Basic Box

Basic Box Formative

Basic Box Worksheet

The project begins with a review of technical drawings to identify the required quantities and dimensions for the box components. The instructor demonstrates how to maximize material use from a standard board, followed by a step-by-step machining process: planing for thickness, joining edges, ripping for width, cutting dados for joints, and cross-cutting to final length.

Key Highlights & Steps

• Planning and Material Selection [00:12]: The instructor identifies "Part A" and calculates that two pieces are needed. He explains the choice of materials (1x6 or 1x8) and the target thickness of 5/8".

• Material Efficiency [01:13]: To minimize waste, the instructor calculates total length (18 inches) and demonstrates how to "rip" the board to get two sticks from a single piece of wood.

• Planing for Thickness [02:00]: Using a planer, the material is reduced from 3/4" to a final thickness of 5/8" (0.625"). The instructor emphasizes making incremental adjustments for a smooth finish.

• Edge Preparation [03:00]: A jointer is used to clean up one edge of the board, ensuring it is perfectly straight and square before moving to the table saw.

• Ripping and Table Saw Safety [03:23]: The width is set to 2.5 inches. The instructor demonstrates safe techniques using a "hedgehog" (feather board) for pressure and a push stick to keep fingers away from the blade [03:40].

• Cutting Dados [04:27]: Using a dado blade setup, the instructor cuts grooves that are 1/4" tall and positioned 3/8" from the edge. This is critical for the box's assembly.

• Cross-cutting to Length [06:03]: The components are cut to their final lengths—5 1/4" for the smaller sides and 11 1/4" for the longer sides—using a square to ensure accuracy.

• Final Joint Testing [06:46]: The instructor sets up a 5/8" wide dado blade (using five 1/8" blades) to match the board thickness and tests the fit on a piece of scrap wood before finishing the final parts.