Building a Maple Box then a Special Trick to Make It POP!

I made an heirloom quality wood box and it was kind of stupid easy to build! I broke it down into a series of small steps. It starts with the basic concept of a box. Add a few curves to give it a graceful appearance. Contrasting legs really give it something extra and make the wood in the body of the box stand out. The lid looks pretty fancy, but it’s really only a few cuts, and it really brings the whole box to life. But the real kicker is the wood grain in the maple. I made the grain really pop by dying it before applying finish. It’s a super cool technique that I highly recommend you try out.

•• 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.

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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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[fredmoeves]

Man that is awesome.
I have to give this a try.
Thanks for all the great videos...helps me a lot...

[katherynlamarche]

I make a lot of boxes and now you have gifting me a way to think outside the box. Sorry just had to
say that. Thank you so much. Julien.

[jonz]

Like the handle a lot. I feel like it helps break the maple lid up some. I'm getting back into woodworking after finding so many ideas on YT. Just picked me up a bandsaw and pieces of an oak tree that was cut down.

[jscook]

That is lovely. Your lesson did a good job breaking it down into helpful steps to build one. The handle was a definite thumbs up.

[WoodworkerGuy]

Are you some kind of Genius? Love everything about it. The handle is dope, must have.

[sethnone]

This is a great video that covers so many different topics in one go! The curved legs, the dye trick, inset lids. Thanks for all the clear and concise tutorials in all your videos. PS: really dig the handle on this box.

[westfallframing]

Excellent video Billy! I sure appreciate you offering templates! I will be trying some of them. This is a beautiful box that anyone would love as a gift.
I need to go back and watch again to find out the free software for making templates.

[olgreywolf]

Yeah ... like the design ... the contrast in woods is nice. I'll try maple and walnut. BTW, yeah, I got my maple stock by salvaging a very large maple tree (over two-foot diam base diameter) downed in a storm on a friend's land. Have a huge stock now .... and more than enough to make your box. Thanks for the idea.

[jimbo]

Inspiring design beautifully made and finished. I would have used clear lacquer on the maple, but your finish brings out the grain.
I shall make one in sycamore and walnut as I have both.

[jimpike]

Hey Newton, love the design and the finish of the box, you really emphasised the grain in the maple. Such a classy looking jewellery box, thanks for sharing,

[darrylbuckett]

I guess you could say "You've really got a handle on making boxes". Beautiful, Cheers

[positivelyportugal]

Two things that are awesome here, the tip about cleaning up the glue and the esthetic of the box. I am going to make this box for a Christmas present for my sister. Hey, that will check a box off for me.

[pteddie]

Billy, the box is beautiful. I'm glad that you went with the handle. Thanks for sharing the video.

[carldavis]

I love building boxes that one is a really beautiful box.
Thank you for sharing it with us all !

[williamshaffer]

Billy my boy you've done it again. Nice nice box. Great job and keep them coming.

[michaelthanksheroes]

Handle 💯 makes the box great but your craftsmanship makes it perfect. Much applause 👏.

[glennryzebol]

I thought it was crazy when you said you were gonna dye it but i had stain in my brain and not dye, let alone thinned dye. Boy, did it ever come out nicely. Well done. Makes me itchy to try something similar.

[philipwoods]

Loved this, great video, definitely stealing some of your ideas

[woodstoney]

The extra effort to make and install the handle is quite worth it IMO. It just setts off the box! Nicely done!!

[stephandelange]

Beautiful Box... And my opinion, WITH a handle . Good job! beautiful work