Building a wooden fishing tackle box with custom compartments is a rewarding project that allows you to create a personalized storage solution for your fishing gear. By following the steps below, you’ll be able to craft a durable and practical tackle box that meets your needs. Here’s how you can do it:
Materials You’ll Need:
- ¾-inch plywood (for the base and walls)
- Thin wood (for the dividers and lid)
- Wood glue
- Screws (1 ½-inch)
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Hinges (for the lid)
- Handle (optional, for easy carrying)
- Wood stain or paint (optional, for finishing)
- Measuring tape and pencil
- Saw (circular or table saw)
- Drill and drill bits
- Clamps (to hold pieces while drying)
- Safety equipment (gloves, goggles)
Step 1: Measure and Design the Box
Begin by determining the size of your tackle box. Consider the types of items you plan to store—hooks, lures, weights, line, and tools—and make sure the box has enough room for each. A good starting size might be around 12 inches wide, 8 inches deep, and 6 inches high.
Once you have your dimensions, sketch a design of the tackle box. Include the base, side walls, front and back panels, lid, and internal compartments. You can design your compartments to suit your specific fishing needs, like small ones for hooks and larger ones for reels or pliers.
Step 2: Cut the Pieces
Using your saw, cut the following pieces:
- Base: 1 piece (12 x 8 inches)
- Side panels: 2 pieces (12 x 6 inches)
- Front panel: 1 piece (8 x 6 inches)
- Back panel: 1 piece (8 x 6 inches)
- Lid: 1 piece (12 x 8 inches)
If you want a handle, you can cut a hole in the middle of the lid or add a handle at a later stage. Also, if you want dividers, cut several pieces that fit inside your box according to your compartment plan.
Step 3: Assemble the Box
Start by attaching the side panels to the base using wood glue. Apply glue along the edges of the base, then press the side panels into place. Use clamps to hold the pieces together while the glue dries. Once dry, drill pilot holes and secure the sides with screws for added strength.
Next, attach the front and back panels. Ensure everything is square before securing them. After that, add the lid hinges. The lid should sit flush with the top of the box, and the hinges should be positioned along the back edge.
Step 4: Create Custom Compartments
The key feature of your tackle box is its custom compartments. To create dividers, take the thin wood and cut it into strips that fit inside the box. These strips should run along the width or depth of the box, depending on the compartments’ arrangement.
Mark where you want the dividers to go inside the box and glue them in place. Once the glue has dried, secure them with screws for extra durability. You can also add dividers to the lid or create layers inside the box if you need more space.
Step 5: Sand and Finish
Once the box is assembled and the dividers are in place, use sandpaper to smooth all rough edges and surfaces. Start with medium-grit sandpaper and finish with fine-grit paper for a smooth, professional finish.
If desired, apply wood stain or paint to give the box a polished look. You can choose a natural wood finish or paint it in your favorite color. Allow the finish to dry completely before handling.
Step 6: Add the Lid and Handle
Now that the box is assembled and finished, attach the lid. Position the hinges along the back edge and screw them in place. Make sure the lid opens and closes smoothly.
If you want a handle for easy carrying, screw a small, durable handle into the front of the box. Alternatively, you can cut a hole in the lid for a hand grip.
Step 7: Organize Your Tackle
With your custom tackle box complete, it’s time to organize your fishing gear. Place lures, hooks, weights, and other essentials into the individual compartments, ensuring everything has its place. This setup makes it easy to find what you need quickly while out fishing.
Final Thoughts
Building your own fishing tackle box with custom compartments is a fun and practical woodworking project. It not only lets you store your fishing gear in an organized way but also allows you to create a personalized storage solution that fits your exact needs. With a little time and effort, you’ll have a sturdy, functional box that will last for many fishing trips to come.
For more detailed instructions and plans, you can check out Ted’s Woodworking Course, which provides step-by-step guides and hundreds of woodworking projects.