How to Make a Bandsaw Box (Beginner Guide + Tips I Wish I Knew Earlier)
⭐ How to Make a Bandsaw Box: A Beginner Guide (Plus Tips I Wish I Knew Earlier)
If you’ve ever wanted to make a bandsaw box, you’re in good company — bandsaw boxes are one of the most rewarding projects in small-shop woodworking. They’re fast, sculptural, use surprisingly little lumber, and once you understand the process, you can create shapes that feel almost magical.
In this beginner guide, I’ll walk you through the essential steps for making your first bandsaw box, along with the tips I wish someone had told me when I was just getting started. Whether you’re working in a garage, a small shed, or even a corner of your apartment workshop, you don’t need many tools to get great results.
What Is a Bandsaw Box?
A bandsaw box is a small, decorative wooden box made by cutting a solid block of wood on the bandsaw. Instead of traditional box joinery (like dovetails or finger joints), you create the outer shape, hollow the inside, and then glue everything back together to form a seamless box with one or more drawers.
Bandsaw boxes are popular because:
They’re beginner-friendly
They require minimal tools
They allow endless creativity
They make fantastic gifts and craft-fair items
And compared to traditional box making, the learning curve is surprisingly gentle.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
To make a simple beginner bandsaw box, you’ll need:
Bandsaw (any size works, but a 1/4" or 3/16" blade is ideal)
Wood block (glued up or solid hardwood, about 6–8 inches wide)
Sandpaper or a sanding machine
Wood glue
Clamps
Drill press (optional but helpful for removing waste)
Template (optional, but highly recommended for beginners)
If you’re learning your first box, a template will speed up your progress dramatically — it helps keep proportions balanced and reduces the chance of mistakes.
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Bandsaw Box
Step 1 – Prepare Your Blank and Glue Up the Block
Start with a solid block of wood big enough for your design, or glue up a blank from thinner boards. Try to keep the grain running in the same direction and clamp everything flat while the glue dries.
Tip I wish I knew earlier:
4 pieces of wood at 13/16” thick equals a box thickness of 3.25” which is a perfect thickness. Only glue up the first 3 to start.
Step 2 – Attach Your Bandsaw Box Template
Once the blank is dry and squared up, attach your template to the front face of the block. You can use spray adhesive, blue tape with glue, or double sided tape.
Smooth, flowing shapes work best for a first bandsaw box, and a template makes it much easier to nail the proportions on your first try.
Step 3 – Cut Out the Drawer
Now cut the drawer shape out of the block, following the template lines. This separates the “drawer plug” from the rest of the box.
Go slow and follow the lines.
Beginner tip:
Use a good quality 3/16” 4 tpi blade.
Step 4 – Glue on the Back
With the drawer removed, glue on the back piece that will close up the cut and complete the box body. Clamp it carefully so everything stays aligned and let it dry fully before you move on.
This step gives you a solid, clean back and keeps the box body strong while you work on the drawer itself.
Step 5 – Form the Drawer (Front and Back Off, Hollow, Glue It Back Together)
Next, take the drawer blank and:
Slice off the front and back faces of the drawer.
Hollow out the middle section to create the drawer cavity.
Glue the front and back pieces back on to re-build the drawer.
You can remove the waste with the bandsaw and then refine it with a spindle sander or hand sanding.
Tip I wish I knew earlier:
Label the faces and keep them oriented the same way throughout the process. It’s very easy to flip something and end up with an upside down drawer.
Step 6 – Cut the Exterior Shape of the Box
Now that the drawer is sorted, go back to the main block and cut the outer profile of the box.
Follow your template lines and focus on smooth, continuous curves. This is where the overall character of the box really shows up.
Step 7 – Shape and Sand the Box and Drawer
With the major cuts done, move into shaping and sanding:
Refine the curves on the outside of the box with a belt sander
Be sure to remove all blade marks
A belt sander, spindle sander, or sanding drums make this stage much faster, but you can do a lot by hand too.
Step 8 – Make and Attach the Pull
Now make a pull that matches the style of the box — this can be a simple wooden knob, a sculpted pull, or even an inlaid piece.
Attach it to the drawer front with epoxy. Take a moment to check that it’s centered.
Step 9 – Final Sanding and Finish
Do one last pass of sanding, working up through the grits until everything feels smooth.
Then apply your finish of choice — oil, wax, or your favorite wipe-on finish all work beautifully for bandsaw boxes. Let it cure, buff if needed, and your box is ready for use, gifting, or selling.
Common Beginner Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Cutting too quickly: causes blade drift and uneven curves.
Use the right blade: 3/16" 4 TPI is the best place to start.
Forgetting to label pieces: drawers can become confusing fast.
Leaving visible saw marks: take the time to sand — the final look depends on it.
⭐ Want a Complete, Guided Bandsaw Box Course?
If you want to follow along with a complete project from start to finish, I created a 90-minute bandsaw box video course that walks you step-by-step through the entire process — including cutting, glue-ups, shaping, sanding, and finishing.
The course includes:
A printable template
Beginner-friendly guidance
All the small details I use in my own builds
Tips for avoiding common problems
Techniques for shaping a beautiful final box
If you’re ready to make a beautiful box without guesswork, this is the best place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
How thick should my wood block be for a bandsaw box?
Most boxes work well at 3–4 inches thick, but you can adjust based on your design.
What blade should I use for tight curves?
A 3/16" blade provides the best control for curved cuts.
What is the easiest bandsaw box shape for beginners?
Rounded, organic shapes are easiest to cut and sand, especially if you’re new.
Closing Thoughts
Bandsaw boxes are a fantastic beginner project, and once you make one, it’s hard not to make more. The freedom of shaping, the creative drawer designs, and the satisfaction of holding a finished sculptural piece is something every woodworker should experience.
If you’d like a guided, beginner-friendly way to learn, check out the course linked above — it’s designed to help you succeed on your very first build.
Happy woodworking!
