The wooden valet box and valet tray are storage accessories that are made specifically for a gentleman. They come in various forms, so making them yourself ensures that you get exactly what you have in mind.
You will need the following: wooden boards, a measuring tape, cutting tools such as a compound miter saw (for cutting the pieces of the box) and a router (for making finer cuts), wood glue, and clamps.
Cut out the bottom piece of the box from your wooden board. Make straight cuts for this until you get a rectangular piece.
Prepare the side pieces. Using a router, cut a quarter inch rabbet (step-shaped groove) along one edge of the wooden board where you will get the side pieces from. The rabbet allows the bottom and side pieces to stick together and form a box.
If the board is not ¼ inch thick, cut the rabbet according to the board’s thickness. The cut must be square – that is, it has the same measurement horizontally and vertically.
Cut a rabbet along one edge of the wooden piece that will become the top of the box. To make a lid, you will have to make side parts of this top as well. We will go back to it later.
Angle the miter saw or other cutting tool in a 45 degree angle. Cut through the wood at this angle to make the 4 sides of the box. The angle allows the sides to fit together without showing the end grain.
Apply wood glue to the angled edges and clamp them together. When the glue has dried, attach the bottom piece. Spread the glue on the vertical and horizontal parts of the rabbet to ensure a strong bond.
The 4 pieces of wood that will become the sides of the lid should have a rabbet that fits with the top part’s rabbet. They should also have angled sides.
To make the lid, assemble the top part and the 4 sides of the lid together using wood glue and clamps. Let it dry.
You can make partitions within the box to organize your items. Cut wooden pieces and glue them to the wall of the box. Make sure you use enough glue to make it stick, but not too much that it will show up.
Use sand paper to make the wood smooth and to round out the corners of the box. Wipe saw dust off with a damp cloth or paper towel. If you want, you can stain the wood and spray it with lacquer to make it more attractive.
Finally, screw on hinges to the box. These will attach one side of the lid to one side of the box. You can skip this part if you want an unattached lid.
A valet tray is similar to a valet box but you do not have to make a lid. Follow the same instructions as above but use smaller side pieces that will serve as the border of your tray.
As you can see, the valet box and valet tray have simple designs, but you need to be patient in measuring pieces so they pit perfectly. Take your time and enjoy the process so you will get a result you’ll be happy with.
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