A questioner said:
Four wooden boxes with grooves cut into the long sides of interior – what are these?
More from the owner:
Found in Basement of Newly Purchased Home. I found four of these wooden boxes in the basement of the home I purchased and am unsure of their intended purpose. The interior has grooves cut into the long sides. I’ve already tried Google Lens, a general Google search and have asked my neighbors…unfortunately I’ve not been able to find an answer. Any help identifying what these are and their intended purpose is much appreciated.
I thought they may be old toolboxes but that wouldn’t make sense as there isn’t a handle that would allow for easy transport…
There isn’t any writing on any of the wood. Only one end of each thing has what looks to be a handle.
Some of the people opinions on it:
1. I honestly thought they were old drawers for a card catalog from an old library. update Ok, I was wrong. Not drawers for card catalog. Let’s all move on now.
2. The grooves might allow you to slip a divider in to separate the areas for storage of different tools
3. My mother in law uses virtually identical boxes to make soap. The liquid soap is poured in, allowed to cure then sliced in the box with a specific knife. The lines cut into the sides of the box allow a uniform thickness of the bars of soap.
4. It’s a storage system for old glass plate photography.
5. Does an old CD/DVD case fit into the slots? That was my knee-jerk identification of these.
6. Drawer to store magic lantern glass slides
7. What’s the dimensions of it? My first thought was some type of organizer for records. Say you want them alphabetical you could slip a divider in the slots and move them around as certain letters had more or less. But it kinda looks too big for that maybe, just going off of the case of water as a reference. Also they’re definitely more tooth shaped than a groove now that I’m looking closer. So maybe some type of press?
8. Back when I squaredanced (late 90s), we were still using vinyl records for our music. We would store 45s in trays that looked a lot like that. Those are about 7.5″ across, so the boxes would have been 8″ or so, including the covers.
9. Would they work as storage drawers under a bed? Use the handle to slide them out and push them back in. (Would explain why they don’t have handles at both ends).
10. Could they fit old 45 records for storage?
11. These look like they were made from scrap lumber. I often make stuff out of scraps that have random deformities. In this case the grooves cut into the side panels don’t appear to have any specific purpose- they’re irregular and imprecise, and the length, width and height of the bins are inconsistent enough that they couldn’t have been important. If I had to guess, I suspect somebody was making planters out of scraps and never got around to planting anything in them, but regardless of the original intent, there’s no specific task that mess of woodworking would ever be capable of serving.
12. Dimensions ? They look home made. The middle notches are for (a) divider(s). They look like they’d live under a work bench or on shelf in a shed or utility room of some sort.
13. Is it wide enough for a vinyl long playing record. Do the bottom corners should any evidence of being pulled in and out of something
14. They look like the handle broke off the other end. So a two handed carrying box, that can’t be stacked, with notches inside but not the full length. This is a good one.
15. I’m going to guess boxes/totes that used to have a handle at both ends made from scrap lumber. Third photo seems to show where the cut out for the handle used to be before it broke off.
I think the grooves are part of the original purpose (direction isn’t consistent in the new use). They remind me of something agricultural that I’ve only seen fixed to the wall of a rural pub. Possibly related to processing grain?
16. I’m going to guess boxes/totes that used to have a handle at both ends made from scrap lumber. Third photo seems to show where the cut out for the handle used to be before it broke off.
I think the grooves are part of the original purpose (direction isn’t consistent in the new use). They remind me of something agricultural that I’ve only seen fixed to the wall of a rural pub. Possibly related to processing grain?
17. Bread proofing?
18. Might be to store the slides that go with a microscope. I’ve seen similar style boxes before, but who knows!
19. I would say that this is a trough for feeding domestic animals. And ditches are needed for the separation of portions of food. A handle on one side for dragging this feeder.
20. Likely for a parts department to separate things of same catagory
What do you think? Let us know in the comment!
Read Also: Does anyone know what this is? It is over the basement door in our 1890’s home.
Woodworking is a craft steeped in tradition and innovation, producing a myriad of tools and devices that can baffle the uninitiated. One such enigma is the wooden box with grooves cut into the long sides of its interior. At first glance, these boxes might seem simple, but their design suggests a specific function. This article delves into what these boxes could be, their potential uses, and the craftsmanship behind them.
Understanding the Grooves
The defining feature of these boxes is the grooves running along the long sides of their interior. These grooves are typically uniform in size and spacing, suggesting precision and purpose. The placement of grooves indicates that they are meant to hold something in place or guide an object within the box. The key to unlocking their purpose lies in understanding what fits into these grooves.
Potential Uses
Tool Organizers One common use for boxes with grooves is as tool organizers. In workshops, keeping tools organized and accessible is crucial. The grooves can securely hold chisels, screwdrivers, or carving tools. This not only keeps the tools in place but also prevents them from dulling or getting damaged through contact with each other.
Storage for Blades and Sharpening Stones Another practical use is for storing blades or sharpening stones. The grooves provide a snug fit for various types of blades, ensuring they remain sharp and safe. Similarly, sharpening stones can be organized by grit size, making it easy to select the right one for the job.
Puzzle and Game Storage For puzzle enthusiasts and gamers, these boxes can be a clever storage solution. The grooves can hold puzzle pieces or game tiles securely, preventing them from getting lost or mixed up. This application is particularly useful for complex puzzles with many pieces or board games with multiple components.
Display Cases Collectors of small items, such as coins, medals, or even miniature figurines, might use these boxes as display cases. The grooves allow for neat and orderly arrangement, showcasing the collection while keeping it protected. This type of box can often be found in museums or collectors’ displays.
Wood Joinery Jigs In woodworking itself, these boxes can serve as jigs for joinery. The grooves can guide saw blades or chisels for precise cuts, ensuring that joints are perfect. This use highlights the box’s role in enhancing accuracy and efficiency in the woodworking process.
Craftsmanship Behind the Boxes
Creating these boxes requires skill and precision. The grooves must be evenly spaced and of consistent depth to function correctly. This demands a steady hand and a keen eye for detail. The process typically involves:
Measuring and Marking: Accurate measurements ensure that the grooves are perfectly aligned.
Cutting the Grooves: This can be done using a table saw, router, or hand tools, depending on the desired precision and the craftsman’s skill level.
Finishing Touches: Sanding the grooves and the box itself to remove any rough edges and ensure a smooth finish.
The wood chosen for these boxes also plays a crucial role. Hardwoods like oak, maple, or walnut are preferred for their durability and ability to hold fine details. The choice of wood can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of the box, making it not just functional but also a beautiful piece of craftsmanship.
Conclusion
Wooden boxes with grooves cut into the long sides of their interior are versatile tools that serve a range of purposes, from organizing and storing to aiding in precise woodworking tasks. Their design reflects a blend of functionality and craftsmanship, making them valuable in various settings. Whether in a workshop, a collector’s display, or a gamer’s den, these boxes stand as a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the woodworker. Understanding their purpose and construction allows us to appreciate the thought and effort that goes into creating these seemingly simple yet highly functional objects.