Bandsaw boxes are one of those projects that look way harder than they actually are. You’re carving a box out of a solid chunk of wood using almost exclusively bandsaw cuts. No joinery, no complicated glue-ups—just clever cutting and some sanding.
How They Work
Start with a thick block of wood. Cut off the back, cut out the drawer, cut out the inside of the drawer, then glue the back on. That’s the basic idea. The drawer slides in and out of the cavity you created, and the whole thing came from one piece of wood so the grain matches perfectly.
The magic is in the sequence. You make cuts, remove pieces, then glue parts back together to create compartments. It sounds confusing until you do it once—then it clicks.
Wood Selection
You want something with interesting grain that’s not too hard on your bandsaw blade. Walnut is a classic choice—cuts cleanly and looks great with just an oil finish. Cedar works too and smells amazing. Cherry darkens over time, which some people love.
Avoid really hard woods like hickory or white oak for your first few boxes. They’re tough on blades and don’t forgive mistakes as easily. Soft woods like pine work but tend to look cheap unless you’re going for a rustic vibe.
Thickness matters. You need at least 3-4 inches to make a useful box. Check lumber yards for turning blanks or cut your own from thicker stock.
Bandsaw Setup
Use a narrow blade—1/4 inch or 3/8 inch. You’ll be making curved cuts and tight turns. A wide blade won’t track through the curves without burning or binding.
Blade tension should be firm. A loose blade wanders and gives you wavy cuts that show up as gaps when you glue the back on. Take time to set your guides properly too.
The Basic Build Process
Draw your design on the wood first. Mark where the drawer will be, where the cavity goes, and where you’ll make your cuts.
Cut off the back—about 1/4 inch thick. This piece gets glued back on at the end. Set it aside and don’t lose it.
Cut out the drawer shape from the front. Follow your line and cut all the way through the block.
Now cut the inside out of the drawer blank. This creates the drawer cavity. Leave walls thick enough that they won’t break—at least 1/4 inch.
Glue the back onto the main body. Once that’s dry, glue a bottom onto the drawer. Sand everything, ease the edges, and apply finish.
Design Ideas
Start simple—a rectangular box with one drawer. Once you’ve got the process down, try curved fronts, multiple drawers stacked vertically, or organic shapes that follow the wood grain.
Some people go wild with these: animal shapes, abstract sculptures with hidden compartments, boxes that stack into larger pieces. The bandsaw is surprisingly flexible once you stop thinking in straight lines.
Common Mistakes
Cutting the back too thin. It warps and cracks. Keep it at least 1/4 inch.
Drawer fits too tight. Sand the sides until it slides freely. Wood moves with humidity—leave room for expansion.
Rushing the glue-up. Clamp it properly and wait overnight. Gaps at the seam will haunt you forever.
