Create something with your own hands as a rewarding venture, especially when it involves transforming humble materials into a piece of art. So, take those overlooked wood offcuts, remnants of past projects or perhaps treasures found in a corner of the workshop, and giving them a new purpose. This DIY Ring Box With Wooden Hinge project will turn wood scraps into a beautifully crafted ring box with a wooden hinge.
This isn’t your average box; it’s an example to skill, patience, and the beauty of working with wood. Not only does this make for a personal keepsake or an extraordinary gift, but it’s also an excellent way to refine your woodworking skills, especially in making precise joints and hinges.
DIY Ring Box With Wooden Hinge Project
Materials List
- Wood offcuts for the main box: Pieces that are about 50mm (2″) thick, suitable for a ring box size.
- More wood offcuts for the hinge: These pieces should be around 10mm (0.5″) thick.
- Steel/brass bar: A 3mm (⅛″) diameter bar is used within the hinge mechanism.
- Danish oil: For finishing and protecting the wood.
Tools Used
- Table saw: For cutting wood to size.
- Router (attached to a table): Essential for making the finger joints.
- Hand saw: For trimming and fine adjustments.
- Hack saw: Used to cut the metal bar to length.
- Belt sander: For shaping the wood and the hinges.
- Random orbital sander: For the final sanding and smooth finish.
Step-by-Step Making Process
Preparing the Wood
Begin by selecting an interesting area of your wood offcut that will become your ring box. Cut the wood into a cube, approximately 50mm in each dimension, ensuring to choose a section with an appealing grain. Adjust and secure the wood as needed when cutting, especially if starting with irregular edges. Smooth the faces with a belt sander to ensure they are flat and even.
Crafting the Finger Joints for the Hinges
The essence of this project’s uniqueness lies in its wooden hinges made from finger joints. Utilize a router table and a custom-made jig to create these joints. Whether you opt for a jig that uses a mitre slot or one that works against a fence, the goal is to produce accurate and consistent cuts for the fingers of the hinge. Careful measurement and alignment are crucial here.
Creating the Hinges
Once the finger joints are ready, drill 3mm holes for the steel/brass bar that will act as the hinge’s pivot. Assemble the joint, shaping it on the belt sander to create the hinge movement. Insert the cut metal bar through the drilled holes to link the hinge pieces securely.
Fitting the Hinges onto the Box
With the hinges prepared, route a rebate/rabbet in your wooden cube to accommodate the hinge. Exercise patience and precision to ensure the rebate is perfectly sized for the hinge, keeping it central and neatly finished.
Final Assembly
The next phase involves separating the box lid from the base, shaping the internal space, and attaching the hinge. Cut the lid off the box, bore a cylindrical space within both parts, and ensure the hinges fit snugly within their recess. Attach the hinge to the box, taking measures to align it accurately for smooth operation.
The Finishing Touches
After assembly, sand the box through various grits for a smooth finish. Add an interior lining, such as recycled leather, for a soft, protective surface. The final step is to apply Danish oil, enhancing the wood’s natural beauty and providing protection.
By carefully following these steps, you’ll end up with a uniquely crafted ring box that not only showcases your woodworking skills but also has its own narrative, told through the grains and textures of the wood it’s made from. This project is more than just a box; it’s a piece of craftsmanship that holds the potential to treasure much more than just a ring.
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