Creating The Roundovers On The Base And Lid — How To Make A Dovetail Box

Begin by centring your box on the base and marking the position with a pencil. On the inside, just mark the four corners to guide you when you come to glue up. On the outside, lightly trace around the whole of the perimeter so that you have a reference when rounding over the edges. You must avoid going beyond this line as that would result in a gap showing between the box and the base.

Mark around the box perimeter lightly with a pencil

Mark the internal corners for a reference when gluing up

You can now create a roundover on all four edges of the base, making sure to start with the ends since it’s possible you will get a few wood fibres splitting on the outcut. Doing this first allows you to make any corrections later when rounding over the long edges. Also remember to skew your plane whenever rounding over end-grain. When you’re happy with your roundover, give it a light sand to blend any irregularities and give it a good feel.

Repeat for the lid, remembering not to round over the back edge which must be square to fit the hinges to.

If this is your first time making roundovers, click here for a more comprehensive guide.

Make sure your boundary lines are clearly visible before you begin

Create an even bevel with your plane skewed for a clean cut

Work your way around the initial chamfer with a fine set

Finish off with a light sand to smoothen any remaining flats

There is no need to skew your plane on the long edges

Refine the roundover with a fine set on your plane