Cutting some full dovetails for a small box, out of Red Cedar scraps.    Just laid out the lines, free-hand.    Grabbed my old Stanley backsaw, and started cutting them out.   Hmmm?  Maybe I should cut on the OTHER side of the lines?  Next ones went a bit better (tighter) so NOW I know how to cut these.   Some of the cuts were done with a scroll blade on the bandsaw, much faster.    Chopped out the waste with a chisel, from both sides.   

 

  Next a groove for a bottom panel.   On two sides, it's just a cut with a dado blade.  1/4" x 1/4".   On the other two, it was a stopped dado.  A 1/4" Forstner bit was used to "hog" out the waste, then a 1/4" chisel for cleaning the bottom of the groove.    The "stop" was set about a 1/4" into the dovetail on each end.    Cut a "test" panel for fit.  Hmm?  Maybe a bit wider panel was needed?  Cut the "finished" panel to size, ah, that's what I want.

 

Next up, glue-ups.  I've clamped up four scrap boards to make a top panel.  Once out of the clamps, I'll size the panel for a top.   Next question, hinged top, OR, just a loose fitted top?  

 

Comments?   (pictures WILL be on the way, as soon as I can)

Since you made hand cut dovetails why not make some box joint hinges?  

I guess I would consider the use of the box and where it will be used. I made these hinges partly because I wanted to try it and also because I wanted the lid attached rather than something that could get lost in the shuffle on my side bench. The box is a little bit of a catch all for things I want close yet contained.

Mark,

Very nice indeed.  What are you using for you pins?

Thanks Randall. I used the dowel in the picture. This was my first attempt and the pin was sloppy so I used more care in drilling the ones I used on the box.

Randall Farris said:

Mark,

Very nice indeed.  What are you using for you pins?

Nice work Mark. Good idea.

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Bob Kloes
www.bobkloes.com

Been wanting to try wooden hinges.

Just haven't taken the time to do it.

Yours look great.

Thanks guys. Try Google Images and enter wooden hinges if you want to see some awesome hinges.

 

Mark