Box Making Tips and Tricks
Learn how to cut attractive V-groove dadoes for your finest boxes. Plus, a super-simple shellac-based finish.
When it comes to box dividers, simple square-shouldered dadoes will do the trick, but why not show off your joinery skills with something a bit more eye-catching? Matt Kenney uses a simple, attractive V-groove dado that’s easy to cut, and easy on the eyes. While this joint shouldn’t be used for larger structural assemblies, it’s perfectly suited for small-scale situations like the compartmental dividers found inside any variety of boxes. Learn how to cut the joint quickly and accurately in this video tip.
Plus, learn Matt’s simple recipe for a shellac-based finish that goes on smooth and fast. The secret is in the dilution. By diluting your shellac with denatured alcohol, you’ll be able to pad on thinner coats that level to a flawless finish. As an added bonus, each coat dries fast, which means you’ll be able to get your boxes out of the shop and into your home more quickly.
For even more box-making tips and tricks, be sure to catch Matt’s Video Workshop, Two Ways to Build a Box.
Comments
Very neat ! Thanks for sharing. I absolutely agree about the V-groove divider being very elegant. Unfortunately I don't have any power tools in my apartment :-( Any thoughts on how this could be achieved with hand tools? Or was this not really a traditional way of making dividers in the old times?
Great video. I like the V-grove, looks great. I also
Like the finish you’re using but how much denatured
alcohol did you thin the shellac with? What ratio? Thanks
again for the instruction.
After some thought I tried a big triangular file to cut the V-groove across the grain, after making a shallow saw kerf to guide the file. Seems the way to go.
That's clever!!
Link to the video series is broken, here's the link: https://www.finewoodworking.com/videoworkshop/2012/08/two-ways-to-build-a-box
Thanks. Fixed!
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