STEP 1: LAYING THE FOUNDATION

 

I started my woodworking journey with the basics, laying out some pre-cut pine boards for my box project. Had to take my time making sure everything was just right – you know how it goes with woodworking, measure twice, cut once!

Looking at the pieces now, lined up nice and straight on my workbench, I’m feeling pretty good about the foundation. Each board got a good once-over for any sneaky warps or knots that might cause trouble later. There’s something really satisfying about seeing all boards perfectly spaced out. Not going to lie, I’m already imagining how sharp this box is going to look when it’s all done. This prep work might seem basic, but any woodworker worth their sawdust knows it’s make-or-break for getting those clean joints later on.

STEP 2: THE BASES OF A BOX

I then started the corner assembly of the three bases using a trusty corner clamp for perfect 90-degree angles. Got the three bases together with countersunk screws forming neat bases using 9″ x 14.5” long pieces of 1×4 lumber, 4 x 10-11” long pieces of 2×2 lumber, and 6 x 12” long pieces of 1×4 lumber – mostly clean work, though I had a small bit of tear-out in one corner. I believe that not hiding that since documenting issues helps improve technique. The level on top confirmed everything’s straight, and despite that minor hiccup, the bases are solid and square, giving me a strong foundation for the next steps.

 

STEP 3: SANDY THEN SMOOTH

Time to tackle the router work and sanding! So I used the blue clamps to hold everything steady while I routed the edges – definitely learned the importance of a test piece first. The router table made getting consistent edges way easier. I had to adjust the bit depth a couple times to get that perfect radius, but once I got it where I wanted it to be, the corners came out clean.

Just a heads up – got a bit of chatter on one edge where I moved too slow with the router, but nothing major. The orbital sander helped smooth everything out nicely. Started with rough grit to knock down any router marks, then worked my way to finer grits for that silky finish. Safety first – so I kept the dust mask on and gloves handy throughout the whole process!

 

STEP 4: BUILDING A BOX

Now, it’s time to frame the box, carefully positioning four interior pillars to connect the three wooden panels. I utilised clamps to hold everything perfectly aligned while drilling, ensuring tight, square corners. Pilot holes prevented wood splitting, and I’m making sure each connection is flush and secure. The goal is precision – not just a box, but a testament to my and Bouyan’s careful craftsmanship that’s structurally sound and clean. As such, we grabbed our cordless drill and started securing the box’s structure, driving screws through the panels into the four interior pillars.

STEP 5: THE STAIN OF A BOX

Staining time!

So I grabbed my dark walnut wood stain and started applying it methodically across the box’s surface. Using a rag to work the stain into the wood grain, I ensured even coverage and that rich, rustic color that we were looking for.

We paid particular attention to each wooden panel, making sure no spot was missed. The wood soaked up the stain beautifully, highlighting the natural texture and creating that deep, warm tone. To prevent pooling and ensure a consistent finish, we wiped off excess stain.

COST ANALYSIS FOR OUR WOODEN BOX:

Screws: $12

Wood (1″ by 4″): $24

Wood (1″ by 1″): $5

Labor (12.5hrs at $20 per hr): $250

Wood Stain: $10

Total Cost: $301

 

CLEAN WORKSPACE:

Thank you for joining us on this journey of craftsmanship!

Have a nice day!