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Custom Unfinished Wooden Box Styles

We specialize in custom handcrafted 'unfinished' boxes made from your design.
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"You Design It ~ We'll Build It"
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We leave the finish work, the fun part, up to you! The unfinished boxes on this page are for reference only ... as a way to inspire you ... to show you just what kind of handcrafted boxes you can expect at 'Arizona Specialty Woodcrafts'.

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» Standard Non-Interlocking Hinged Lid

Box Details - This type of box is constructed by gluing & clamping together all six sides at one time. Once set-up time is complete, we cut the box apart on a table saw. When you submit a request, you can tell us how much you want for the lid and how much for the base.

Here are two samples of this type box both with shallow cavity inside lid. Double dovetail joints add a decorative touch.

» Standard Interlocking Hinged Lid

Box Details - A popular design, this box is made so that the lid and the bottom section is cut to inter-lock for a nice, tight seal. For this box style, mitered and rabbet-butt joints work best. Please indicate the 'lid height' such as: lid cut at 1 1/2" outside.

This image shows Walnut with Aromatic Cedar lining, Poplar with hardboard divider and Mahogany with overhanging lid and trim around the base - all interlocking lids.

» Standard Box - Top & Bottom Equal in Height

Box Details - A standard lid box is cut directly in half making the top and bottom equal in height when opened. This style is good for boxes that need to lay out flat on a table, such as a gameboard.

The boxes shown are non-interlocking. Both have 10mm concealed barrel hinges, which work well for this style. Spring slide catch and a magnetic strip serve as closures.

» Bottom Only - No Lid

Box Details - We often get requests for a 5-sided box - with no lid. This works well as a dresser valet, shadow box, trinket box, tray or basic storage.

This image shows several variations to this style of box, including custom dividers, feet intergrated into base, splined-mitered joints for decoration, or cut-outs in the ends for use as a paper tray.

» Standard Interlocking - Lift-Off Lid

Box Details - This box style requires no hardware. The lid and the base interlock with each other using a rabbetting technique. Please note that when you specify the inside "height", this will include the cavity up in the lid.

Because there is no hardware, these are referred to as "lift-off' lids.

» Standard Interlocking Lift-Off Lid - Recessed for Inlay

Box Details - For crafters interested in inlaying ceramic tiles, leathers or veneers, the recessed box works well. You will need to indicate how deep you want the recessed area in the lid to accommodate the inlay product.

Several variations can be added for this style, such as overhanging lid, trim around base. With no hardware, these boxes are referred to as 'lift-off' lid boxes. Contrasting wood splines add a decorative touch.

» 3/4" Flat Interlocking Lid

Box Details -The lid consists of a 3/4" piece of wood that has been cut to fit inside the bottom section of the box. This provides a tight interlocking seal. Because the edge of the lid is reduced to 1/2" this limits the type of hinge that can be used. Exterior mounted hinges do not work well.

This type of box makes a great jewelry box. Just let us know the divider layout you have in mind.

» 1/2" to 3/4" Flat Non-Interlocking Lid Boxes

Box Details - This style has a flat piece of wood for the lid often spliced together to achieve the desired width and to offer stability. Woodgrain veneer is often used for the lid. An overhanging lid, beveled or with a decorative routed effect works well to help 'grip' the lid for opening.

This image shows Purpleheart, Alder and Poplar - a donation box and two storage boxes with dividers and a tray.

» Arched Lid Box

Box Details - Arched lid boxes require the use of flexible woodgrain veneer for the tops. We will advise you if a certain wood veneer is not available. Substitutions may be required. You give us the height of the "bottom" half of the box and we will calculate the arch ourselves.

We recommend 90° to 95° stop hinges (outside mount for interlocking styles) to keep the lid upright.

» Inside Slide Lid Box

Box Details - The lid of the inside slider travels along channels rabbetted into the inside walls of the box. Finger joints, mitered or rabbet-butt joints work well. The inside slider design can be used for small or large applications. Size restrictions apply.

Sliders are a popular choice for presentation boxes for a thin item...like a journal. Various enhancements can be added for your own unique touch.

» Outside Slide Lid Box

Box Details - The lid of the outside slider runs along channels applied to the outside of the box. This gives the box a seamless apprearance when closed. Either mitered or rabbet-butt joints work best.

The boxes in this picture: top image is Koa with a drawer. The other two are Walnut, one with a center divider.

» Standard Non Interlocking - You Add Hardware

Box Details - Occassionally, but not often, we get requests for this type of box by crafters who plan to supply and install their own hardware. Because there is no 'interlocking technique' used, hinges are needed to keep the lid on.

This Poplar box has finger joints with the lid cut at 1/2" (inside cavity).

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