This fantastic bread box was designed by Mean’s Woodshop, and it’s perfect for keeping your bread fresh while adding a touch of charm to your kitchen. This guide will walk you through the process of creating your own poplar bread box.
Materials and Tools Needed
- Poplar wood boards (3/4 inch and 1/2 inch thick)
- Wood glue
- Jigsaw
- Drill
- Sandpaper (various grits)
- Wipe-on polyurethane finish
- Rubber feet (optional)
- Clamps
- CA glue (for temporary holding)
- Measuring tape
- Square
- Chisel
Step 1: Prepare the Bottom Panel
Start by gluing your bottom panel together along with the panel that will serve as the door. Set these aside to dry while you work on the other components.
Step 2: Cut Panels to Size
For the bread box, you want it to be 17 inches wide. Mark your boards at 18 inches to account for trimming. Use your jigsaw to cut the panels to size.
Step 3: Sand the Panels
Once the glue is dry, square up the edges of the panels and sand them down to smooth any rough spots.
Step 4: Create the Box Sides
Select two panels to serve as the sides of the bread box. You want these to be 11 inches tall. Don’t worry too much about uniformity in size; focus on the overall look.
Step 5: Cut Half Laps for the Top
Next, take the top of your box and cut half laps to fit the sides and back of the box. Ensure you use your fence safely to avoid any kickback.
Step 6: Assemble the Box
With all pieces cut, begin assembling the bread box. Make sure everything fits well before applying glue.
Step 7: Finish the Box
After the glue has dried, sand the entire box with finer grits up to 320. Apply a wipe-on poly finish to enhance the natural hue of the poplar.
Step 8: Add Rubber Feet
For a polished look and to protect your surfaces, consider adding rubber feet to the bottom of the bread box.
Final Thoughts
The completed bread box not only looks great but also serves a practical purpose in your kitchen. Keep in mind that poplar will change color over time, transitioning from a vibrant green to a more sandy brown. Each project is a learning experience, and this one proved to be more complex than initially anticipated, but the end result is worth the effort!
