How to Make an Arched-Top Box

Building an arch-top box is just as easy as a square box.

Building yourself an arched-top box, just like an iconic pirate treasure chest, is not as difficult as you might think. Building an arched-top box does not necessitate difficult wood bending techniques, rather just a little planning ahead of time. With some commonly found tools and wood stripping, you can build yourself your very own arched-top box which you can use for storing gold, jewels, clothes, or pirate treasure!

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Plywood sheet (1/2 inch thick)
• Circular saw
• Screws and screwdriver
• Compass and pencil
• Jigsaw
• 2 hinges

Instructions

1. Build the bottom of your box. Cut your plywood sheet into the panels you will need for the box. Use a circular saw to cut two side panels measuring 12-by-12 1/2 inches, then three other panels measuring 12-by-24 inches for the front, back and bottom of the box.

2. Screw wood screws spaced one-quarter inch from the edges of the bottom panel into the ends of the front and back panels every 2 inches. Add the two side panels to hold the box together by screwing wood screws spaced one-quarter inch from the edges of the side panels into the ends of the front, back and bottom panels, spaced every 2 inches. You should now have a five-sided box.

3. Use a compass, pencil and measuring tape to mark two half circles with radii of 6 inches (diameter of 12 inches) onto the remaining sheet of plywood. Cut these two half circles out of the plywood using a jigsaw, cutting along the drawn line. These will form the two curved sides that will be used to create the curved top.

4. Cut 9 strips from your sheet of plywood each measuring 2-by-24 inches. Use the circular saw to ensure the strips are cut straight.

5. Screw two screws through either end of each 2-by-24 inch strips spaced one-quarter inch from the ends into the edge of the curved half circles cut in Step 3. Star at one end of each half circle, adding more slats until the entire circumference of the half circle is covered. You should now have a curved arched top for your box.

6. Place the curved arched top on top of the box finished in Step 2, and mark the location of the two hinges you will install to allow the top to be opened and closed. Screw two to four screws through the selected hinges into the edge of the back panel of the box, then two to four screws through the upper hinge edge into the edge of the last slat of the arched box top. You will now be able to open and close the arched top of the box.

Tips & Warnings

• Paint or stain the box as you like once built.

• Always wear appropriate eye protection when working with power tools.

References

• Woodworking Bench Plans: Arched Top Keepsake Box