Sliding Lid Boxes

Dates / Times

Saturday, May 9, 2026 (from 9 AM - 5 PM)

Course Description

In this class students will build a small wooden box with a traditional sliding lid. This type of box can hold a wine bottle, or almost anything else. The particular box we will be building is designed to hold the shell casings presented to a family following a military funeral with a 21 gun salute. These casings are often kept as meaningful reminders of a veteran’s service, and the box provides a respectful and lasting way to preserve them.

Students will learn how to construct a clean, precise box using simple joinery and carefully cut grooves that allow the lid to slide smoothly into place. The lid must fit accurately so it moves easily while remaining secure.

This project introduces important woodworking techniques used in many forms of casework, including accurate dimensioning, cutting grooves, and precision fitting of parts. The finished box will be a small keepsake container appropriate for preserving and displaying an important military memento.

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

Learning Objectives

Learn how sliding lid boxes are designed and constructed

Learn how to cut grooves for a sliding lid using the table saw or router

Learn techniques for accurately fitting a sliding lid

Learn how to assemble and clamp box construction

Learn sanding and finishing techniques for keepsake projects