Gluing The Box To The Base — How To Make A Dovetail Box

Check that the bottom edge of your box sits nicely and doesn’t rock on the base. Then apply a bead of glue along the bottom rim of the box and spread with a glue stick before placing on the base, taking care to align with the pencil lines. Hold down firmly for a few seconds to reduce the chances of slipping before clamping one end of the box in the vise.

Once you’ve rechecked the base did not slip, apply some clamps on the opposite end of the box. This will allow you to take it out of the vise and apply more clamps on the end. Leave to dry for a couple of hours ideally, but there’s no harm leaving the clamps on overnight.

Find your chosen orientation and check that the box sits correctly on the base

Apply a thin bead of glue to the bottom edges of your box

Align the box with the pencil marks and hold down for a few seconds

Be aware that the box and base may slip when applying pressure

Apply some clamps to the opposite end of the box

Apply more clamps but make sure you do not damage the top rims