I just wish to point new bandsaw users toward trying to make bandsaw boxes as a way to really learn blade differences, tensioning, cutting curves, setting up the bandsaw and generally getting comfortable with your new tool.
The fun thing about bandsaw boxes is you can just almost cut free form and still have a great result. From start to finish it takes about two days some of which is just waiting and sanding.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I use Danish oil but you can use what you want except I would shy away from paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Comments
sgilly
Fri, 10/18/2013 - 16:31
Very nice
I love the boxes, Jake. I did have an inexpensive band saw and I tried using it to make small boxes similar to yours. The saw scared me to death - when the blade came flying off I put everything back in the box and returned it! I'd like to, someday, try again.
In reply to Very nice by sgilly
Jake
Fri, 10/18/2013 - 18:14
Bandsaws are Safe
I have only had my bandsaw about 6 months and in that time I have had two blades break and occasionally slip off the wheels. Bandsaws are considered to be one of the safest power saws you can use so don't be afraid but know where the off switch is if something happens. You just need to experiment with proper setup including the placement of guiding blocks or bearings, blade tension, and blade choice. Also a 3/16" blade can make a very tight turn where it would be foolish to try it with a 1/4" blade. I like a 3/16", 4 teeth per inch skip tooth. Youtube has many tutorials on how to make a bandsaw box.
sgilly
Fri, 10/18/2013 - 16:31
Very nice
I love the boxes, Jake. I did have an inexpensive band saw and I tried using it to make small boxes similar to yours. The saw scared me to death - when the blade came flying off I put everything back in the box and returned it! I'd like to, someday, try again.
JoanneS
Fri, 10/18/2013 - 17:04
Awesome project!
These are awesome! My son was looking over my shoulder at these and said, "Mom, you have to comment and tell this guy your son says these things are awesome!" And I agree with him! How did you cut them to fit the drawers? These are so cool, do you have any in-work pictures?
In reply to Awesome project! by JoanneS
Jake
Fri, 10/18/2013 - 18:24
Bandsaw Boxes are Easy - Sort of!
Many thanks to your son for recognizing genius. Ha Ha Sure!
Everything fits because every piece is cut from the same block of wood. I want you to go to this link http://www.woodworkingformeremortals.com/2010/05/how-to-make-bandsaw-bo…
I was inspired to try it by Steve Ramsey of Woodworking for Mere Mortals and slowly progressed to what you see in my pics. Search Youtube and you will find a ton of bandsaw box videos.
I am limited to the size because of my small bandsaw but they are really fun to design and build, especially when you mix a variety of wood (including plywood) in your product. For your first box just take a 4x4 of any wood and cut into a 8 or 10 inch length and go from there. If you screw up it hasn't cost too much.
In reply to Awesome project! by JoanneS
Jake
Fri, 10/18/2013 - 18:28
Work in Progress Pictures
Yes I did document the building process of one box and I will try to add the pics in the Brag post within a day. I may be limited on the number of pics however.
Pam the Goatherd
Fri, 10/18/2013 - 20:37
Thank you, Jake, for
Thank you, Jake, for introducing us to bandsaw boxes! I've seen these for sale at craft shows and always wondered how they were made. They always look so complicatedly intricate. After watching that tutorial I now know that I CAN make them, too!!!! I've had a bandsaw sitting in my barn/workshop for several years and have only used it once. Now I think I'll be using it quite a bit more!