How to Build a Compartment Wood Box

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Building a compartment wood box is a fun and rewarding DIY project that can be completed with just a few basic tools and materials.

To start, you'll need to gather your materials, including a piece of 3/4 inch plywood for the box's top and bottom, and 1x2 lumber for the sides and back.

The size of your box will depend on the size of the materials you have on hand, but a good starting point is a box that is 12 inches wide, 12 inches tall, and 24 inches long.

A key feature of a compartment wood box is the compartments themselves, which can be created using small pieces of wood and a wood glue.

See what others are reading: Wood Box with Secret Compartment

Design and Construction

The design and construction of a compartment wood box can be a fun and rewarding project. You could use wood glue to connect the sides, but a nail gun is a faster option.

To ensure the sides are square, a jig is helpful. This is especially important for a project like this where precision is key. A jig can save you time and frustration in the long run.

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Credit: youtube.com, An Absurd Number of Wood Box Making Tips & Tricks

First, connect a short and long side together, making sure the grooves match up. Then, add a couple of nails and repeat the process with another long side. Don't put the small side in yet, as it needs to be modified for the drawer section.

Here's a quick rundown of the basic steps:

A coat of natural Danish oil is a great finish for a compartment wood box. It brings out the natural beauty of the wood and provides a protective layer.

Worth a look: Natural Wood Twin Bed

Routing a Groove & Cutting the Wood

To start building your box, you'll need to route a groove in the wood for the lid. This is done by securing the wood firmly to a flat surface using clamps.

First, decide how far down the side of the box you want to place the lid. The closer to the top, the more space you'll utilize inside the box.

Use a router or a Dremel with a routing bit and tool to make the groove. Go nice and slow to avoid any mistakes.

Credit: youtube.com, Basic Router Techniques | Newbie

After routing the groove, remove any sawdust and burrs of wood left inside using a small screwdriver.

The size of your box is entirely up to you, but you can find the dimensions of the example box in the image.

Cut the wood to size once you've decided on the dimensions of your box.

Step 2: Creating the Box

Creating the box is a crucial step in building a secret compartment box. You'll need to connect the sides of the box together, making sure the groove in the top of the sides matches up. This is done by connecting a short and long side together, then adding a couple of nails and another long side.

To ensure the sides are square, you can use a jig, which can come in handy for a project like this. Add a couple of nails and then add another long side, making sure the groove is aligned properly.

Credit: youtube.com, Making a Simple Step

You'll also need to modify one of the small sides to create the drawer section. This involves cutting a piece of plywood for the base and nailing it to the bottom of the box. It's essential to cut the plywood so it includes the 4th short wall of the case as well.

Here's a quick rundown of the steps to create the box:

  1. Connect a short and long side together, making sure the groove in the top of the sides matches up.
  2. Add a couple of nails and then add another long side.
  3. Modify one of the small sides to create the drawer section.
  4. Cut a piece of plywood for the base and nail it to the bottom of the box.

Drawer Assembly

The drawer assembly is a crucial part of our compartment wood box project. The drawer will have three very small half-blind dovetails at the front.

These dovetails will provide a strong and secure joint, but they're also quite small, so be careful not to split the wood. The drawer sides are the length of the internal distance from front to back of the box.

This internal distance will allow the back of the box to act as a drawer stop, keeping the drawer from coming out too far. The back of the box will also serve as a convenient guide for the drawer's movement.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Small Jewelry Box Wood

Credit: youtube.com, How To Build DIY Cabinet Drawer Boxes & Install Slides

To create the secret compartment, you'll need to cut a 10mm groove and partition in the drawer sides about 50mm from the back. This will require some careful planning and precision cutting.

The compartment will add an extra layer of security and secrecy to our box, perfect for storing valuable or sensitive items. The drawer will be made from 10mm poplar, which is a sturdy and durable material for this project.

Technical Details

The Wooden Box with Secret Compartment is made from varnished bamboo, which gives it a natural and elegant look.

The box measures 126×126×102 mm or 5×5×4 in, making it a compact and portable storage option.

It has a top compartment with inner dimensions of 100×100×46 mm or 3.9×3.9×1.8 in, perfect for storing small items.

A secret compartment with dimensions of 100×100×22 mm or 3.9×3.9×0.9 in is also included, ideal for hiding valuable items from view.

The box weighs 370 g or 13.1 oz, making it lightweight and easy to carry.

Credit: youtube.com, How to make a wooden box with secret compartment || woodworking || Wooden box

The magnetic closure ensures that the box stays shut, keeping your contents secure.

The lid is fixed with hinges and a 15 mm or 0.6 in recess, providing a sturdy and durable design.

Here are the technical specifications at a glance:

  • Material: Varnished Bamboo
  • Dimensions: 126×126×102 mm/5×5×4 in
  • Top Compartment Inner Dimensions: 100×100×46 mm/3.9×3.9×1.8 in
  • Secret Compartment Dimensions: 100×100×22 mm/3.9×3.9×0.9 in
  • Weight: 370 g/13.1 oz
  • Magnetic Closure
  • Lid Fixed with Hinges & a 15 mm/0.6 in Recess

Special Cases

This compartment wood box is made from varnished bamboo, giving it a unique and eco-friendly touch.

The dimensions of this box are 126×126×102 mm, making it a compact and portable option for storing small items.

The top compartment has inner dimensions of 100×100×46 mm, providing ample space for storing valuable items.

The secret compartment, on the other hand, measures 100×100×22 mm, perfect for hiding small treasures or secrets.

Here are the key dimensions to keep in mind:

The weight of this box is 370 g, making it lightweight and easy to carry around.

The magnetic closure and lid fixed with hinges and a 15 mm recess ensure that your contents remain secure and out of sight.

Amy Martin

Senior Writer

Amy Martin is a seasoned writer with over a decade of experience in various industries. She has a passion for creativity and enjoys exploring different perspectives on life. Amy's work often inspires readers to think outside the box and embrace new ideas.

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