Step 2: Lay Out the Side Panels and Lid

laying out 1x4 boards for the sides and lid of a storage chest
Photo: Ryan Benyi
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Cover your work surface to protect it from glue. For each of the box's four sides, lay out five boards apiece, alternating long and short as follows: long boards at the top and bottom for the front and back, short boards at the top and bottom for the ends. Stand a scrap of 1x4 on end to block out the correct spacing at either end of the short pieces, as shown.
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    Tools List

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    • miter saw
      Miter saw
    • bar clamp
      36-inch bar clamps. At least three
    • finish hammer
      Hammer
    • belt sander
      Belt sander
    • random orbit sander
      Random-orbit sander
    • combination square
      Combination square
    • jigsaw
      Jigsaw
    • brad nailer
      Brad nailer
    • drill
      Drill/driver
    • TruFit step bit
      Miller 2x TruFit step drill bit
    • flush cut saw
      Flush-cutting saw
    • circular saw
      Circular saw
    • multi-bit screwdriver
      Screwdriver

    Shopping List

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    1. Red oak 1x4s to build the box. Get six 8-footers.

      2. Red oak 1x6s Get two 6-footers for the base and one 8-footer for the lid.

      3. ½-inch oak plywood for the floor. Get a 2-by-4-foot sheet.

      4. Miller 2x dowels in black walnut. Go to Miller Dowel Company.

      5. Torsion hinges

      6. 1-inch brad nails

      7. 1-inch deck screws

    8. 1½-inch deck screws

    9. 80-grit, 180-grit, and 220-grit sandpaper

    10. Stain and finish of your choice

    11. Wood glue