If you’re passionate about DIY woodworking and want to explore ways to turn reclaimed materials into beautiful, functional art, you’re in the right place. In this project, I transformed a piece of discarded thick plywood into a custom wooden box featuring laser-engraved Simpsons characters. With a bit of creativity, some basic tools, and a little patience, you can create your own custom boxes that not only look great but could also become a source of income.
Step 1: Finding and Prepping the Wood
Like many great DIY woodworking projects, this one started with salvaging a piece of thick plywood from the garbage. Instead of letting it go to waste, I saw the potential in its solid structure. The first step was to give the wood a new life by thoroughly sanding it down. I used an orbital sander to smooth out the surface, removing dirt, splinters, and any old finish, revealing the fresh, clean grain underneath.
Step 2: Cutting the Wood to Size
Once the wood was sanded, I measured and cut it into panels for the box: four sides, a bottom, and a lid. Precision is key here, especially if you’re planning to add hinges later. I recommend using a miter saw or circular saw for clean, straight cuts.
Step 3: Engraving with the DAJA DJ6 Mini Portable Laser Engraver
Now comes the fun part—customization. I used the DAJA DJ6 Mini Portable Laser Engraver to engrave Simpson’s characters onto the panels. This little machine is surprisingly powerful for its size and is ideal for small-scale DIY woodworking and craft projects.
About the DAJA DJ6 Laser Engraver:
- Portability: Fits easily on a desk or workbench.
- Connectivity: Connects via USB or Bluetooth, and works with computers or smartphones.
- Material Compatibility: Works well with wood, leather, plastic, paper, and even food!
- Engraving Quality: With a laser precision of 0.05mm, the engravings are sharp and detailed.
The DJ6 laser engraver is perfect for turning basic wood items into personalized products—think engraved coasters, signs, ornaments, jewelry boxes, and more. If you’re interested in turning your hobby into a side hustle, this tool opens the door to custom gift-making, Etsy shop products, and even local craft fair sales.
Step 4: Assembly
To assemble the box, I used carpenter’s glue for strong bonding and reinforced it with a brad nailer for extra durability. This combination makes the box sturdy and long-lasting. For the lid, I attached small hinges that I purchased from BestPriceFinkler.com, making the top easy to open and close. They’re affordable, easy to install, and a perfect fit for small boxes like this.
Step 5: Finishing with Boiled Linseed Oil
To finish the project, I applied boiled linseed oil across the entire surface of the box. This step is essential in DIY woodworking not only for aesthetics but also for protecting the wood.
What is Boiled Linseed Oil?
Boiled linseed oil is made from flaxseed and is treated to dry faster than raw linseed oil. It penetrates deep into the wood fibers, enhancing the grain while adding a warm, rich tone. It also offers some protection against moisture and wear.
How to Apply:
- Use a clean cloth or brush to apply a thin coat of oil.
- Let it soak in for 15–30 minutes.
- Wipe off any excess to avoid sticky residue.
- Let it dry for 24–48 hours.
- For deeper protection and gloss, repeat the process 2–3 times.
Other Uses for Boiled Linseed Oil:
- Reviving old furniture
- Conditioning tool handles
- Sealing wood carvings and sculptures
- Protecting outdoor wooden surfaces (if top-coated with something waterproof)
Other Laser Engraving Money-Making Ideas
If you enjoyed this project, here are more ideas using the DAJA DJ6 laser engraver to turn your hobby into a business:
- Custom pet tags
- Laser-engraved phone stands
- Personalized leather keychains
- Engraved cutting boards or recipe plaques
- Customized wooden signs for weddings or home décor
With the rise of personalized gifts and handmade goods, there’s plenty of demand if you want to sell on Etsy, local markets, or your own website.
More DIY Woodworking Ideas
Looking to expand your skills? Here are a few beginner-to-intermediate DIY woodworking projects you can tackle next:
- Engraved coasters (small, simple, and great sellers)
- Wall-mounted key racks with hooks and laser engravings
- Custom sawhorses for your own workshop or to sell
- Jewelry boxes with felt lining and secret compartments
- Walking sticks with carved or burned patterns
Many of these can be made from reclaimed wood, which keeps your costs low and your environmental impact small.
Final Thoughts
This wooden box project is a great example of how you can blend traditional woodworking with modern tools like laser engravers. Not only is DIY woodworking incredibly satisfying, but it also opens up income opportunities through creative product-making and custom engraving.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your craft, the combination of reclaimed materials, thoughtful design, and finishing techniques like boiled linseed oil will help your projects stand out.
Want more tutorials and project breakdowns? Follow along here on the blog, and don’t forget to check out the hinges and accessories at BestPriceFinkler.com!