This project was built and designed by David from dk builds. It’s a hand-dovetailed liquor bottle box made from scrap lumber, designed as a thoughtful gift with elegant joinery and custom details.
Using basic materials and classic techniques, David turns leftover construction wood into a refined box that fits a bottle of Bombay Sapphire gin. The build highlights the potential of offcuts and the timeless beauty of hand-cut joinery.
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Milling the Scrapwood for a Clean Start
The project begins with milling down rough construction lumber. Even though it’s reclaimed from a previous build, David carefully flattens and smooths each board to make it ready for precise joinery.
This step is essential when working with scrap wood, as it ensures consistency and squareness before cutting dovetails. A well-milled surface helps reduce errors and creates clean lines for layout and assembly.
Laying Out the Dovetail Joinery
David uses hand tools to mark and cut traditional dovetail joints—one of the most admired forms of woodworking joinery. These joints not only offer superior strength but also elevate the look of the finished box.
The process is slow and deliberate. Each pin and tail is hand-sawn, then chiseled for a tight, seamless fit. This level of craftsmanship is what makes the box more than just a container—it becomes a statement piece.
Shaping the Body and Sizing the Lid
Once the joints are cut and the sides are ready, the box is dry-fitted and adjusted for precision. David then sizes the bottom and top openings, planning for a sliding lid that adds both convenience and visual appeal.
The box is proportioned specifically to fit a standard bottle of gin, but the concept can be adjusted for different shapes or contents. Careful measurements ensure the lid operates smoothly without binding.
Using Cherry Veneer for a Refined Top
For the sliding lid, David opts for cherry veneer plywood. This adds a refined contrast to the construction lumber sides and gives the top surface a polished appearance.
The lid rides in grooves cut into the sides of the box, allowing it to slide open and closed with ease. Using cherry veneer makes the lid lighter in weight and enhances the overall design.
Custom Carved Cherry Handle
One of the highlights of the build is the hand-carved handle added to the top of the sliding lid. Made from solid cherry, it’s shaped to be ergonomic while adding a small but striking design detail.
This handle is not only functional but also reinforces the handmade nature of the piece. It’s attached using wood glue and clamped carefully to ensure strong adhesion and clean alignment.
Gluing Up with Titebond 3
When it comes time for final assembly, David uses Titebond 3 for its strength and water resistance. The dovetail joints are glued and clamped, locking everything in place without mechanical fasteners.
The sliding lid handle is also glued into position, completing the structure. Patience is important here, especially when working with thin layers of glue and soft veneer.
Finishing with Shellac
To bring out the grain and protect the wood, David applies multiple coats of shellac. Each layer is thinned and sanded between applications, creating a smooth, lustrous surface.
This type of finish gives the box a warm, classic look without obscuring the natural wood tones. It’s a fitting final touch for a box meant to serve as a personal and memorable gift.
A Personal Gift with Lasting Impact
This project shows how woodworking can be both artistic and functional. A liquor bottle box is a unique way to present a gift—far more thoughtful than a standard store-bought package.
David’s choice to make the box by hand, using dovetails and custom details, adds a sense of care that any recipient would appreciate. It’s a great reminder of how scrap wood and simple tools can produce something truly meaningful.
Ideas for Customization
Woodworkers can easily modify this design to suit different bottles or purposes. You might adjust the height and width, try a different hardwood for contrast, or add decorative touches like engraving or branding.
Even small changes—like using contrasting woods for the dovetails or lining the interior with felt—can make each box feel one-of-a-kind. This flexibility makes the project perfect for gifts, personal use, or even small-scale selling.
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