I’ve been working out the details of this week’s design – a keepsake box – for a bit of time now. I got inspired to start this box upon seeing Scott Meeks’s shaped box with splined/keyed mitered corners. That inspiration led to this box, with multiple splines per corner:
I first started with the idea of multiple splines that got shorter from top to bottom. In most cases, having the largest piece on top will make a design feel too top-heavy and imbalanced, but the trapezoidal sides help relieve that tension and weight. I think the square base piece anchors the box firmly. I prefer the base being square (as drawn above), but I might experiment with chamfers and bevels for the base if I actually build the box.
I’m undecided on how the top would fit with the box, so I came up with the five options on the right. If I had to rank them, I’d probably go 4, 1, 2, 5, 3 – but I would love to hear other people’s opinions on the top. I gave the box top a simple handle that could easily be cut at the band saw or with a router. I could also see using the same handle top as I used for the domino box I made last Christmas.
Looks good! I think I like top #5 best, if you chamfer the base the same way.
I’m honored that my design inspired you! I think that might be the first time thats ever happened.
I hate being “that guy”, but technically, your box is keyed miters.
I hope you make it. Be sure to document your process, as those keys on the compound miter are going to be fun. I look forward to seeing how you do it!
I’m fine with anyone being that guy – but now you have to tell me – what is the difference between a key and a spline?
A key is perpendicular to the joint, like what you drew. A spline is parallel with the joint and usually not seen, unless the spline is exposed by shaping, like the box I drew. Hopefully that made sense…