best way to make a slot in a wood donation box?

Question

I'm trying to make a thin slot in the middle of one side of a wood donation box, my current thought is to drill a couple of holes, one on each side to allow a jigsaw blade to go through then use a jigsaw to make the opening. I find this method a bit crude, but I can't think of a better way using basic tools. Any thought on how they're usually made or how to make them?

Answer 1

If you have a table saw, you can position the box over the blade (With the blade lowered under the table top) then raise the blade to make the slot, then lower it again. To widen the slot, shift the box slightly to the side and repeat the operation.

You can also do the same type of effect using two drill holes and a hand saw. The holes stop the saw tip and the strokes are very low angled. With care, this would make a very straight hole about an eighth of an inch wide.

After cutting the hole, feed a sheet of sandpaper through the hole and slide it up and down pulling to the side a bit to clean off the burrs and round the edges.

An eighth of an inch slot will accept coins and bills with ease.

Answer 2

You have answered your own Q. That method is fine and can be sanded after. If you have access to a router you can achieve the same that way, but it hardly seems like it should be a major issue with regard to aesthetics.

Go with what you know, and have. Anyone wanting to donate is unlikely to critisize the essence of the box.

Salvation Army Christmas pails are Tacky, but they get filled.

Answer 3

BEST BLONDE JOKE EVER A blonde calls her boyfriend and says, "Please come over here and help me. I have a killer jigsaw puzzle, and I can't figure out how to get started." Her boyfriend asks, "What is it supposed to be when it's finished?" The blonde says, "According to the picture on the box, it's a rooster." Her boyfriend decides to go over and help with the puzzle. She lets him in and shows him where she has the puzzle spread all over the table. He studies the pieces for a moment, then looks at the box, then turns to her and says, "First of all, no matter what we do, we're not going to be able to assemble these pieces into anything resembling a rooster." He takes her hand and says, "Second, I want you to relax. Let's have a nice cup of tea, and then .." he said with a deep sigh, . .. . "Let's put all the Corn Flakes back in the box."

Answer 4

You could use a Dremel Moto-Tool. They usually come with a wide variety of bits that would do the job (if you don't have a router or can't afford one).

Answer 5

i would use a router and small straight edge for a straight slot...

Answer 6

A router would do it better & easier. It would also leave it with more of a "finished" look.

Answer 7

use a saw. duh.