Wooden crates are all the rage for a variety of reasons.They are easy to build, and you can use any wood you want, making them a quick and worthwhile carpentering project for just about anyone.
Step 1: The dimensions of the crate should be sketched out in advance.
To make the cuts perfectly, you need to know how big your crate is.You can make any crate you want, but you need to make sure that the two ends are the same size and the slats are not different lengths.Yours may vary slightly, but the crate will have the following dimensions.9-1/2" to 16"
Step 2: Purchase your wooden plank.
Depending on your preferences, they should be about 1/2 to 1/3 thick.You could easily use scraps or wood from old pallets if you wanted to, though the exact kind doesn't matter much.The best budget buys are pine and cedar.If you want the spaces on the side of the crate to be big, you can adjust the width.You can have a lot of slats.
Step 3: The wood must be cut to the dimensions of the box.
It's time to get the saw going if your hardware store doesn't cut your wood for you.Making a rough cut in each piece first is the best way to make a perfect cut.Then bunch 4 pieces of wood together, holding the stack together with tape.You can cut all of the pieces at the same time.You want the boards to be at least 12 inches long.There should be 4.You want the slats to be long.13 should be there.
Step 4: The wood needs to be sanded down on all sides.
It's important to make sure the plank is smooth on all sides.These specifications are for a 16x12x9.5" crate.To make sure you have the right amount of wood, double-check all of your cuts.Each end of the two pieces will be joined together.
Step 5: One piece of wood can be used for the two ends.
For a quicker, easier crate, simply cut a piece of plywood or other wider wood right into the size of your ends.It will look less professional, but it will work.If you're using wood scraps or junk pieces, you can use even slats of wood.You should cut even slats for a professional crate.
Step 6: There are two boards along the long side.
Take two of your boards and place them on the long edge.You will have a square 9-1/2" wide and 12-1/2" long.Run to make sure the cuts are even so that the boards come together.You should repeat with the other two boards.They will be used to create your ends.
Step 7: How will you adhere the two boards?
To make the ends of the crate, you need to adhere the two boards.There are several options, including biscuit joints.biscuit joints will be used in the rest of the video.There is wood glue.This will not be a very strong box.
Step 8: To mark three spots for biscuit joints, use a pencil.
Place the boxes together on the blanks.You can use any method you're comfortable with, but you will use biscuit joints.You should have a biscuit drill and three wooden biscuits.Three biscuit joiners should be enough.Two will do if you're in a pinch.
Step 9: The biscuit joint drill can be used to make a mark.
Make a clean, quick cut with the drill by using your pencil marks.For the other marks, repeat.
Step 10: There are three biscuit holes on one of the planks.
There should be one solid line of glue along the edge.
Step 11: Push the biscuit into each hole.
The biscuit should be snug inside the hole.
Step 12: Attach the two boards with a little more glue to the top of each biscuit.
The biscuits should be placed on the other piece.Your ends are finished if you let the wood glue dry.To hammer the ends firmly, use a rubber mallet.As wood glue dries, use a set of clamps to hold the two boards together.
Step 13: Adding handles to the ends is optional.
You can decorate the ends of the crate now that they are finished.You can use a table drill with a wide 1-2" drill bit and punch holes into each end to make a handle.To cut a handle in the wood, drill 3-4 holes in a small line.Two metal handles, like those found on cabinets, can be installed using a power drill and small screws.You will need to lay the box down flush to the ground to finish it if you add these handles.
Step 14: They should be resting on their top edge if the ends are turned upside down.
The handles will be on the bench if you add them.The other long edge should be facing upwards.If you want the slats to be the right distance away, put 4-5 on top and adjust the ends.The outside edges of the end pieces should be flush with the slats.
Step 15: Attach the wood glue to the ends of the slats.
The bottom of your crate will be made up of this.If you want to make the corner of the box first, start with the slat closest to the end.
Step 16: The brad nails should be used to adhere the slat to the end.
The glue is needed to keep the slat in place as you hammer it.To make the crate sturdy, you'll need nails.brad nails work well.There should be two in each slat.A thin screw or heavy-duty wood glue can be used if you don't want to use nails.
Step 17: There are slats at the bottom of the crate.
Attach the slat with glue and nail it in.Start at the other end and work inward.There are five slats on the bottom of the crate.
Step 18: On each side, repeat the process.
To finish the crate up, use your last eight slats.Attach four slats to each side and turn it on its side.Allow the wood-glue to dry overnight.
Step 19: You can stain and finish your crate.
If you want a professional looking crate, you can stain it or paint it.A wood burning kit could be used to etch a design.If you want to decorate your crate, make sure you wait a day for the glue to dry and the crate to settle before starting.