How to Make Simple Box Bottoms | Wood Box Making

If you don’t have a planer or drum sander, don’t sweat it. A drum sander makes sanding panels faster, but I didn’t use one for years without a problem. This same process works for any thickness panel so you can buy 1/4” plywood (including walnut plywood) and you have an instant box bottom, no planing required!

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I’m Billy and I make fun things. Sometimes, it’s something I need like tool storage ideas. Other times it’s silly or nerdy stuff that I want to build. If you want to get ideas for making stuff, or just want to watch something entertaining then make sure you subscribe.

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Here’s a list of tools and materials that I used to make this project. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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[NewtonMakes]

I never want to skip over the fundamentals of a project. I thought this video may help those who are new to making boxes or cabinet drawers and would like some tips on how to construct the bottom. There are a few ways to do this depending on the joinery used. I talk about it more in the video description.

[ecarrillo]

That was such genius idea for measuring. I’ve been fumbling around trying to figure out how to do it. So thank you for the awesome tip!!

[luperodriguez]

I recently made a box. My first box. Didn't know how to measure the bottom to make it fit. Now I know. Thank you for showing all of us how it's done.

[dwayneford]

I am just now doing my research on how to build a jewelry box and I've watched more videos than I ever thought possible. I keep coming back to your videos because you explain things in terms that even I can understand. You have helped me more than you could ever know. I typed out each step meticulously and those notes will be on my bench when I start actually building the box which is for my wife. I have an awesome piece of 8/4 walnut, a piece of 8/4 maple with some very cool grain, a piece of wenge for the sides and a piece of leopard wood that may or may not have a home in this box. Thanks Newton. ❤

[darodes]

Your channel has become one of my favorites…. Your way of teaching is very clear… you talk us through the process and don’t talk “at us”, and don’t include useless nonsense. I’m very appreciative for this video and many MANY of your others

[artwellmdineka]

Men you have just change my entire experience from wood project and tips.much appreciated.

[bradleygann]

I was racking my brain on the best way to get the perfect bottom fit. Super clear video of how to do it. Thank you.

[Letyon]

I am a new subscriber to your channel and love making boxes. Your approach to fitting the bottoms to the box alone makes the subscription worth it. I have been sneaking up on the fit for my bottoms a lot of trial and error; but the use of a combination square is going to simplify my life. Thanks for the great video!!!

[My-Your-Recovery]

You made this simple to understand. Thank you very much!

[carolrasmussen]

This video was super helpful especially after not doing it correctly yesterday. Thanks again

[JB-tbrq]

Awesome video! Your project videos are great but I love your instructional videos! You do a great job of explaining each step and making it look so easy.

[unicornconservationco]

It's so satisfying to see it all fit!

[boblasley]

Good to see you back at it Billy!! Awesome job on the video.

[quirtdrozario]

This is very useful to know. Thank you.

[joshua]

Very clean, walnut is by far my favorite. I like how you sized up the bottom there

[marcisaacs]

Ok question. Teaching beginners to simply attach bottoms without a groove since it’s an extra step. Give the tendency for cupping or crowning, slight concave face up or down. I would think concave face down, as any additional movement might bow out the bottom of the center of the box causing it to rock. Whereas concave down probably wouldn’t.? Thoughts

[whatsatownwithoutnoducks]

Glad to see you're fighting through the Zombie plague to keep putting out videos!

[airdaff]

What if you are trying to build a frame around a pre existing bottom that you don't want to cut? What is the math for the additional mitered joints? So if you have an 8 inch bottom, what do the sides need to be to account for that miter. Is it just the thickness of the sides times 2? Thanks

[tomsommer]

What are you going to do with those curvy slabs in the back ground. I have some of those but haven’t figured out what I to do with them. I own a sawmill here in Northwest Arkansas. I mill all hardwood. Thanks.

[MrRod]

That’s cool for miter joints. But with box or finger joints, you need a blind dado. Do you have a simple way to do that?