Dovetail Joinery Box

When my kids were young, I gave them what I thought were cool presents, yet they played with the box. Well, when my wife saw my last project, the "Do Nothing Box", she liked the box, only wanted it a little smaller. So, I made the Dovetail Joinery Box.

As a long time woodworker, I couldn't just build any box, so I added dovetail joinery to the sides. Much easier than the wooden version to create, this box was designed using Sketchup 8 (the free version), and printed in PLA using Makerware and a Replicator 2.

I've made two of these with different color combinations. I would like to see the color combinations you chose!

As a final note, I've uploaded all ".skp" files used to build this project. Feel free to modify any component, as did I with my wife's name on "Front.stl". We both would enjoy seeing your results.

Begin by studying the "Assembly.stl" Sketchup 8 file.

Next, print parts. All parts were printed using Makerware "Standard" settings:

1) Print 1 each of "Base.stl", "Back.stl", "Font.stl" and "Top.stl".

2) Print 2 each of "Side.stl" and "Pin Hinge.stl".

Finally, assemble parts (make sure you study "Assembly.skp" for proper position and orientation):

1) Place "Front.stl" on a flat surface, then press one "Side.stl" on one end of "Front.stl", and press the second "Side.stl" on the other end. I found a rubber mallet made it easier to press the sides onto the front.

2) Press "Back.stl" on the two sides. Again, a rubber mallet helps here.

3) Press the assembly just made into "Base.stl". Some sanding, filing and/or trimming may be necessary to fully seat the assembly in the base. If you are planning to put something heavy in the box, a small dot of cyanoacrylate in each corner of the recess in "Base.stl" may be necessary.

4) Position "Top.stl" on the assembly between the hinge assemblies on "Back.stl", then insert the two "Pin Hinge.stl" pins. After insertion of the pins, if the top does not pivot smoothly, remove the pins and top, then, using a hand held electric drill, run a 3/16" drill bit in REVERSE through the hinge pin holes on "Top.stl" (running the drill in reverse avoids "bit grabbing" which could potentially break the hinge off of "Top.stl").

5) Enjoy. I would like to see the color combinations you choose.