I started this project with the idea of making a wooden "book". It would open to reveal a heart-shaped picture frame on each side and could be displayed open on a table.
The logistics of pulling that off were a bit more than I had time to deal with, so about halfway through the build, I decided to just make a simple frame insert and call it a keepsake box.
Most of my time on this project was spent in the design: specifically how to make the box look like a book, yet let it to swing open. Since real books generally don't have visible hinges, I didn't want any to show on this one either.
Thankfully, I have a terrific bunch of helpers on my Facebook page who came up will lots (and I mean lots) of ideas. The one I decided to go with was using a dowel as a hinge. It works out great and doesn't require any glue.
This is a pretty easy project to make. Mostly, you will spend your time on the hinge mechanism and shaping the cover and spine so that it swings properly. Take your time to test it along the way and you'll be fine. Most importantly, resist the urge to force the cover to swing if it sticks: the dowel holes are so close to the edge, it will likely cause a split. And by the way, use a hardwood. Pine will almost certainly split.
Download plans:
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Nice project Steve.
ReplyDeleteSteve;
ReplyDeleteI like the book/box. I'll have to put that on my list of small projects. The one thing I would change is to look for some scraps of Baltic birch to use for the box carcase so it would kind of look like pages.
StanP
If only your book box was big enough to hold a book about building boxes, the circle of creativity could be complete.
ReplyDeleteStan: if I make another one, I am definitely going to use plywood for the "pages". That's a great idea!
ReplyDeleteNice! This concept could be adapted to make a iPad/Kindle/Tablet case similar to a Dodo Case.
ReplyDeleteSteve you might try Ronald s idea for glues.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQU8Xb7z_9I&feature=youtube_gdata_player
ReplyDeleteI need to adapt this into a matchbox....allowing for a removable striker strip on the 'spine'... hmmmm....
ReplyDeleteI loaded the comments just to suggest using baltic birch plywood or something like zebrawood to resemble pages, but someone else beat me to it! Great project, Steve!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the project Steve. I love making little boxes, don't need a lot of materiel and they are fun to build. I think I'll make one.
ReplyDeleteKirk
Great project, Steve! What do you think about using flocking for the inside walls and bottom of the box instead of the sticky felt?
ReplyDeleteI love this thing. Think I'll make one. Kind of thinking a metal dowel rod might work nice instead of wood. Maybe a little stronger. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteHi buddy. Great little project. I agree it needs either Baltic Biirch ply or alternately, you could build "pages" with dark and light veneers stacked in layers. See you on Lumberjocks.com..
ReplyDeletePaul
Great project.
ReplyDeleteCan someone tell me why I'm not able to download in PDF the plan for this book box? I've tried in Google and Internet Explorer, both are unable to. thanks
ReplyDeleteBefore anyone replies to my request, I was able to download it. Thanks, in advance if you attempted to assist. Have a Great Navy Day!
ReplyDeletehey can u build a woodworking vice for me im new into woodworking and im only 16 please help me please
ReplyDeletehi steve, really you can make a surf board on wood for us? please. Matt
ReplyDeleteNice box, there a nice one on this french blog : http://blog.borisbeaulant.com/objets/cahier-en-bois/ and there is also a wood trike recumber, a thing to see. Thierry
ReplyDeleteI've made 1 of these as a prototype, and another is on the bench. If anyone is thinking of making one of these let me give you a couple words of advice:
ReplyDeleteDrill the holes for the dowels straight. One of mine was just a little "off" and caused the entire front "cover" to twist and bind. I've since thrown together a quick jig for my drill press to drill these holes, instead of trying to free hand it.
I love that, it looks great. I have tried to view the plans but have been unsuccessful, is there a reason for this?
ReplyDelete