Minimal Tool Challenge Box Build

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Why oh why oh why did I choose a cross-cut saw? †

That was really hard work, but all four pieces are resawn down to a more respectable thickness now:

The offcuts from the smaller pieces were used as planing stops:

I didn't leave much excess material when sawing (my sawing is getting more accurate!), so it didn't take long to plane them all down to the line. The offcut from one of the long sides was thick enough that I'll be able to use it as a drawer bottom; unfortunately I meandered a bit when sawing the other long piece, so the other long offcut is too thin to be usable, so I'll have to do more resawing (or think of an alternative plan for a lid) :(

So far, the tools I've used are:

• Stanley 4½
• Kataba (cross-cut saw)
• Combination Square
• One F-Clamp
• Pencil
• Leather strop

I haven't used a chisel yet, but I will soon. The size will depend a bit on what I choose to do for the top and the bottom as the chisel is the only tool I've got for preparing grooves (gulp) and hence it needs to be an appropriate size.

† The reason I chose a cross-cut saw was that I thought a Ryoba (with cross-cut and rip teeth) would be cheating and I don't have any other backless rip saws. Doesn't mean I don't regret choosing a cross-cut saw though!

I am a hobbyist metalworker and woodworker. I work as an electronic design engineer and spend most of my working days in front of a computer so I enjoy having the opportunity to use my hands and make things in my spare time. I particularly enjoy making tools as I can then use them on other projects. This website showcases some of the things I've made.

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