Ringing Forums

The Central Council website has a PDF from June 15, 2021 with detailed plans for box construction. See: https://cccbr.org.uk/sm_ringing_boxes_2020_ver_1_1/.

Additionally, here is information that Jim Fletcher (now in Raleigh, previously in Shreveport) provided in 2015 about how he constructed stacking boxes (very nice ones, as I recall) for St. Mark's Cathedral in Shreveport.

I built boxes of heights 2”, 4”, 6”, and 8” with 2 each of the middle heights. I did it the easy way by using lumber of standard cuts. I used 8’ lengths of 2x4, 2x6, and 2x8. That way I was able to cut each 8’ length into four equal pieces of 2’. Then I screwed the four pieces into squares and topped with squares of 2’x2’ plywood screwing those down on each square of lumber. The last step was the most complicated. I used ridged paneling nails to attach piece of moulding around the top edges so they lapped over the top edges by about 1/16”. The corners were cut at 45 degree angels to make them flush. The raised edge allows the boxes to be stacked nesting the box on top. The moulding I used was a fancy variety which tapered toward the top. I wouldn’t use that again because the thin part is too delicate and can split off. I suggest a piece of screen trim, thin stop moulding or lattice instead. This strip, in addition aid in nesting the boxes, is a cosmetic cover up of the plywood layered edges.

The 2” height box was made by laying one set of 2x4 flat on its 4” side rather that its 2” side (which would make it 4” high).

1. Cut the lumber into 2’ lengths
2. Lay the lumber out in a spiral with only one end butting its neighbor ensures a perfect square. See the attached PDF.
3. Lay the plywood square on top
4. Even up the sides and screw the plywood on
5. Screw the lumber lengths together
6. Cut the moulding
7. Nail moulding to box with 1/15” lip protruding upward.
8. Sand if appropriate
9. Paint/stain boxes (this helps hold moulding in place).

While I used 2x lumber you can use any thickness you like. 1x would make the boxes lighter but more prone to splitting where screwed together.

/Quilla Roth (Washington, DC)