dozen tables. At least it feels that way. You'll have to look through the videos. No chairs yet but it's on the list for sure.

[@eyuptony]

Awesome build with contrasting woods. YT recommended your channel. Love what I've seen including highlighting the grain on the Maple. Tony

[@miki09876]

Such an underrated channel

[@sethnone3887]

This is a great video that covers so many different topics in one go! The curved legs, the dye trick, inset lids. Thanks for all the clear and concise tutorials in all your videos. PS: really dig the handle on this box.

[@NewtonMakes]

You know, I just couldn't decide! I finally had my daughter decide for me. And she said that I should do the handle. 😂

[@anandnunna1]

Beautiful.. and thanks for the detailed explanation👍

[@b3ardedbarbarian]

That's a beautiful box. You had me worried when you busted the dye out, but it looks amazing.

[@NewtonMakes]

Yeah it's a little bit shocking at first but it works.

[@latenightwoodworker3283]

I made the boxes using your template. Awesome and had fun building. You got me as a patreon, sir. Signing up.

[@JMorales498]

Great vid. Awesome box!

[@davidpeters8813]

Just found your channel - this is a beautiful box! Thanks for sharing.

[@tomrainwater8824]

Just found your channel and started watching your videos, really like how to go through the steps to explain your process, learned a lot by watching. Thanks and keep of the great work.

[@kevinwillis6707]

nice design.

[@johnhayes6414]

Hope you make more exotic type inspired boxes and other projects. Using elements of eye candy influences of color, grains.

[@manuelbustos3776]

You do awesome work, very nice