Joinery on Small Boxes

**dragsternj** · 06-13-2004, 04:32 PM

Sorry if this is a ridiculous question, but what is the preferred method for joinery on small (Jewelry style) boxes. Wanted to start builing, and already that seems to overwhelm me :)

Thanks

**arcticfox46** · 06-13-2004, 06:36 PM

Hi,

Welcome to the forum.

There is no such thing as a stupid question.

Joinery is a matter of personal preference. It would depend on the level of skill you have, and what you wish to acheive as a desired result. It also depends on what the box is to be used for. Size also matters. You mentioned "jewlery style". There are finger joints, drawer lock joints but joints, rabbit joints.

You can do an internet search for joinery techniques.

There will be others along to help but they may need a little more info. What type of tools do you have to work with? What skill level do you have? Any other info you can add will also help.

**dragsternj** · 06-13-2004, 08:16 PM

Thanks for answering,

I am looking at a decorative small box, nothing too fancy, just to practise while starting out whitout wasting too much wood. I am aware of different kind of joinery, and have some tools like table saw, router table, compound mitersaw and such.

I liked the 45° Lock Miter Router Bits, and was just wondering if other guys just do miters, or just buttjoints.

Especially interested in these beautys made by a gentlemen here in the forum called Gary http://outdoorenvironmentsltd.com/gary/

Would love to produce something like this.

**arcticfox46** · 06-13-2004, 09:27 PM

yeah,

Gary is definately good. Kinda like an artist. Mee too, I hope I can some day be as good as he is.

I am sure Gary does a variety of joints. I have done some miters, rabbits, half laps, dados myself. In the fall/winter season I plan to build a tool chest out of cherry, like the gerstner tool chest. I am going to do the same joint that the Gerstner tool chest has. You can see them at the [www.gerstnerusa.com] web site. I beleive a table saw and dado blade is all that is needed for those joints.

**Steven Wilson** · 06-13-2004, 10:01 PM

Any joint you want to use is fine really. There isn't a lot of stress on most small boxes so any well executed joint will be fine. Dovetails, box joints, miter, splined miter, miter with dovetail keys are some that work quite well and look nice.

**TDHofstetter** · 06-13-2004, 10:18 PM

No question actually asked is ridiculous, Peter. When you're relatively new to all this, it can be overwhelming for a while. SO many possible joints, each with its own merits and drawbacks.

As has been said, nearly any well-fitted joint will work for small boxes that won't be subjected to rough handling. It might not be a bad idea to start with relatively simple joints at first, till you build up some skills & familiarity with alternate joints. Not at all out of the question is the tongue-and-dado joint for something like this... making the dado in the FRONT so the end grain of the side pieces won't show on the front. From there, maybe work towards a mitered joint - that'll get you familiar with what it takes to get a miter REALLY TIGHT - and eventually boxjoints and dovetails and mortise-and-tenon joints will be rolling out of your shop.

-- Tim --

Drummer?
There's a DRUMMER?
:)