How to Build a General Wood Box

Select 1-by-12 inch pine lumber that is straight and free from open knots, cracks and checking, or small end splits. Sand the lumber with a random orbit sander and 100-grit sandpaper.

Use a tape measure to measure and mark each piece to be cut. Use a miter saw to make all cuts at 90 degrees, for a square, flush end. Cut two long sides for the box, 18 inches long. Cut two ends 10 inches long. Cut one bottom 16 1/2 inches long. Cut one top 18 inches long and one inside top 16 1/2 inches long.

Set the table saw fence 10 inches from the blade and lock it down with the locking handle. Locate the depth set wheel under the saw on the right and set the blade depth to 1 1/2 inch. Start the saw and cut the bottom and inside top pieces by pushing them through the blade, with the edge against the fence and the face of the board firmly against the table.

Apply wood glue around the edges of the box bottom. Nail the two ends to the 10 inch ends of the bottom, so that their bottom edges are flush with the bottom face of the bottom panel. Use a pin nailer with 1 1/2 inch nails, one every 2 inches.Apply wood glue to the upright edges of the end pieces and fit the long sides onto your box. Nail through the side pieces into the edges of the box ends and the edges of the bottom panel, one nail every 2 inches.

Apply glue to one face of the inside lid piece and center it on the lid, equal distance from all edges. Nail it in place, with 1 1/4 inch pin nails, one every 2 inches. Fit the inside lid into the open top of the box to close it.