Hardware Hideaway

Hardware Hideaway

While exploring in an antique store, I found a small, two-level lidded box that would be ideal to store the loads of extra hardware I have stowed in plastic bags. No longer would I need to search endlessly for brads, bails and back plates; everything would be in one place.

The price of the antique, however, was too rich for my wallet, so I took a photo and used the “dollar-bill” method of measuring (a piece of United States paper money is approximately 6" in length). Even if my memory was defective, my notes, measurements and pirated photo could get me close.

BUILD THE JIG

Both the box and the tray, which fits inside and rests on the lower layer of cubbies, are assembled using box joints (also called finger joints) that I cut at the table saw. Box joints have plenty of glue surface for a strong bond, but are easier than dovetails to whip out by machine. In fact, they are perfect for shop builds. (The same basic process is also a great technique for making dentil moulding.)

Mill the sides and ends of both the box and tray to size and thickness, then set them aside