This manual containing 100 pages and 112 color photos covers the 58 steps for building the hexagon checkered boxes with the curved sides. 58 Steps sounds like a lot of steps, but each step is very easy. The hardest step is choosing and buying the wood you want to use. That's the only one we can't help you on!  You will need the Adobe Acrobat read to read the file. You may get it from Adobe free (ACROBAT READER).

To follow the easy steps and build one of these beautiful curved sides checkered boxes, you will need the following tools:

1. Table saw
2. Power Miter saw
3. 4X36-inch bench sander w/minimum belts of 36, 60, 120 grit
4. Router table with bit 1/2 or 3/4 inch bit or DADO Blade for table saw
5. 6-inch ruler
6. Bar Clamps (At least 4-6)
7. Band clamp (to clamp hexagon shape)
8. Wood glue
9. Push stick
10. Finishing material - (sanding sealer, varnish, 400 grit sand paper)
11. Orbital Sander - nice, but not actual requirement
12. 30-60-90 degree triangle (see picture on home page)

If you have or can borrow the above tools and you are relatively handy or want to be, you should be able to follow the steps in the instruction manual and build yourself one of these beautiful boxes. This hobby is relaxing and very rewarding.

This Web Site is the first attempt of sharing the joy of building the checkered boxes with others. I have already given checkered boxes to wife, sisters, aunts, cousins, in-laws and many friends. The greatest joy from box building, besides the relaxation and feeling of accomplishment, is when I give a box away. Sometimes I fill the box with candy, sometimes I leave a little note about the exotic wood used in the box. Sometimes I make the box into a music box by purchasing the music box parts. Some of the boxes are used for jewelry, sometimes for pencils, and sometimes, as my little sister, Barbie, says "Just to look at".

In any case this has really become one of my favorite hobbies.  It is rated right up there with bluegrass fiddle playing!