Metal Hinge Boxes

Dates / Times

Saturday June 6, 2026 (9 AM to 5 PM)

Course Description

Students will build a classic wooden box with a metal butt hinge using precise joinery and traditional woodworking techniques. This project introduces one of the most useful and recognizable forms in woodworking: the hinged lid box, suitable for keepsakes, tools, or small storage.

Students will have the option to select their joinery, either cutting miters on teh table saw, box joints on the router table, or hand cutting a half-lap joint. (If the student wants to use a different joint we will work with them to accomplish their goal.)

The class will then focus on accurate assembly and the installation of small brass butt hinges. Students will learn how to carefully lay out hinge locations and use both a power router and a router plane with chisels to cut clean, precise mortises so the hinges fit properly and the lid opens and closes smoothly.

Along the way students will learn practical woodworking techniques including accurate milling, router table operation, precise assembly, hinge installation, and surface preparation. Emphasis is placed on careful craftsmanship and developing the foundational skills that apply to many woodworking projects.

We will bring assembled boxes for the students to practice cutting off the lid and installing the hinges while the glue on their box dries. By the end of the class, each student will leave with a clean, well crafted hinged lid box and a solid understanding of fundamental box making techniques.

This course is appropriate for beginners who want to develop core woodworking skills while building a practical and attractive project. All materials are provided, and students will take home the finished box they create.

Because we have scheduled this class for one day students may need to apply finish on their own or during an open shop session.

Skills Covered

  • Planning and laying out a box project

  • Milling lumber flat, square, and to final thickness

  • Cutting precise box joints on a router table using a box joint jig or miter joints on a table saw

  • Assembling and gluing a box accurately

  • Laying out hinge locations and cutting hinge mortises with chisels

  • Installing and aligning small brass hinges

  • Surface preparation and applying a finish