One of my SketchUp students was asking about modeling a Shaker-style oval box. In the process of showing him, it occurred to me there are a number of little tidbits that can be useful in modeling other things. Maybe there are some things here you might find useful in your work.

I used some extensions in this process to make things a lot easier. Below is a list of them linked to their sources.

Curve Maker

Shape Bender

CleanUp³

Which requires TT-Lib²

Since the process I’m demonstrating starts out with flat versions of the bands for the box and lid, and they remain in the model, you could use them for creating the patterns for cutting them in the shop. I’m showing the traditional tapered fingers in this model but clearly you could make these whatever shape strikes your fancy if you want to veer away from tradition. Once you get the basic process sorted, you might even experiment with different box shapes.

–Dave