Sliding-Lock Keepsake Boxes Class
With David Shih
You do not need to take any of our Woodworking Fundamentals classes including Woodworking I, II, or III in order to take this class. No experience is required.
Modeled after traditional Japanese toolboxes, this hands-on workshop teaches you how to build a beautiful hardwood keepsake box featuring a clever sliding-lock mechanism. Working with contrasting hardwoods, you will learn how interlocking wooden components fit together to create a secure, puzzle-like closure without any metal hardware or fasteners. Under the instructor’s guidance, you will practice precision table saw joinery, hand sawing, and fine-tuning moving parts so your box opens and closes smoothly. Join this supportive beginner-friendly workshop, expand your handy DIY skillset, and connect with a community of fellow makers!
What You'll Make:
A handcrafted hardwood keepsake box featuring contrasting woods and a Japanese-inspired sliding-lock lid, ideal for pencils, small tools, desk treasures, or gifts.
Skills & Concepts You'll Learn:
Essential woodshop and tool safety
Wood selection, grain orientation, and accounting for seasonal wood movement
Accurately measuring, marking, and cutting hardwood components for a snug fit
Box construction techniques, including cutting internal grooves and fitting a flush sliding lid
Constructing an all-wood interlocking sliding-lock mechanism without hardware
Precision fitting and tuning moving wooden joints for smooth, seamless action
Box assembly, square glue-ups, and clamping strategies
Surface preparation, sanding progression, and applying a protective finish
Equipment & Tools You'll Learn:
Table saw, Japanese pull saws (nokogiri), clamps, sanding blocks, and finishing supplies
Class Outline:
Introduction & Box Anatomy: Overview of Japanese toolbox design, mechanical principles, wood selection, and shop safety.
Measuring & Cutting Joinery: Precise measuring, marking, and cutting box sides, bottom grooves, and lid components using the table saw and hand saws.
Box Glue-Up & Assembly: Fitting the sides and bottom, checking for square, and applying clamping pressure.
Lock Mechanism & Precision Fitting: Shaping and fine-tuning the sliding components through careful trimming, test-fitting, and sanding.
Sanding & Edge Easing: Cleaning up glue lines, progressing through sandpaper grits, and softening outer edges.
Finishing & Wrap-Up: Applying a protective coat, running final tests on the sliding action, tool care review, and Q&A.
Other Class Details:
Prerequisites: None. No experience required.
Class Capacity: 8 maximum, 3 minimum
Materials Provided?: Yes
Age Limit: 18+
Partner Ticket Available?: Yes
Clothing/Equipment Requirements?: Comfortable, well-fitted clothing, closed-toed shoes, hair tied back, and no loose jewelry or dangling sleeves. Eye and ear protection will be provided.
About the Teacher
David Shih is a woodworking artisan who enjoys crafting pieces ranging from custom fine furniture to intricate inlays. He approaches each project with a deep appreciation for the natural beauty and intrinsic qualities of wood. He loves sharing his woodworking passion and currently teaches at several locations including Denver Tool Library, the Fine Woodworking Program at Red Rocks Community College, Clear Creek Makerspace, and volunteers his time for the woodshop students at Lakewood High School. You can follow his work at MoonRabbitWoodworker.com and on Instragram @MoonRabbit.Woodworker
What People Say about David's Classes…
“David was an incredible instructor. This was my first time in close proximity to woodworking tools, and he made me feel completely at ease and confident.”
“David is such a great instructor. He explains everything so well, is super knowledgeable, and makes new tools feel very easy and approachable.”
Book Your Class!
Can't find a date that works for you?
Sign up for our Waitlist.
Having trouble affording our classes?
Apply for Financial Assistance.