5 Reasons Why Small Boxes Are A Great Starter Project

If you are relatively new to the art and craft of woodworking, you may be wondering what is the best project to start building first. Maybe you’re curious what project will allow you to practice various skills the most and be the most forgiving when making mistakes. Well, I can answer those questions - boxes!

Boxes are a good starter project for every beginner woodworker and there are many reasons why; some of which I will discuss here.

Joinery

As a new woodworker you’re probably not an expert yet on multiple joinery methods. However, all boxes contain 4 corners on the sides alone. Another 4 corners are present on the bottom and another set on the top. The point here is that you have multiple opportunities to practice corner joinery. You are able to practice joinery skills at each corner of the box. You may start with a basic miter joint on your first box. Once you have mastered that joint you may step up to a box joint or ultimately, a dovetail joint.

Repetition in doing these joinery methods will make you more comfortable and proficient. Proficient in the joinery itself but also in the behaviors of the machines used to make the joints.

Gifts

Boxes make great gifts. They can be made in many different styles and shapes that allow the box to be a generally good gift for any type of person, interest, or personality. These boxes are small so they are easy to gift in a bag or ship through the postal service. Even if you’re unsure of what to get someone as a gift for a certain occasion, a hand made wooden box is a great option. Almost everyone has something they can find for the use of a wooden box. Jewelry storage, card storage, display, and the list goes on.

Time

Small boxes are rather quick to make. You could plan on spending a half day or full day (at most) to make one from start to finish. This is a good reason to use small boxes as starter woodworker projects as it keeps you motivated. Starting and finishing a project in the same day allows you to feel a sense of pride and goal achievement, while reducing the risk of losing patience on woodworking projects.

Affordability

Since small boxes are indeed small in size, they do not require a lot of material. In fact, many boxes I have made in the past have been made from scrap pieces of wood. Scraps can be sourced from many places and sometimes can be found from other wood mills or wood shop that are simply willing to give scrap wood away for free. If you do need to purchase material for your wooden box project, you will not need to purchase a large amount of material, which keeps costs to a minimum. This provides for a great starter project in that since you will make mistakes along the way, they will not be super expensive mistakes.

Diversity

That’s right. Diversity. Boxes can be made from multiple species of wood, and in multiple styles and sizes. Boxes can be as elaborate and fancy as you like, or as simple and straightforward as you wish. They can contain add-ons as needed to include trim and moulding, inlays, or carvings. You can also use multiple species of wood at the same time in the same box component. Making these small wooden boxes gives you the flexibility and creativity that every woodworker craves. In theory, no two wooden boxes are exactly alike!

If you’re wanting to start in the craft of woodworking, I highly recommend starting with wooden boxes as they are quick, affordable, and turn out beautifully!