Box Builder's Handbook: Essential Techniques with 20 Step-by-Step Projects Paperback – December 2, 2011

This is a book balanced between being a "how to make" and a "what to make" volume, with the preponderance leaning toward the design oriented "what to make" aspects over the techniques and methods to actually craft the boxes. The diversity of boxes is fairly broad, while the instructions on how to make each box are relatively minimal and focused on techniques peculiar to the project that an intermediate woodworker will likely want to focus on as they make the box.The projects contained in this book are:-- Itty Bitty Box, mitered corners with lift-off lid-- Wine Box, mitered corners & lift-off lid insert-- Post Office Box, locking door-- Watch Box, narrow oblong bandsaw box-- Tote Box Duo, pair of open-top totes-- Heart Box, bandsaw-shaped box with lathe turned recess-- Potpourri Box, lathe turned box-- Lidded Lathe Box, turned box with finial lid-- Kim's Christmas Box, bevel-sided rectangular box-- Bead Box, mitered body and open lid frame-- Spool Cabinet, two drawers in fake panel frame case-- Shaker Oval Box, #3 size fingered bentwood box-- Band Saw Box, slab-and-reassemble rectangular container-- Pencil Box, finger-joints and slide-off lid-- Kestrel Bird Box, larger somewhat rougher outdoor project-- Business Card Holder, laminated body with recessed flip-top-- Mailbox, taper sided container-- Game Box, home for 2 decks of cards-- Vertical Jewelry Box, three drawers in doweled carcass-- Child's Box, shape-puzzle top openingsEach chapter starts with a color picture of the finished project with introductory comments (many of which seemed to breezily casual for my tastes, YMMV), followed by a line drawing exploded view, cut list, and the text/photos used to describe and illustrate the crafting of each project. However, note that many, if not most, of the other steps needed to achieve the initial formation of the project are cursorily covered or glossed over. This book assumes a fairly high degree of competence and theoretical & practical woodworking expertise on the part of the reader.While the photos are well-shot and do a very good job of illustrating the procedure they address, this book of Hamler's places somewhat more of a premium on descriptive text telling the reader how much of the project work is done, with excellent call-outs to the photos where applicable.The Box Builder's Handbook is a book for woodcrafters who are already competent and comfortable in their craft and are more seeking inspiration for projects on which to apply that craft, rather than woodworkers who are looking for hand-holding through the process of making a box. For that sort of hand-holding, Strother Purdy's book "Traditional Box Projects" would be a much better recommendation. Hamler's book is more to kick-start the imagination, trusting the hands are capable of executing the design once the vision is formulated.

Easy to follow, great ideas, just what I was looking for. I’d recommend to anyone who wants to start building more complex boxes.

Well written, with clear descriptions of how to make a variety of box styles.This is not a comprehensive encyclopedia of plans. Nor is it written with the extreme detail and sidebar shop jig advice found in lengthy magazine articles. This book is for someone who has worked wood projects before and knows the basics of tool use, but is looking for ideas on how to go beyond their one basic box design. It makes a nice addition to a woodworking library.The value in this book is helping you think outside the box (groan ... sorry.) The author takes you through a series of very different styles for building boxes, along the way pointing out a variety of approaches to joints, lids, material use, and visual highlights.If you find you approach building boxes the same way every time, this book is a nice "whack on the side of the head" to give you alternatives to vary your style.

This is not a book of much use to an aspiring or accomplished fine woodworking person. If I'd seen it; leafed through it in advance of purchase in a book store I would not have given more than a few minutes consideration before putting it back on the shelf, which is where it should stay.As a rule, I don't buy books to teach me how to do simple projects. I am not into woodworking to fashion a pencil box, business card holder, tote box or such.If you want to make truly beautiful boxes that are worth your time and will impress folks I recommend buying either or both of Doug Stowe's books on the topic. They are much, much better.

Some excellent projects and techniques you can use for other boxes.

A good book for a woodworker with moderate or better skills. I'd buy it because you can learn from everybody. I'm keeping mine.

I've created several boxes from this book and find it easy to follow and understand. The directions are easy to follow and the techniques learned are invaluable.

Offers many different ideas for the early box builder

I didn't think that any new book to my collection would add very much but I was wrong. This book is full of great ideas and tips. It is written in a very easy style that makes following the projects very straightforward. I will be referring to this for years to come whenever I want to refresh my creativity.

Features some nice ideas.