How to make a wooden pencil case with a sliding top

Making a wooden pencil case with a sliding top is a relatively simple woodworking project that combines functional design with craftsmanship. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own wooden pencil case with a sliding top:

Materials Needed:

• Wood (preferably a softwood like pine, or a hardwood like oak or walnut for a more refined look)
• Measuring tape or ruler
• Saw (table saw, miter saw, or hand saw)
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (fine grit)
• Wood finish (e.g., polyurethane, lacquer, or oil)
• Wood screws or nails (optional)
• Woodworking clamps
• Small hinges (optional, for the sliding mechanism)
• Pencil, marker, or chalk for marking
• Thin wooden slats (for sliding mechanism)

Step 1: Design and Measure

First, determine the dimensions of your pencil case. A standard pencil case size is typically 7 to 8 inches long, 3 inches wide, and 1 to 2 inches deep. You can customize the size according to your preference.

For instance:

• Length: 8 inches
• Width: 3 inches
• Height: 1.5 inches

Use a pencil and ruler to mark out these dimensions on the piece of wood, and make sure all sides are square.

Step 2: Cutting the Pieces

Once you have your measurements, it’s time to cut the pieces of wood:

• Base: 1 piece (8 inches by 3 inches)
• Sides: 2 pieces (8 inches by 1.5 inches)
• Front and Back Panels: 2 pieces (3 inches by 1.5 inches)
• Sliding Top: 1 piece (8 inches by 3 inches)

Ensure your cuts are accurate and smooth, using a saw that gives you a straight edge.

Step 3: Sanding

Sand all the cut edges and surfaces with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots. This will ensure the wooden pencil case has a professional and polished look.

Step 4: Assemble the Box

Now it’s time to assemble the case:

1. Apply wood glue to the edges of the side panels and attach them to the base piece.
2. Use clamps to hold the pieces together and allow the glue to dry for at least an hour.
3. After the glue has dried, attach the front and back panels in the same way. Ensure that all corners are square, and use clamps if needed to hold everything in place.

You can reinforce the joints with small wood screws or nails if desired, but this is optional. Make sure the screws are small enough so they don’t penetrate the other side.

Step 5: Preparing the Sliding Mechanism

For the sliding top, you’ll need to create a groove to allow it to slide easily:

1. Create the Groove in the Case: Using a router or a hand saw, cut a groove around the inside edges of the case where the top will slide. This groove should be about 1/4 inch deep and wide enough to fit the thin slats you will use for the sliding top.
2. Create the Sliding Lid: Take the 8-inch by 3-inch piece for the top and measure 1/4 inch from the edges to create a corresponding lip or slat that will fit into the groove. You can use additional pieces of wood or simply sand down the edges of the top to fit snugly within the groove.

Step 6: Attach the Sliding Top

Once the groove and slats are cut:

1. Fit the Sliding Lid: Place the sliding lid onto the top of the pencil case, ensuring that it slides smoothly within the groove. You may need to trim the edges slightly if there’s resistance.
2. Optional Hinges: If you want the top to be attached but still able to slide open, you can use small hinges to attach one end of the sliding lid to the pencil case. This allows you to slide the top open and closed while keeping it attached at one end.

Step 7: Finishing the Pencil Case

After everything is assembled and the sliding top works as expected, you can finish the pencil case to enhance the wood’s natural beauty:

1. Sand any rough spots one final time.
2. Apply your desired wood finish. A clear polyurethane or oil finish will bring out the wood grain and provide durability.

Allow the finish to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 8: Test and Use

Once the pencil case is fully assembled and the finish is dry, test the sliding top to ensure it moves smoothly. Add any final touches, such as felt or foam lining the inside for extra protection of your pencils.

Final Tips:

• If you want a more decorative look, you can personalize your pencil case with carvings or stenciling.
• You can also add a clasp or lock to the front if you prefer a more secure closure.

This wooden pencil case is a beautiful, durable, and functional project that combines creativity with practical use, perfect for anyone who enjoys working with wood.

For more woodworking projects like this one, consider checking out Ted’s Woodworking Course here.