Infinity box - customizable

Choose a flat material 3mm thick. This project was created with 3mm walnut plywood, with alternate versions in 3mm basswood plywood. 

The main lid and box canvases are optimized for two 12"x12" sheets but you can rearrange as needed.

This file contains 3 canvases (pages). The lid parts are on the first canvas, and the side and bottom parts are on the second canvas.

To choose a canvas, click the canvas tab on the toolbar (labeled “Lid” here) and then click the canvas you want to cut.

Adjust the settings appropriate to your machine and material for engraving and cutting. Black objects are engrave, and orange and red lines are cut. The file is set up to cut in layers, so it will cut orange first and then red.

The first canvas in the file contains the lid pieces, and the second canvas in the file contains the box pieces. (To switch canvases, click on the “Lid” canvas tab near the upper left of the screen. Remember to apply your settings to both canvases--settings changes only apply to one canvas at a time in XCS.)

Process those two canvases for the complete box as shown in the cover photo, or see step 6 for ways to customize.

1. Gather the box pieces (base, two sidewalls, and top rim).
2. Dab glue along the base and in the holes for one half of the box.
3. Take a flexible sidewall, and, with hearts right side up, guide the sidewall around the box and insert the tabs into the holes. The sidewall should have just enough flex to make the curve; just be careful to not bend it more than is required for the curve or it may snap.
4. Repeat steps 2-3 for the other half.
5. Dab glue along the top rim and notches for the whole rim piece.
6. Guide the top tabs into the rim. This can get a little fiddly if the sidewall wants to twist. Just gently work the piece until all tabs are in the notches.
7. Use clamps to make sure the top tabs stay snugly in their notches until the glue dries. Sewing clips work marvelously for this purpose.

1. Gather the lid pieces (2 main filigree pieces, 2 medium outlines, and 4 thin outlines)
2. Dab glue onto one of the medium outlines and glue it to the top of one of the main filigree pieces.
3. Align the pieces so that the edges match up inside and at the inner edge. Push it against something flat at the inner edge to make sure they are flush with each other--this is where the two halves of the lid will meet when placed on the box.
4. Dab glue on one of the thin outlines and place on top of the medium outline. Align that piece so that it is centered on the medium outline and is also flush at the inner edge in the same way as the medium piece was.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 for the other half. 
6. Turn the pieces over and glue the remaining thin outlines on the underside of each lid piece. Make sure they too are centered and flush. This is the guide to keep the lid on the box when closed.
7. While the underside glue is still wet, place the lid on the box and run your fingers around the outside of the lid and box where they meet. If it's not aligned, push the lid gently to slide the thin guide piece underneath into position.
8. Remove the lids and place under something flat and heavy to dry.

If you're using a nice wood like walnut, a little polish won't go amiss. It can really bring out the grain and engraving of the wood. Apply and buff the polish per manufacturer instructions.

You're done! Put some candy or other items in the box and give it to your sweetie. Happy Valentine's Day! ❤️

If “Love You Infinity” is not your style, the third canvas contains both a blank banner and a bannerless lid, plus some ideas for engraving. Replace the pieces on the lid canvas with the design you want and customize as you see fit.

All lids have a cut line in the middle--if you would rather have one large infinity lid, remove the line (and double check to make sure you've removed it from all lid pieces!)

Also on the third canvas is a plain sidewall, if you prefer not to have those adorable hearts stinking up the place. Just make sure you cut two, one for each side of the box.

The possibilities are… infinite! ♾️