Basic Box Making: From Basic Techniques to Fine Craft

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I bought the book for additional ideas for boxes. Doug Stowe's book is very good!

I have been making cabinets and furniture for many years. I purchased this book to broaden my knowledge of woodworking. I have made the first three boxes in the book so far and I plan to make all of them as time allows.I have been disappointed in the past with books and plans that are impossible to use with many mistakes and lack of detail. This book has all of the detail and description needed to make perfect boxes the first time. I have not found one dimension mistake so far.The name of the book may be somewhat misleading. From the first very box a well equipped shop is required. The minimum equipment consist of a good quality table saw, a good table mounted router - not one of the $25 ones from Harbor Freight, a good selection of router bits, a thickness planer, a good selection of clamps, a band saw, and lots of patience.At first I resisted taking the time to make the various jigs described in the book. Don't make that mistake. The jigs will make your projects much safer and much more precise and attractive. They have many more uses on other projects and only take a few hours to construct.I find box making very enjoyable. Everyone loves the boxes and I can see that I will have a hard time keeping up with demand from family and friends.I would suggest making the boxes in the order that they appear in the book. Doug was careful about picking the order to increase skills as you progress.October 14 2012I have made all but one of the boxes in the book. I also bought the CD by the same author. I highly recommend the CD. I want to re-emphasize that the books name can be miss leading. This is not a book for begining woodworkers. I would recommend a high end after market router table. With this addition to your shop many of the procedures can be done safer and more accurately. The projects can be done with the home made table he describes but you will be much more satisfied with the results from a premium table.

For making squares and rectangles.

I thought this was going to be a book about making some basic boxes, there is nothing basic about this at all. Very disappointed

This is a good book, both as an introduction to boxmaking and as a reference I've returned to for ideas and techniques again and again. I recommend it!Moving along, I do not understand the criticisms of the book offered by some people who complain of the equipment required to make the boxes considered in the book. What were they expecting? You do not do this level of work with a handheld circular saw and sawhorses, and no one should expect to do so. The good news is that you equally certainly do not need a "professional shop".If you come into this experience with realistic expectations you will be highly rewarded.

I have yet to make a box, however I have read through the book and it explains many questions I had about making elegant looking boxes. Wether for gifts or for selling, this book will help. Photography is great, paper is heavy weight, a quality publication. As a woodworker, I find working with thinner stock is actually more difficult, the book helps remove some mystery to that as well.Update August 2009-I have now made a box using this book. I have to say, it went very well. The dimensions were spot on, the photos and how to's were excellent. I made a jewelery box for my niece, and it was received very warmly indeed.

I bought this and the accompanying DVD. I recommend both as to use together. I have been wood working for over 30 years and this book is great for a beginner or season wood worker.It is easy to understand. There are some great ideas for jigs in the book that you can use for making boxes and also many other things.What you learn is how to use the power tools you have in a very creative way. The author takes you from the basic to the more complex in an easy to follow and do manner. It should give you the confidence and knowledge on how to create something special.I really like and enjoy this book. I think the DVD is great. I highly recommend

Well written with prcedures detailed and with photos. He knows his stuff allright, but he has all the power tools and probably a workshop thats bigger than the average UK living room. If you dont have the power tools required you need to be a hand tool ninja to do the cuts shown. So why 4 stars? I have most of the power tools, crammed into a 8x6 ft shed and I always wanted to make better boxes maybe I could try his methods. The wood he specifies, 'white oak' and 'baltic birch plywood' are not common in the UK. If you want a laugh, go into your local DIY store an ask for those!

As has been mentioned, quite correctly, this book - for the true beginner - is pretty far from 'basic'...I don't see why making little boxes should require such great previous knowledge and understanding of a jargon that is taken for granted. Not to mention about half a ton of vicious looking machinery. It wasn't what I was expecting, but you do get into it, bit by bit, and with a little help, get going. And it IS a nice book.

This is a great book to start making boxes. Very well explained and clear pictures. You do need a table saw and router table but if you want to make boxes you do need those anyhow.The sizes are in inches, but that's ok, you can just multiply everything by 2.5 to convert to cm.I have now made 5 of the boxes that are in the book and have learned an awful lot from them. Would seriously recommend this book as your first buy.

This book provides a useful reference work. My advice is to start at the beginning and go slowly. As the author says repetition results in refinement and improvement. Some things you learn as you go along.It has reawakened my interest in woodwork - and small boxes are a great way to practice accuracy and detail - without spending a fortune.

This book is full of colour photos, tips and obviously showing how to make boxes. As a box maker I have many books about the subject but this is simply a brilliant, detailed book and better than many others. If you want to tackle box making then make this book your first purchase.