Well that really doesn't ask much but what I'm looking for is a calculator or maybe even just a guideline for wooden box dimensions. I realize tat many times you'll make a box for a specific purpose and that dictates the dimensions but in this case I'm looking to make a few through dovetail boxes as gifts and getting a late start...

 

I have some maple and cherry left over from some recent projects so I thought my granddaughters might like a box or two. But getting properly dimensions eludes me. I have the wood cut to 3-1/2" widths and was thinking 5x8" and I'd fit a top made of 3/4" cut to fit the top. I also have some planed to 1/4" for the bottom. Any suggestions where to look?

I don't think there are any hard and fast rules for box dimensions.

 

There is the "Golden Ratio"- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_ratio- which describes the visually pleasing ratio of sizes. 

 

http://boxmaking101.blogspot.com/2009/09/golden-ratio.html

I use one of four guidelines

• Golden ratio (which IMO is way overdone)
• Integral ratios (2:1, 3:2, etc.)
• Size of things needed to fit inside
• Size of wood I have available

a recipe card is 4" high, 6" wide. if you make it deep (front to back) enough so a card won't fall flat, then you'd want to be under 4", but if you have a lot of cards, then more than 4".

 

useful and beautiful are good criteria.

Thanks Guys....seems I was fretting the small stuff.

 

One thing I finally caught up on was the Incra LS setup. After getting the proper fit of the dovetails you then need to plane the wood to the height of the dovetail bit. I can say that I never remember seeing or doing that. Unfortunately I had already cut parts to size and too small to go in the planer now so on to using the PantoRouter.....

 

I really need to get these processes down and then summarize them in my own words for later. I think I can honestly forget the memory part as just less then useless.

 

Thanks guys for the input and if you don't hear anything else for a while....Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays!

Please post pictures of your finished box(es)!

The Golden Ratio is a good starting point. But actually, form follows function. 

lots of ways to join 2 pieces of wood at a corner.

17 hours ago, sreilly24590 said:

Thanks guys for the input and if you don't hear anything else for a while....Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays!

Good to see you posting again Steve. Sounds like you have been and are going to be very busy. A Blessed and Merry Christmas to you and family as well.

 

16 hours ago, lew said:

Please post pictures of your finished box(es)!

+1!

2 hours ago, DAB said:

lots of ways to join 2 pieces of wood at a corner.

But I really like dovetails just haven't done them often enough to remember the setups with the different tools.

How you build it will change your dimensions as well as wood, I go by" if it looks right, it's right!!!