The Tool Desk
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What the plan builds
The box has mitered sides and ends, corner feet that wrap around the corners, and a veneered lid with a framed edge and contrasting handle. A birch-plywood bottom is lined with adhesive-backed felt. WOOD Magazine describes the design as using “Three species of wood—and a bit of aluminum—[to] give this little project lots of visual appeal.”
The project page is dated March 19, 2021, but the linked six-page plan comes from the magazine’s December/January 2010/2011 issue. Find the project page and plan at WOOD Magazine’s keepsake box page.
Materials and tools to prepare
Materials
- Lacewood for the sides, ends and lid frame
- Wenge for the feet and handle base
- Birch plywood for the bottom, plus veneered birch plywood for the lid panel
- Quilted-maple veneer for the lid panel
- Aluminum bar, 1/4 × 1 1/2 inches, and 1/4-inch-diameter aluminum rod for the handle
- Adhesive-backed felt, spray adhesive and epoxy if needed to secure the rod
The plan allows a wooden handle in place of aluminum. Its bill of materials also names a 1/4-inch drill bit, used in making the handle; it does not require a particular brand.
Tools and setup
- Tablesaw with a dado blade
- Bandsaw
- Drill press or drill, with the listed 1/4-inch bit
- Sanding equipment
Accurate miters and bevels matter for the box joints and lid fit. Before cutting the project pieces, check the blade and miter-gauge setup by making a test box or frame, as the plan recommends.
Build sequence at a glance
- Prepare the stock and cut the box components to the plan’s dimensions.
- Cut the groove for the bottom and the rabbet for the lid, then dry-fit the body.
- Size the plywood bottom and glue up the box body.
- Shape and attach the corner feet.
- Apply quilted-maple veneer to both sides of the lid panel and fit the lid frame.
- Make and attach the handle, using the aluminum parts or the permitted wooden alternative.
- Apply the selected finish; the authors use three coats of aerosol satin lacquer in the plan.
- Fit adhesive-backed felt to the interior bottom.
These stages are an overview, not a substitute for the diagrams and exact cut dimensions in the downloadable plan. The plan’s shop tip suggests wrapping taut painter’s tape around a corner to hold miter joints closed as glue dries.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Finish, plan access and historical kit price
Three coats of aerosol satin lacquer are the finish chosen by the plan’s authors, not a requirement for the design. Choose a finish appropriate to your materials and follow its label directions.
The project page displayed a plan-download link, but access can vary by region and ongoing availability is not established here. The PDF also printed a one-box kit price of $43.00 from Heritage Building Specialties. That is historical pricing from the circa-2010/2011 plan, not a current quote or evidence that the kit is still sold.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Size: 7" W x 2" D x 9" H
- Use them to store you treasured trinkets, jewelry, or anything you want to hide in a decorative way
- Ideal for your study storage and decoration
- Interiors are fabric lined to protect content
- Great gift idea for any occasion
Rank #3
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