Make a CRAZY Wood Puzzle Box! | Step by Step Instructions

I made a 12 step, 4 Sun wood Japanese Puzzle Box! It took a lot of tricky woodworking techniques to pull off. It takes 12 moves to open this small puzzle box and I think it's pretty crazy to think about all of those components into a wood box that is so small. I've always wanted to make a Japanese style puzzle box. Puzzle boxes are usually described in "suns", with 1 sun equaling about 3cm. My wood box is approximately a 4 sun puzzle box. This is the kind of woodworking that I love, making something fun and creative. Woodworking doesn't need to be utilitarian or serve a specific need. This project requires a ton of woodworking techniques and it is one of my biggest woodworking challenges in terms of precision. Each wooden part has to fit snuggly, yet still move freely. Making a wood box already requires a mix of woodworking skills, but trying to make a wood box with moving parts is a whole other ordeal. That said, while it takes a lot of patience it is completely doable when broken down into a series of small steps. Take it one step at a time and next thing you know you have a cool Japanese puzzle box.

My puzzle box requires 12 steps to fully open. When all said and done, it has a traditional interior compartment and a secret drawer that pulls out from underneath. To make this happen, the puzzle box has keys that move side to side, allowing parts to move up and down.

---⏱️Timestamps⏱️---
0:00 Designing a Japanese Puzzle Box
0:28 Cutting Joinery for the Box
3:48 Creating the Locking Mechanism
7:31 Making the Box Lid and Bottom
9:12 Making the Box Front and Back
10:52 Building a Secret Box Drawer
11:37 Applying a Wax Finish
12:17 How to Open a Japanese Puzzle Box

•• About NewtonMakes••
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.

•• My Links ••

Here's a list of tools and materials that I used to make this project. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
•• Tools & Materials ••

•• Graphics ••
Candles video clip by Samphan Korwong
Record video clip by Matthias Groeneveld

#finewoodworking #puzzlebox #boxmaking #howtomakeabox #woodworking #woodworkingfun

[germcrazyshokoff]

If you designed this yourself, you’re a genius.

[ericsaumier]

Thoses boxes are the exact reason I got into woodworking 20 some years ago... I never made a single one to date as I think I still havn't aquired the required skills. Your video make it look easy and gave me the kick I needed ! will purchase your plans and give it a shot! thanks new best friend!!!

[briangray]

Bought the plans and built this. Amazing design and it turned out wonderful. Thanks so much for sharing!

[davechenier]

I downloaded the plans for this puzzle box and made one out of scraps that looks great and works well. I'm planning to paint it with authentic Japanese patterns to better conceal the joints.

[felixgarcia]

This is a great first I've seen that is in more depth than what i've seen online. I would search for what seemed forever to find these puzzle boxes and find plans or videos to try to make one. This is a huge help in the right direction. Great video and thank you!

[petehafner]

Finally, someone made a puzzle box! I ordered the plans before I finished watching the video. Can't wait to get into the shop and build this. Thank you woo-hoo

[SawdustmakerLori]

The box turned out AWESOME!!! Very precise and would be fun to give as a gift to see if others can figure it out. Love the Wenge and Maple together. Gives it such a sharp contrast. You do beautiful work!!!

[survivalsearcher]

I like the double compartment aspect of this puzzle box. Very nice

[Berserkerbaboen]

Bricklink got software to translate this wood LEGO PARTS!! So the mission is clear....

[vincents]

I just completed this box. What an insane build. Instructions were good and the box came out working and looking good. Double and triple check your measurements and cuts and everything will fit together perfectly. Fun project.

[droogsurgeon]

So awesome to see one made, I have such respect and admiration for these little trick boxes!

[compass]

You had me at "12 step"! Thank you so much for creating this - just what I was looking for. Just got my sides done which gives me confidence that I can do the rest. What an awesome project and very little wood is needed!

[arthurgriffin]

Dude, Billy, this is incredible. Thank you so much for sharing this. WOW.

I went to your website and purchased a copy of your plans for the box. Proud to support your work, man!

[JB-tbrq]

This is awesome! I have never seen one of these before. You made it look so easy, but I can’t even imagine how you came up with the plans! Well done man, phenomenal project & video!

[xylocraft]

Nice! I've always wanted to make a puzzle box. Maybe now I'll start this week!

[davidcaverly]

Puzzle box is on my bucket list as well, but I've been putting it off because I feel like it's gonna be a pain. This video was very confidence inspiring! 👏 👌

[austensperry]

Very very cool mechanisms! Imaginative and well-executed!

[brandonwoodworkersclub]

Awesome project! That's a mind bender to figure all that out to design it.

[michaelbradford]

By far the coolest box I've ever seen !!

[Karl-Johan]

Great video! Inspiring and full of insights. Impressive stuff!