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Forum topic by ryno posted 1534 days ago 1025 views 1 time favorited 19 replies Add to Favorites Watch
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ryno

106 posts in 1833 days


1534 days ago

Topic tags/keywords: question

I’m wondering what you guys prefer. I’m just designing in my head right now, but I’m wondering what you guys like for the thickness for the sides of your boxes. I’m thinking about boxes around 8-12 inches. Basically jewelry box size.

-- It is better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than to open it and remove all doubt.




19 replies so far

View CharlieM1958's profile

CharlieM1958

14857 posts in 2387 days


#1 posted 1534 days ago

Usually 1/2” for me. 3/8” will work well also.

For a box that size, anything over 1/2 looks kind of chunky, but that can be okay depending on the look you are going for.

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

View bhack's profile

bhack

347 posts in 1889 days


#2 posted 1534 days ago

I like using 1/2” stock. It is thick enough for rabbets or putting splines in mitered corners yet does not look so chunky as Charlie said.

-- Bill - If I knew GRANDKIDS were so much fun I would have had them first.

View pommy's profile

pommy

1695 posts in 1860 days


#3 posted 1534 days ago

Usually i use 12mm but its what you feel is right to the project

-- cut it saw it scrap it SKPE: ANDREW.CARTER69

View jeh412's profile

jeh412

129 posts in 1544 days


#4 posted 1534 days ago

I most always go with 1/2 inch but when it’s on the smaller end of the scale I’ll use 3/8 inch. The majority are 1/2 inch, though.

-- John, co-owner Sawdust 'n Stitches

View ryno's profile

ryno

106 posts in 1833 days


#5 posted 1533 days ago

thanks guys, I was trying to stay away from the chunky look. there’s alot of boxes that (in pictures ) you can’t tell exactly how big or thick pieces are. thanks for the feedback, it was exactly what I was looking for.

-- It is better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than to open it and remove all doubt.

View Blake's profile

Blake

3421 posts in 2043 days


#6 posted 1532 days ago

It really depends. There is no correct thickness. Different sizes will just give you a different look, and allow for different joinery. All my boxes are different thicknesses.

-- Happy woodworking! http://www.blakeweber.us

View PurpLev's profile

PurpLev

7749 posts in 1817 days


#7 posted 1532 days ago

ryno – this is exactly where Sketchup comes into play – try different variations of material thicknesses in your model, and see which one looks best for your plan.

-- ㊍ When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

View eddy's profile

eddy

885 posts in 1533 days


#8 posted 1532 days ago

i go on the fat side of 3/8. but by the time i am done sanding it is right there

-- self proclaimed copycat

View Rob 's profile

Rob

197 posts in 1836 days


#9 posted 1532 days ago

I posted a picture of a box recently that I think is quite nice. Here is the link. I think it is interesting that the box appears to have very thin sides but due to the curvature I believe it was quite thick to begin with; perhaps 3/4 when it was square. And the centre is still the full thickness. So although a thinner box may be more appealling for a basic design it really depends on what you are ultimately going for. Just wanted to through this in to keep us all thinking outside the ‘box’.

View TheCaver's profile

TheCaver

288 posts in 2008 days


#10 posted 1532 days ago

1/2 is good for small boxes….Look in my projects…most of them are 1/2 or slightly less. If you want to see what a 3/4” looks like, look at the recent humidor I posted (its 10” long)....its WAAAYY too thick….

JC

-- Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known. -Carl Sagan

View gerrym526's profile

gerrym526

265 posts in 1977 days


#11 posted 1531 days ago

I’m just completing my first boxes in 3/8 stock. If you intend to hinge the tops, make sure you can find 3/8 hinges. Otherwise use 1/2 stock-hinges are much easier to find.

-- Gerry

View marcb's profile

marcb

762 posts in 1842 days


#12 posted 1531 days ago

The box I just posted in projects has very fat sides, about 5/8”. However due to the proportions of the project, look of the wood, and probably other things it looks right. It all depends on design.

http://lumberjocks.com/projects/14984

Typically 1/2” is where to shoot for, or thinner but that gets hard to work with.

View Gary's profile

Gary

3546 posts in 1601 days


#13 posted 1530 days ago

I really like to use 3/8” but, like Gerry said, the hinges are not easy to find.

-- Gary, DeKalb Texas only 4 miles from the mill

View johnpoolesc's profile

johnpoolesc

246 posts in 1529 days


#14 posted 1529 days ago

maybe because i spin wood as well but i perfer thinner stock.. and make my own hinges.. most people are surprised when the pick up a small box that is so light.. so i would weigh in about 1/4 under the other post..

(with a lathe, thinner is better)

-- It's not a sickness, i can stop buying tools anytime.

View Durnik150's profile

Durnik150

647 posts in 1490 days


#15 posted 1481 days ago

For band sawn boxes I have the outer sides and backs about 3/8. The top and the fronts of the drawers I usually go a solid 1/2” The top of the box and the front of the drawers are what get shaped the most to give the box its character. I do mostly band sawn stuff so can’t speak to square boxes, etc.

-- Behind the Bark is a lot of Heartwood----Charles, Centennial, CO

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