Building a Dovetailed Keepsake Box

Article 106: Building a Dovetailed Keepsake Box

By: A Woodworker Who Loves Classic Joinery in Small Packages

This box is a great opportunity to practice dovetail joints while creating a beautiful, useful piece for storing jewelry, heirlooms, or letters.

Materials

• 1/2" walnut or cherry:

  • Front/back: (2) @ 10" × 3"

  • Sides: (2) @ 6" × 3"

  • Bottom: (1) @ 9-1/4" × 5-1/4" (1/4" plywood or matching solid wood)

  • Lid: (1) @ 10-1/4" × 6-1/4" × 1/2"

• Wood glue

• Hinges (small brass butt hinges)

Tools Needed

• Dovetail saw

• Chisels

• Mallet

• Router (for bottom groove)

• Clamps

• Square, marking gauge

Steps

1. Layout Dovetails

   • Use a 1:6 or 1:8 dovetail ratio. Lay out tails first.

2. Cut and Chop

   • Saw tails and pins. Pare to fit with sharp chisels.

3. Groove for Bottom

   • Cut 1/4" groove inside lower edge of all box sides.

4. Dry Fit and Glue

   • Insert bottom into grooves. Glue and clamp corners.

5. Fit Lid and Hinges

   • Plane lid to match box. Mortise in hinges.

6. Finish

   • Sand lightly and apply oil or shellac.

Visual – Dovetail Joint

Top View:
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