"box-joint" pencil case

I decided I ought to have the ability to make “box-joint” like cuts in my toolery, so I built a little jig to allow me to run boards held vertically along a fence on my router table. I wouldn’t call it a “box-joint jig” since it doesn’t provide any automatic spacing – mainly because I was interested in “box-joints” with variable width cut-outs.

Of course, I needed something to test it with, so I came up with this little pencil holder box thing.

I first cut the “holes” in both the long sides at once.
Then I cut the small ends, “sneaking up” on the perfect width and placement…

I should, in hindsight, have cut both the small ends at the same time, and then matched the other ends of the long sides to that, but I didn’t.
The long fence, pivoted at one end, gives a very fine (sub millimetre) degree of adjustment at the actual cutting face.

I was pretty shocked at how well it all went – firm joints not requiring a mallet, just a fairly gentle knock with the palm of my hand – they’re square and I had minimal tearout. Technically I think this might be my best work to date.

The rest consisted of cutting slots for the top and base etc.
Now I need to wait for the jatoba to go red in the light.

It’s 11cmx24cmx6cm (c4.5”x9.5”x2.5”). Ash and Jatoba. Linseed oil finish.

-- "Do not speak – unless it improves on silence."