The TRUTH Behind Making the Perfect Box | Woodworking Project Tips

Video after video on KZbin talks about how to make a wood box, and then the video shows how to make the specific box in the video. Rarely do you see a discussion on how someone can design their own woodworking box project. That’s what this video addresses.
--⏱️Timestamps⏱️--
0:00 Clones Designing Boxes
03:30 How to Design a Box
10:01 Comparing Wood Box Projects
DOWNLOAD PROJECT PLANS FOR MY MOST POPULAR WOOD BOX: newtonmakes.com/shop/p/wood-s...
I often get asked about design questions such as the thickness of the material I use, specific dimensions for projects, and why I used one woodworking joinery type verse another. It often comes down to how I designed the box and what motivated me to make it. Hopefully, this video helps to explain the considerations I make when designing the perfect box for me.
I showed four wooden boxes in this video. Here are the project build videos if you want to see how those were built:
Diamond Box - • I tried Marquetry for ...
Elegant Maple Box - • Building a Maple Box t...
Brass / Rosewood Box - • This Wood Box was BURN...
Metal Spiral Box - • Metal Inlay in Wood | ...
•• 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.
Like that sweet t-shirt I was wearing? Check it out here: newtonmakes.com/merch
•• My Links ••
Website: newtonmakes.com
Instagram: / newtonmakes
Facebook: / newtonmakes
Join this channel's Superhero membership to access perks: / 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
••Pictures & Videos ••
Image by pixabay.com/users/ryanmcguire...
Video by cottonbro: www.pexels.com

[@NewtonMakes]

Download project plans for my most popular wood box: newtonmakes.com/shop/p/wood-storage-box-plans

[@edmccullough1828]

Classic boss lines: "I'll see what I can do.", "Uh-huh, well...I'll leave you to it then". I enjoyed the opening - it was a nice change of pace and nice editing.

[@NewtonMakes]

I have a lot of skits in older videos. Just haven't had time recently. Check out the green lantern video.

[@edmccullough1828]

@@NewtonMakes just watched the end of that - great job. I've been following your channel for sometime, just hadn't watched that one. Besides the way you break down the basics, and keep adding to those (box making, etc), I've enjoyed your explorations in other areas like the Dinosaur Fossil Inlay and your new scrollsaw efforts. I like to add some artistic flair to what I do and your channel definitely helps with ideas and techniques that can be cross applied to other areas. Thanks for what you do!

[@nicks3556]

The clones gave me some old school WheezyWaiter vibes, and I'm here for it.

[@Jonathan_Grider]

I know that the first 3mins of this video probably took many hours of scripting, playing, and editing. Great job with it!!! I really enjoy watching your content. great job Brother!

[@NewtonMakes]

About a 30 script concept in my head and then two days of filming and editing. Totally worth it. Perhaps as fun to make as my Green Lantern skit.

[@skwalka6372]

That was enough for me to skip the video altogether, too much narcissistic nonsense.

[@dirtfarmer7472]

@@skwalka6372 I might agree, I think so I’m out of here

[@cassidionline2002]

I love this format. It really gets my creative juices flowing.

[@VinceEspositoJr]

Great presentation.

[@andykg73]

I think a good place to start on box dimensions is using the golden ratio. Too many boxes just look wrong due to size.

[@NewtonMakes]

Unusual dimensions can certainly look odd.

[@skwalka6372]

I think you mean box "proportions" rather than dimensions.

[@garyfairbrother5532]

I made 6 of your maple box with legs out of cherry and maple. They were gifts for relatives and went over GREAT. It is sooo elegant yet simple to make. I made a router jig for carving the curve because of the 24 pieces (and now I intend to make a few more). Thanks for the free templates on your “Maple Box” episode. I gave you a plug on my woodworking group,channel, I hope it helps you with subs. Best regards!

[@NewtonMakes]

That's so cool to hear! I'm sure they turned out amazing!

[@monopinion8799]

Funny and interesting beginning 😂. Love your channel. Informative, educational and comfortable level of delivery.

[@sigogglin]

I agree about the joints, I just made a dice tray for my son and added corner dowels on the miters just for the contrast of color.

[@quinnbright1]

Loved the intro. Hahaha.

[@sethnone3887]

Thanks for this video! So many talented woodworkers make lovely boxes, but never talk about the basics of STARTING the project. I've built a few boxes, and I'm generally happy with all of them, but I always always stress about the thickness before I get started. I've never seen anyone else give their own personal range across several projects before, if they even mention the thickness, so as a newer woodworking, thank you.

[@NewtonMakes]

Awesome to hear that it was helpful.

[@darodes]

I stay pumped when a new Newton Makes video pops up

[@psychedelicguitarartbyjima3850]

This is so entertaining and really kept a smile on my face that I really needed at this time. It's -5° here in Denver right now and all I can think about us going out to the woodshop and making some sawdust. More than likely my woodshop is freezing so I'm sitting here eating a grilled cheese sandwich and being entertained by one of my favorite woodworkers, you. Thanks again for cheering me up. Jim

[@calebligon2767]

ok...that intro was great. wonderful. thank you for doing all that work. Man I really loved that opening scene.

[@mikesimmons7539]

Great video very clever , enjoyed .

[@emilevoyer123]

THANKS FOR THE VIDEO

[@steveh7826]

Thanks for this video. I found it really interesting to see the thought process of doing something as simple as a box. As a newbie woodworker this helps me understand a better way to approach a project.

[@shofarsogood7504]

Wow this is so awesome I loved the intro. It really was some needed humor and very relatable.

[@katherynlamarche7308]

I was so impressed ,have been making boxes for years. Thank you for helping me to enjoy instead of turning into a pressure project. Thank you so much. Julien Lamarche

[@Earl3]

Great intro! I really enjoyed the video! Both entertaining and informative!

[@johnpowell7514]

New to this channel. Love it and appreciate the unvarnished advice and outlook towards woodworking.

[@andrebourque2165]

really nice design elements and wood choice.

[@Jake65Kelly]

Outstanding. Loved your thinking and process for design. Saved episode and subscribed. Watch out Jay Bates!

[@jimolsen2870]

Always appreciate your insight into the process. Also, go Colts!

[@geoffreynicholson6704]

Hi thank you for your time in making your videos they really help and this one was fun it made me smile and yes the intro could of been a little shorter but unless we try things we don't learn, I didn't realise you had so many brothers 😂, please keep doing what you do, do you by any chance have a video on making boxes using mitres using a table saw.thank you 😊

[@charlottebarnes9600]

Great looking boxes!

[@williamsmith7657]

Thank You!

[@andrebourque2165]

a couple of those guys are decent actors!

[@ericwilliams538]

Thanks for posting this video. It helps a lot with trying to figure out what exact to build and how to build, well boxes. Ive been in construction work for, well, a long time and im making the transition from that to wood working. Even with the knowledge, experience, and skills ive acquired from the years of construction work...there is still room to learn how to do "something". I approach your videos, not as some who "knows everything" but as someone thats just learning how for the first time. I find thats the best way to go about a lot of things in life.

[@NewtonMakes]

It's a great way to look at it. I've been woodworking a long time but I'm remodeling my house and apparently know little about construction.

[@ericwilliams538]

@@NewtonMakes yes, its definitely two different worlds. Just take your time, and I'm sure what ever hurdles you come across you can over come. Word of advice with finishing drywall. Don't use mesh tape for your corners butt joints, and joints...use "paper tape". Apply enough mud behind your tape. Also, remember it's better to apply too much mud, and have to do a lot of sanding versus not having enough.

[@jaysworld126]

You got me laughing! Very enjoyable videos.

[@michaelwillson6847]

Great video Billy those are as beautiful as I remember them. Really helpful think my favourite of those is either the first one or the curved bottom one. Can't wait for next video. Looking forward to next scroll work aswell. Intreeged see what your doing 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍🤔

[@NewtonMakes]

Next scroll saw video is going to challenge everything I know about blades. Shh, don't tell anyone. 🤫

[@michaelwillson6847]

@@NewtonMakes awesome can't wait for that am hoping it may even be one of my ideas? 🤔🤔 But we can leave it that it was your idea!😉 Oh and by the way the start that video was proper trippy with the 4 use mind blown like. 🤯

[@user-fr6wm1ou6u]

amazing... where is that poster from... love it too

[@kevinmeachem2138]

This was a very interesting video. Lots of videos on making boxes and other things, but few on the planning and design. This made me subscribe to your channel. Will be (attempting) to make one of your box designs.

[@NewtonMakes]

Glad to hear you enjoyed it!

[@cabman86]

I have to build some storage. My workbench has become a catch all

[@mrbigtuna240]

Hey Newton I love watching your videos and think that you are one of the best woodworkers on KZbin. I have a request I have been trying to make a truncated icosahedron (soccer ball) there are a few videos out there but details on specific angles bevels and process could use the Newton makes touch. Love the content keep up the great work!

[@williamellis8993]

Great info, Billy. If you could just get those other guys on board....... It's off the subject but my favorite of your boxes is still the ribbon box. Bill

[@NewtonMakes]

I feel like it's almost time to make another one. It's been a while.

[@kevinkelley6749]

Excellent video! Very fun intro and really useful approach to exploring box options. A few questions for you -- what is your go-to product for finishing the boxes, especially for darker woods like walnut? Also, what do you think is the best platform to sell these? Any tips for setting up a shop? Thank you!

[@NewtonMakes]

I prefer a hard wax finish because it's easy to apply and even one coat looks great. As far as setting up shop, selling, etc, that's a lengthy conversation. I do have an older video about how to sell on etsy. You may like it.

[@tomowens2720]

Very clever open. E Editing is so much easier these days. Shooting just as time consuming. I began on 2" quad tape machines then 3/4 inch Umatic cassettes then 1/2 inch digital beta cassettes then.... I freakin' retired! Now I make excellent kindling.

[@tedpuckett2779]

Great intro..you clearly must have some experience with those personalities as those are really accurate. The “computer dude “ especially…that “ why are you bothering me” and “you wouldn’t understand” flippant response. Spot on.

[@NewtonMakes]

We'd fire him but none of us want to do the boring editing work!

[@graemewiebe2815]

What software do you use to get that visualization (like in 4:39)?

[@atteljas]

Doug Stowe has been grand master of box making for years. Lately Matt Kenney has been on the yoda throne of box making. You have what it take, but you should make a book on box making to trulu become a star in the sky

[@NewtonMakes]

I'd love to write a book one day.

[@atteljas]

@@NewtonMakes wed like to buy your book!

[@j316finewoodworking6]

This just showed up but if you see this how do you price boxes? I made a beautiful walnut gun box and have kept it basically because I have no idea how to price it. 🤷‍♂️

[@justinbanks2380]

That intro! 😆 Love it! Also, I am afraid that most people see me as the editor guy (I'm a programmer by profession, on top of the general nerd/geek type) Also the whole concept of the multiple yous is such a good visualization of the constant battle within, of the various drives and motivations inside each of us. (Or maybe I'm just an outlier?) 😂

[@NewtonMakes]

Me too but the other clones are a little bit of me as well.

[@terristroh3965]

How did you start doing boxes? Was there a starting point with any particular artist or maker?

[@NewtonMakes]

I've always loved them but when Wood Whisperer showed how beautiful they could be by making his humidor I knew I needed to step up my game.

[@lauramarshall6376]

Before I even watch past the first 4 minutes - great job with that clone editing. Now ... on to the boxes. :)

[@malcolmmarks7374]

Love the explanation of it all and I’ll take that all onboard. You could leave out the first 3 mins or so. It seemed a bit of a non entity in my opinion as a Brit.

[@MCsCreations]

Thanks for all the tips, Newton! 😊 But looks like you have the same cloning issues as Joe Scott. 😬 Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@NewtonMakes]

Ha! Scott's clones are much more well behaved. Mine are more like Michael Keaton's in Multiplicity.

[@onsapplikasies8620]

Funny 😁

[@bobole6385]

Woodworkers have the cheesiest jokes lol

[@choCOOLatte]

first

[@ttangel12345]

Great video. Any thought to making one on how to properly apply finish to a box?

[@Mitch3D]

The intro skit is way too honest about woodworking youtube channels.

[@blessed1sj]

Stopped watching after 4 minutes of blather.

[@daveworthing]

I fast forwarded it.....

[@williamellis8993]

I think it was funny.

[@joeslaven9331]

I skipped the intro. Nothing worse than someone trying to be funny and not succeeding

[@iancrossley6637]

I lasted 34 seconds

[@tammyperez6652]

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