Making boxes

[DiyNutJob]

I was in the middle of throwing out boards of a decommissioned laminate floor, and suddenly realised what amazing precision materials they are. So I want to make boxes out of them. I have lots of junk of all sorts and always need boxes. So, I want to turn the boards into boxes.

Can I have some suggestions on how to make boxes from them? I have no woodworking skills. I need something very simple to do and strong in construction. I am thinking of using metal angle brackets, wood beam piece to screw into in the internal corners, or somehow glue them together. Any woodies have a better idea?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Or make it like a wooden planter, with some say 2x1 internal frames.

 

[DiyNutJob]

Interesting idea. I could make bigger boxes with that.

For smaller boxes, these brackets along with alum rivets could be possible, and cheap:

Angle Braces Self-Colour 19mm x 19mm x 1.2mm 50 Pack - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Ideal for kitchen fitting. Steel construction. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Sure rivets would work OK.

 

[foxhole]

Laminate has very little structural strength , also too thin to takes screws, warps easily and absorbs moisture like a sponge, waste of time IMO .

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Nobody mentioned screwing into the laminate, cardboard is pretty weak but can make sturdy boxes and lasts well if used appropriately.

 

[DiyNutJob]

I was manually trying to break them in half and was surprised by their strength. Hence, I realised what a waste it was to throw them away. The 20 year old boards absorbed no moisture. The boxes will live in the garage and will be fine. I have plenty of MDF in the garage already. They did not absorb moisture. My MDF jack stands are still as strong as when they were built 15 years ago. I use a solid stack as a stand.

 

[foxhole]

Nobody mentioned screwing into the laminate, cardboard is pretty weak but can make sturdy boxes and lasts well if used appropriately.

So your suggestion of 2x1 would be glued?

 

[DiyNutJob]

So your suggestion of 2x1 would be glued?

If screw is to be used, it would screw into MDF/HDF, then screw into wood frame. Theoretically, you could drill hole in MDF, apply glue to enforce hole, then use screw.

I am going to get the brackets now. I may have a prototype box ready tonight if my rivets are compatible.

 

[big-all]

the actual construction method will fully depend on size and load and plank thickness
if its all 8 ish inches or 1 plank size with no flat joints its much simpler
if its quite light stuff then a simple box would be ends and dividers made from identical sized 12mm ply/mdf then simply screw the planks to the ends and a decent size off bead off no nails or silicon along every intersection now iff the box is greater than around 10" long then go for a divider half way
now with this idea you can cut many many identical components and they will fit

obviously iff its heavier loading or to bumped about a lot then batons are ideal i would use 22x22mm but i have loads off it

 

[DiyNutJob]

I am in luck, the fixing is compatible. Although I will have to buy bulk. The minimum is 12 sets for each box of 450mm x 215mm. The long side is chosen to match my garage shelving. The short side is just the width of a plank. For small boxes, the 8mm planks are rigid stiff. For reinforcement, a bead of hybrid polymer in the internal corners of the box will work, but I don't see needed.

 

[conny]

If you are riveting the brackets it would be prudent to fit a close diameter repair type washer each side to spread the pressure against the board surface.
It will also stop the rivet head pulling into the board at the open end.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

So your suggestion of 2x1 would be glued?

No silly you drill through the laminate boards and screw into the 2x1. Think you're all over thinking it, the purpose was to make use of some old laminate and make some cheap and cheerful storage containers not build something weatherproof or strong enough for lead weights.

 

[foxhole]

No silly you drill through the laminate boards and screw into the 2x1. Think you're all over thinking it, the purpose was to make use of some old laminate and make some cheap and cheerful storage containers not build something weatherproof or strong enough for lead weights.

Like I said won’t hold a screw , will rip out .

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Why would a screw rip out of a bit of 2x1 s/w timber?