This unique wooden book is a keepsake box

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#woodworking
Hey there, in this KZbin video, I'm going to show you how to make an awesome scrap wood project - a book-shaped box. The cool thing is, you don't need to buy any new lumber for this; just use some hardwood you have lying around. I recommend using hardwood over softwood; for this project, I'm using a nice piece of cherry.
First off, I start by working on the spine. I use my crosscut sled to remove the middle part of the spine. Setting the blade to 3/8 inch height, I make the cut, setting up a stop block for accuracy. A crosscut sled is awesome for this, making the small piece safer to handle.
Now, I want the outer part of the spine to have a curve, so I mark where I want that curve to end up and use a random orbit sander to shape it. Just a bit of material to remove, and it's done.
Moving on, I need to cut notches in the book covers to fit into the spine. With my crosscut sled again, I make those cuts, ensuring I have proper support.
To thin down the covers, I'm going to re-saw a board. A bandsaw is ideal for this, but I use my table saw with careful setup to do the job. Safety is a priority; I use a variety of tools like push sticks, a feather board, and a special fence for stability.
Now, the exciting part: gluing the spine and covers together. I make sure to align everything perfectly. The hinge is a bit tricky, and I use dowel pins for a smooth open-close action.
Finishing touches include chamfering edges, rounding corners, and applying lacquer. I line the interior with felt and fine-tune the hinge. And voila, there you have it - a beautiful book-shaped box, all made from scrap wood!
So, that's the rundown of how I created this awesome project. Remember, it's all about using what you have and getting creative with the tools you've got. Stay safe and enjoy your woodworking journey!

[@blaugrana-jw3dd]

I watched this channel when I begun woodworking, years later, I still come back to it cause it's so good and simple.

[@DCgamer723]

I remember when the plan for this project was free

[@mattrinne]

Great content for us mere mortals!

[@MrBassplayer259]

This guy was apart of the Golden age of KZbin

[@Slaphappy-_-]

He’s definitely one of the top educators on KZbin.

[@xt3708]

Amen

[@Erik_The_Viking]

Agreed. I love his old videos as well.

[@nmfam]

Is the golden age over?

[@bigal6667]

Those were the days. Not that influencer crap we see today

[@justspeve]

10 years ago I was a senior in high school and I saw your original version of this video. I spent a week in the wood shop during my lunch period making one of these out of some scrap cherry that I got from a local furniture fabricator. It was a gift for my partner at the time and they adored it. I’ve just started renovating the apartment I purchased and so many of the skills I’ve developed over the years are from your videos. Thanks for everything and for putting out great content for us mere mortals!

[@igadoon]

Wonderful video, thank you. It was super refreshing seeing the accidents and corrections along the way too! Dropping a glued bit onto a work piece is the kind of thing that can really bring down the mood. It's nice to see a pro encounter the same kinds of stuff.

[@btestptest4627]

It is so refreshing to watch your videos. None of the usual KZbin mumbo jumbo just quality content. Explained well and no fluff. You really are a KZbinr of the early days and I love it. Thanks for all you continue to contribute to the woodworking community!

[@JonnyDIY]

5:44 "heyyy what was that doing in there" 🤣💕👍 PS- came out great/beautiful Steve

[@woodbutcher9173]

I made this project about 5 years ago for my wife after watching your earlier video. It was a fun challenge that turned out really nice. Thanks for the years of entertainment and teaching Steve. You are one of my favorite KZbinrs, I always look forward to your project videos

[@wizardfix]

Hey Steve, I love this video tutorial, thank you so much for 1. Your careful and detailed commentary 2. The excellent footage 3. The high quality audio 4. Great editing 5. The very welcome absence of background muzak - a huge plus for me! 6. Your inventiveness with regard to tools I don't even have a table saw, but evenso I think this is one of the best woodworking videos of the dozens I have watched recently, and I am looking forward to exploring your channel! Thank you again and greetings from Ireland! :)

[@SteveRamsey]

Thank you for watching! Plans for this project are available here: Plans ►shopwwmm.com/products/wooden-book-keepsake-box

[@To-Lo77]

GREAT to see a BUILD video!! Not only from 1 of the best but in general. Tired of tips & tricks, 10 new wood working tools, reviews, infomercials, ect. Woodworking build videos are MUCH, MUCH needed nowadays!

[@ObnoxiousMedic7]

Hey Mr Steve! This was one of my first projects that I made using your guide a few years ago. I really appreciate you making an updated version addressing a lot of quirks that we may face that we may face while making it; truly wish I was aware of them back them! But truly sir, thank you for being one of the inspirations that got me into this craft and still rekindling that fire years later.

[@ChrisR-fu9oo]

Steve - bravo for explaining how you thought out each and every cut you were planning. The possible problems and showing your solutions! That's why you were one of the very first "makers" I subscribed to, and try to never miss. Thanks!

[@mek90703]

Excellent! Best project you've done! I'm going to steal your idea to build gift boxes for when I buy my wife her hard cover books. Thanks!

[@SteveRamsey]

Thank you!

[@umchoyka]

One additional detail that I think would enhance this project would be to score multiple shallow grooves on the "pages"

[@hansangb]

I was thinking that too. But those grains kind of look like pages already

[@ronaldknapper4366]

Simpler, laminate some plywood and then cut the "pages" from them. Instant pages. High ply count quality plywood helps a lot with this.

[@umchoyka]

@@ronaldknapper4366 Good idea! Baltic birch would be a good option for this

[@briantaylor9266]

Nice project and a good gift idea.. I think I'll make one. I like how you explained some of the elementary steps, like setting up the Gripper. Those are the things that often get skipped.

[@dog4mike]

This is exactly what I’ve been looking for. I’ve been toying with ideas for a keepsake box for each of my twin nieces. They both love to read, so perfect idea. Thanks!

[@danielmcgrath1164]

Nice to see a project video! The podcasts are fun, but I also love it when we get to see your own expression as a woodworker!

[@SteveRamsey]

I hope you know I've posted project videos almost exclusively for the past year. KZbin doesn't show everything I post. BTW, my podcast is on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

[@jenspetterabrahamsen9333]

What? I’m a subscriber for years and I haven’t seen project videos for the past year. Now I’ll go look for them. So happy that the old Steve videos are back. Semi-simple projects that I can actually make. Like thos in the Weekend woodworker course, which got me into the hobby. Highly recommended. Have several of the projects around the house.

[@AmandaRPatterson]

This is a fantastic idea and would make a great gift. Thanks for the video. I miss woodworking and can't wait until it gets cool enough that I can stand working in my un-air conditioned shop again.

[@lauram9076]

Great project! Love the details and hands-on explanations of how things like your Grripper and crosscut sled work. Haven't seen a video with as much detail in a long time. Thanks for going "Old school" lol

[@gsilcoful]

Thanks!

[@SteveRamsey]

Thank you! ❤️

[@jameslarkin276]

I appreciate the explanation of the more “routine” steps

[@NabilTouchie]

I've been a subscriber for years and this video was something else, loved to see the planning of each cut, the details!

[@donalddparker]

Your projects & videos are awesome, but maybe more so is your calm demeanor. I'll have to remind myself of your voice when I hit those frustrating moments in the shop. Thanks and keep up the great content!!

[@pteddie6965]

Great looking project. I built one following your directions many years ago. My grandson moved off to Florida with that one and of course, I can't find the plans for it. Now, I'll get to build another one. Thanks for the video. (BTW: I am in the middle of building the paper towel holder with the flower on the front. I love the oldies. We're two of a kind.) Thanks for the video.

[@jameshopkins1919]

Love all your content Steve. Especially love to see one of these “Old Skool” woodworking vids to show up.

[@unapologeticsouth]

Not sure how many years ago it was, but I think this was the first video I ever saw you do. And, I made some of those book boxes. Cool project.

[@AquaPeet]

The light hinge pins add a really nice touch. Nice project Steve, thanks for sharing!

[@chrisu5090]

Excellent as always😊 especially the tip on magnet orientation, be a bugger if glued in wrong way. Also enjoyed the magnet play interlude.

[@Sebastopolmark]

GREAT project Steve. I will make two of them, one for each of my kids. Thanks! !! !!!

[@David.M.]

Thanks Steve!

[@PostMortem66]

Probably my favorite project you have done. Thank you for sharing this with us all.

[@wittworks]

Stev, my fav part of the video was the blue tape on the fence clamps. You savage.

[@LoDGuitarist1]

Amazing work! Another awesome project!

[@information-that-helps]

i really like your process and design. I've made three boxes to hold my dad's three WWII medals i pretty much followed your process with just a few exceptions. for drilling the holes i measured, marked and then used my drill press to drill the holes just through the spine. Then i used that hole to guide the drill bit into the keepsake cover after the inside piece was already glued in. that way i got the holes in exactly the right place for the cover. when i tried your way of siting the straightness of my drill, i found i was not very good at it... :). i happened to have some cherry logs from a tree on our property that fell years ago. was a fun time debarking, leveling and cutting to size. Inside the box a cut out a cardboard piece to fit the inside, covered it with felt, then attached the medals. Used poplar for the inside body. Also, two of the three boxes i stained my cherry with cherry stain and then shellaced and waxed them. the other one i tried some rubio monocoat cherry color, and while it looks ok, i like the stained ones better. thanks again!!! would love to show you the results.

[@sparrowhawk009]

I just built one of these for myself as a trial run for 6 others that I want to make. I used spalted maple for the "book pages"/internal box. I also only made the internal box three sided using the inside of the book's spine as the fourth side. This allowed for more internal storage space and less wood for the project.

[@michaelferrin2688]

Love love love seeing the project videos again!

[@MakerCuisine]

A wonderful project, this would be great for learning miter joints and the subtle art of fine tuning with sanding. A very clean and good looking project

[@c.a.g.1977]

Awesome little project, Steve! Perfect gift for my daughter, she loves books!

[@riuphane]

This was great, not just as a project, but as an idea and a video. Thanks for all you do

[@noxas5814]

It's never SCRAP, when Steve makes it

[@Zack-xz1ph]

It's always scrap when I make it 😁

[@SteveRamsey]

😂

[@incognitotorpedo42]

Steve mentioned that you could get a ripping blade for your tablesaw. Do it! I was amazed at the improvement with my old underpowered saw. The ripping seems to work fine for crosscuts, too. I would never dream of using a general purpose blade unless you have a big motor.

[@HobbyHalloween]

Ah yes, I recall when you _used_ to have a bandsaw... and what happened to it. I liked the tips how to resaw on the table saw safely... And I got my grippers for my shop because of your ads for them! That was pure gold. I hope you will do a Halloween special this year, it is a passion for me as well

[@dennisdoi8572]

Amen! That flip sanding table looks awesome!! I have to try and make one!!

[@tomharris6750]

1:01 pm

[@noakessimon]

All these years I've been watching and enjoying your videos, this was another great one - really clear, informative and interesting to a mere mortal like me! thanks!

[@zerimaryar]

Steve, I love these creative ways to use make a nice "box". Thank you for the inspiration!!

[@garymiller5937]

That's an awesome little project Steve. I think my Grandkids might like those. Thank you 👍! 😊😊😊

[@MrGrau-iv4mg]

Love this project - really miss your daily Covid project videos, so this is perfect! Most of your projects are right at my skill level so I really appreciate them as something attainable. Thank you!!

[@router5840]

Another good video Steve, after all these years you are still producing good and interesting content.

[@TheLovelyMissBeans]

I absolutely adore this project!!!

[@alaricomanju7280]

Looks great.

[@robt2151]

Great project that doesn't need a lot of expensive wood or machinery. Just one recommendation - add a strip of elastic material across the inside so that any contents don't fall out if the 'book' is placed vertically on a shelf.

[@NeoYAG]

You just gave me Christmas ideas! Thank you as always for the build video!

[@RhysMogg]

Great project, Steve! I would recommend recessing the magnets below the surface slightly. You will lose a small amount of magnet force, but you can compensate by increasing the magnet diameter or thickness. Neodymium magnets are very brittle and if you slam them together enough times, they will eventually crack. Ask me how I know 🙄

[@jessewilson2642]

Thank you so much for this. This is the most perfect possible idea for the box I've been planning to make my daughter. I'll be using walnut and maple.

[@830jps]

What à great Teacher! ❤

[@ashenafiatgs980]

Thanks, from Ethiopia!

[@davidmeyer9204]

Thank You Steve!

[@Maxid1]

19:35 home made dowel center! Nice.

[@timothyvanderschultzen9640]

Lovely project! Thank you for the video!

[@Michael-Makes-Stuff]

That sacrificial cleat on the Grrriper is genius! I am so using that now. And a great project, Steve -- thanks for sharing. You are the best! 👍🏼

[@funkyjohnhuie]

I'm going to be making this for a friend's wedding gift, i think! Thanks for the inspiring video!

[@MMWoodworking]

Is there anything more beautiful than cherry? No. Amazing piece.

[@epeiusgarage]

Cool project. Like the contrast between the woods

[@thebobloblawshow8832]

Looks great. 👍👍

[@puddinggeek4623]

Another superb video. Lots of techniques crammed into a simple and elegant project. Keep up the great work.

[@berryconway4296]

As always a great little project Steve.

[@oakenarm]

And BAM! Christmas presents are solved. Thanks Steve

[@hossenfeffer8383]

Delightful design and excellent demo, as usual. Thank you!🇨🇦

[@desigrad339]

Steve, you are truly the "Table Saw Whisperer"😊... The kind of things you make it look easy on the saw😅

[@ruthsmith6920]

thank you sir! God bless you and yours

[@karulach]

Awesome looking book. Great work.

[@dennisnolan2544]

Nice job. Very clear tutorial

[@7devilfurb]

Very nice project! I may have to give it a shot!

[@davehale8513]

That was amazing. I’m so impressed.

[@RonnieStanley-tc6vi]

I once used some of those little magnets on a project. I had some harbor freight, knockoff JB Weld. I found out really quick that there is metal dust in that stuff. The magnet pulled the epoxy from the bottom, where I inlayed it into wood. It completely covered the magnet regardless of what I did. I learned not to ever use JB Weld on magnets.

[@papascruffy]

That's pretty cool, might have to make one and see how it goes!

[@mmcfreds]

Good stuff Steve, thanks for making a project video!

[@tpsooner7816]

Absolutely loved this!!

[@mattsully5332]

Love this Project! I'm going to have to make some!

[@trentyoung1135]

I trally like your hinges. Will try this on one of my next boxes.

[@fishinyakkin1668]

The elusive aluminum sacrificial fence. A nice touch. 👍

[@Brian-tb1zs]

Love the rusty side cutters, just like mine !

[@sideeyes7480]

I’m just here waiting for the Halloween special… got here early, so don’t mind me 👻🎃

[@MichaelKoch-r8m]

Diese Idee ist perfekt. So etwas habe ich gesucht. Danke. Viele Grüße aus Deutschland. Michael Koch. PS: Deine erste Werkbank hast Du vor vielen Jahren gebaut. ( mobile Werkbank ) Diese Werkbank habe ich nachgebaut. Und ich habe diese heute noch. Danke dafür, dass wir Hobby Heimwerker uns auf Dich verlassen dürfen. Danke. Ich wünsche Dir und deiner Familie, Gesundheit, Liebe und Gottes Segen. Englisch: This idea is perfect. I have been looking for something like this. Thank you. Best regards from Germany, Michael Koch. PS: You built your first workbench many years ago (mobile workbench). I replicated this workbench. And I still have it today. Thank you for allowing us hobby DIY enthusiasts to rely on you. Thank you. I wish you and your family health, love, and God's blessing.

[@shreddervargas]

Just messed up my first try at this. I did not do a good job measuring and locating the hole for the hinge. Gonna try again

[@longdriver2]

Nice job. I'm going to use this process for making a Koa jewelry box. Thanks.

[@singlepointdc7749]

Nice! Thanks, Steve.

[@joelfonder8626]

Nice project Steve….make a good Christmas gift..

[@mryan3123]

Ah, a memory box. Nice. I made one of these years ago for my wife out of redwood. I also made a small table that it sits on in the living room.

[@ryantait08]

Nice! Adding this one to my to-do list of projects.

[@gsilcoful]

Very nice.

[@MCsCreations]

Amazing work, Steve! Really beautiful box!!! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@ganeshb3835]

Hi Steve - I learnt all about woodworking form the wwmm course. I wish you would do a video on making something using Epoxy.

[@ryanelliot5225]

Wow what a cool project, i’m going to try and make this for my daughter ! My son will probably want one too! Haha

[@imsowright90]

Looks nice.

[@paulwright2818]

I really love this!

[@DorothyTimSimmons]

Great idea & thanks for showing it. Have you thought of using of using plywood for the inner box so that the layers mimick book pages? Maybe you did but that didn't work?

[@Toyotajunkie]

"And now for some spray lacquer." Not many videos that you don't say that. Ha ha! Looks awesome sir!

[@spamcan2284]

super cool! This would make for a great gift

[@PatFarrellKTM]

Great video. I love your projects even tho the algorithm does not. "I'll apply some past wax so the dowels will hinge better" sounds like Ken's challenge in Barbie, "I challenge you to beach". Interesting how a noun can become a verb.