BOX PROBLEMS
IN the selection of problems tor elementary construction in paper and cardboard, the small box takes a place second only to the booklet. Both are important industrially and both furnish good drill upon careful manipulation of tools and material. The increased use of the box as a method of handling goods for the market, and the great variety of boxes used, show the value of the field for school purposes. Many uses of the box occur to the live teacher. The collection of materials for science, the storage of small supplies, the planting of seeds, exhibits of illustrative material of many kinds, and the meeting of temporary needs as they appear, all furnish interesting connections between the hand work processes and the uses of box problems. Special shapes and types of construction not illustrated in this chapter will be needed, but the drawings and directions may be of service in making these adaptations. It is obvious in public school classes, especially in the lower grades, that simple hand processes where the pupil makes the entire project from beginning to end, must form the basis for a course in elementary construction. It is desirable, however, that common factory methods of box making be illustrated and described, and if possible a few pieces of work turned out by a modification of this duplicating process. The arrangement of box problems by grades with kinds of material to be used, is as follows:
First Grade
121 Square box (Thin tag board)
122 Square tray (Medium tag board)
123 Rectangular tray (Heavy tag board)
Second Grade
221 Small square box (Box board)
222 Rectangular open box (Box board)
223 Box with reinforced corners (Box board)
Third Grade
321 Covered small box (Box board and plain cover paper)
322 Pencil box with fitted cover (Box board, plain cover paper, manilla wrapping paper)
323 Candy box (Folding bristol)
324 Folding box (Folding bristoi)
Fourth Grade
421 Pin box with cover (Box board and plain cover paper)
422 Post card box (Box board)
423 Original box (Thin straw board, plain cover pacer, rough cover paper)
424 Pen box (Straw board, box board, plain cover paper, marble paper)
425 Sliding box (Box board, cover paper)
121. Square Box
1 piece Thin tag board 9"x"9
Glue or paste
Scissors
a. Fold upper right corner to upper left corner, crease and open
b. Fold upper right comer to center of top, crease and open
c. Fold upper left corner to center of top, crease and open
d. Fold lower left corner to upper left corner, crease and open
e. Fold lower left corner to center of left edge, crease and open
f. Fold upper left comer to center of left edge, crease and open
g. Cut as indicated by dark lines h. Fold laps inside of box and paste or glue to ends
NOTE
As this box is too flimsy for most uses, it is well to repeat the problem with thicker tag board, if time permit. By cutting and folding as shown below, a hollow cube may be made for further practice, or to illustrate cubical form. While paste may be found easier to use, glue is much more satisfactory if properly handled. It may be found more convenient to secure stock 8"x8" in place of 9"x9"
122. Square Tray
1 piece Medium tag board 6"x6"
Glue or paste
Scissors
DIRECTIONS
a. Fold right to left and open
b. Fold right and left to center and open
c. Fold bottom to top and open
d. Fold bottom and top to center and open
e. Fold right edge to right crease, left edge to left crease, bottom edge to bottom crease, top edge to top crease, opening after each folding
f. Cut as indicated by heavy lines
g. Fold laps up at right angles
h. Fold bottom and top edges up to make front and back of tray
i. Fold ends up and glue or paste to laps
123. Rectangular Tray
1 piece Heavy tag board 4"x4"
Glue or paste Scissors
DIRECTIONS
a. Fold bottom to top, bottom to center, bottom to bottom crease, and open
b. Fold top to center, top to top crease, and open
When opened Hat it will look like the first drawing
c. Fold left to right edge, left to center, left to left crease, and open
d. Fold right to center, and cut along new crease with scissors
Dotted line in second drawing shows part removed
e. Fold cut edge to old center, as shown in second drawing
When opened fiat this will look like the third drawing
f. Cut along heavy lines for laps Shown in fourth drawing
g. Fold laps up, and fold front and back
Shown in fifth drawing
h. Fold ends up, and paste or glue to laps
Shown in last drawing
NOTE
A great variety of rectangular shaped boxes or trays may be made as indicated in these three problems. As planned for the first grade, rule measurements are omitted in each case. More difficult constructions are reserved for later grades.
221. Small Square Box
1 piece Box board 3"x3"
Glue
Rule, pencil, scissors
DIRECTIONS
a. Measure from each comer of 3" square piece of bos board a distance of 1/2" along each edge, and connect points, forming inner square and laps
Shown in first drawing
b. Fold laps up, and fold front and back
Shown in second drawing
c. Fold ends up, and glue to laps
Shown in last drawing
NOTE
As this is the first box problem involving rule measurements, care must be taken that pupils learn how to find the inch and half inch before beginning the work. The rules used should have as thin edges as possible in order to bring the markings as near the work as possible. The back of the rule should be used for a straight edge in drawing all lines.
222. Rectangular Open Box
1 piece of Box board 6"x9"
Glue
Rule, pencil, scissors
DIRECTIONS
a. Lay out horizontal measurements from drawing, which may be placed upon the black board
Make short marks at top and bottom and connect
b. Lay out vertical measurements at right and left edges and connect
c. Cut along heavy lines for laps d. Fold laps up at right angles and fold sides up at right angles
e. Fold ends up and glue to laps
NOTE
It is best to begin measuring from a clear mark a little distance from edge of rule,
if such, rules be available, as indicated in the sketch. It is best also to make all measurements in one direction without moving the rule, so as to avoid multiplying errors. Pupils must be kept on their guard in adding the smaller measurements.
223. Box with Reinforced Corners
1 piece Box board 6"x9"
1 piece Grooved stay tape, 4" long
Rule, pencil, scissors
DIRECTIONS
a. Cut box board 4"x9"
b. Lay out lines on all sides, 1" from edge
c. Cut away corners as indicated in drawing
d. Use the straight edge of rule and the dull points of scissors and score on the lines for folding
This will allow the board to be bent without cracking irregularly
e. Fold up sides and ends
Do not fold much beyond a position which i, at right angles with the bottom
f. Cut four pieces of the stay tape each slightly less than 1" in length
g. Moisten tape and put in place on outside of corners
Hold side of box and tape in proper position until the tape sticks NOTE
The following drawing may be used in place of the above or the wider box may be made as an extra problem.
321. Covered Small Box
1 piece Box board 6"x9"
1 piece Plain cover Paper 6"x9"
8" Stay tape, paste
Rule, pencil, scissors,
DIRECTIONS
a. Lay out and cut box and cover to measurements
b. Cut plain colored cover paper from same measurements, but with a little extra paper all around
This should not be over 1/16" on all sides
c. Fold box and fasten corners with stay tape, cutting tape even with top and bottom edges
d. Paste colored paper over box
e. Fold cover and try on box to see if size is correct
Cover must be large enough to slide easily but closely over box
f. Fasten corners of cover same as box with stay tape
g. Paste colored paper over cover
NOTE
It may seem desirable in this first problem of fitting a box to omit the use of the colored paper, or to make two boxes, one with the paper imish and one without.
322. Pencil Box with Fitted Cover 2 pieces Box board 6"x9"
2 pieces Plain cover paper 6"x9"
1 piece Manilla wrapping paper
At least 1"xl6", or 2"x8"
Glue, paste
Rule, pencil, scissors
DIRECTIONS
a. Lay out: and cut box and cover, and paper outside for each, leaving laps on outside pieces as indicated
b. Fold box and fasten corners with 1" square pieces of mania paper glued around joint
c. Paste colored paper over box with lap around the comer and end pasted over lap
d. Fold cover and try on box to see if size is correct
e. Fasten corners of cover same as box with manilla paper 3/4"xl"
f. Paste colored paper over cover, using extra width to fold inside
NOTE
Two extra pieces of plain cover paper of a different shade of color from that used on the outside, may be used for lining the box and cover.
323. Candy Box
1 piece Folding Bristol 9"x12"
Glue
Rule, pencil, scissors
DIRECTIONS
a. Lay out and cut along heavy lines
b. Fold up along light lines and open flat
c. Refold along vertical lines and glue long lap inside
d. Leave under pressure until next day
e. Next day, fold ends in place
NOTE
Varied sizes of this same box may be made from the 9"x12" stock, and heavy tag board may be used in place of bristol board. Pupils may be directed to determine their own proportions for a box, or they may make the following:
In place of either of these boxes, or as an extra problem, the box illustrated on the next page may be made. Taking this as a type, other schemes for fastening may be devised by the pupil. It may seem desirable to give a large piece of stock and remove the size limitations necessary for the 9"x12". Any of the boxes shown may be given a handle of narrow cotton tape cut thru one side and glued within.
324. Folding Box
1 piece Folding bristol 9"x12"
Rule, pencil, scissors
DIRECTIONS
a. Lay out from drawing and cut along heavy lines
b. Fold sides AA over BB, and fold side lap up at right angles
c. Fold sides BB up at right angles to bottom of box
Side laps will be seen standing up at right angles to bottom also
d. Open box flat
e. Fold ends CC over DD, and fold end laps up at right angles
f. Fold four inner corner laps KK up at right angles
g. Fold ends DD up at right angles to bottom of box and unfold flat
h. Refold sides at right angles to bottom
i. Refold ends at right angles to bottom
The three upper views at the right of drawing show the sides up and the ends ready to fold
j. Fit the laps KKKK between folds of the sides and let ends CC fold over side laps to make box rigid
The two bottom views at the right of drawing show the finished box
NOTE This type of box has the advantage that it can be instantly opened flat, and as quickly refolded, and held without the use of glue. It is possible to make a cover for this by changing the measurements slightly and repeating the process. Tag board may be used in place of folding brLstol for this box. Exact work is necessary in laying out, in cutting, and in folding.
421. Pin Box with Cover
1 piece Box board 6"x9"
1 piece Cover paper 9"x12"
1 piece Stay tape 8" long
Rule, pencil, scissors
DIRECTIONS
a. Cut one piece box board 4 1/2"x4 1/2" for bottom
b. Cut another piece of box beard 4 5/8"x4 5/8" for the cover
c. Cut two pieces of cover paper each 2 1/2"x11" for finishing sides
d. Cut one piece cover paper, 2"x2" for finishing top
e. Lay out lines on both pieces of box board 1" from all edges
f. Cut away corners AAAA on box and cover
g. Score on lines with back of scissors and fold sides up alt right angles
h. Cut 8 pieces of stay tape, each 7/8" long
i. Moisten stay tape and stick on outside of corners
j. Apply paste to the sides of the cover of the box and press the strip of cover paper in place, B, so that both edges may be folded,—one over the edge of the box board to the inside of the box, and the other pasted down on the top of the box, C
Do not cut corners when folding here
k. Apply paste to the piece of cover paper 2"x2", and press in place on top of box, D
The side of the cover is shown at E
l. The processes given under "j" are repeated for the bottom of the box
NOTE
If desired, the cover paper 2"x2" for the top may be of a different color than the paper for the sides. The border which is indicated as M" on each side may be wider or narrower as the pupil may choose.
422. Post Card Box
1 piece Box board 9"x12"
Glue
Rule, pencil, scissors
DIRECTIONS
a. Locate and draw center line lengthwise of board
b. Measure each side of the center line distances as indicated in the drawing
c. Measure up from the bottom as indicated in the drawing to locate the horizontal lines
d. When all vertical and horizontal lines are drawn proceed to lay out for the angular cuts
e. Make pencil marks heavy to show where to cut away
f. Cut on heavy lines
g. Fold on light,lines, considering the form and how it is to be glued together
h. Glue with all tabs on the inside
423. Original Box
2 pieces Thin straw board 9"x12"
2 pieces Plain cover paper 9"x12"
2 pieces Rough cover paper 9"x 12"
Binding tape, glue, paste
Rule, pencil, scissors (chip carving knife if desired)
DIRECTIONS
a. Follow directions from number 421, except that the straw board should be scored on both sides with the back of the scissors* before folding
b. Cover both box and cover outside with rough cover paper
c. Line both box and cover with plain cover paper
NOTE
An unlimited opportunity is offered here for the pupil to work out original shapes of boxes for varied uses. The four drawings are given only as a suggestion for possible shapes which can be made from the stock supplied. An attempt is made in each case to get an interesting variation in the proportion of side, top and end. If enough time can be given to this phase of the work, it may be well to have each pupil make several boxes of the same type, gradually developing the ability to do a first class piece of special work.
424. Pen Box
1 piece Straw board 4"x4 1/2" (or 6"x4 1/2")
1 piece Box board (or Pulp board) 2"x12"
If more convenient use all box board or all straw board
1 piece Plain cover paper (or Marble paper or Plated paper) 4 1/2"x12"
1 piece Plain cover paper, different color, 3"x6"
Glue, paste
Rule, pencil, scissors, knife, cutting board
DIRECTIONS
a. Cut box board A, for sides of box, 5/8"x11", and crease as indicated for folds
b. Make end G, a little thinner by scraping or cutting with scissors or knife
c. Cut straw board B, for bottom of box
If heavy material be used, it may be given cut to size with a card cutter, or pupils may cut it with a knife and straight edge upon a piece of cloth board d. Cut box board C, for sides of cover, 5/8"x12", and crease for folds
e. Cut straw board D, for base of cover
f. Cut two pieces of plain cover paper E, 1 1/4"x12", for finishing outside of box and cover
g. Cut plain cover paper F, for finishing top of cover of box
h. Fold A and glue around B with lap G inside, and paste cover paper E around sides and bottom of box and down inside
Long creases of E are shown in drawing
i. Fold C and D in same manner and cover sides
j. Paste cover paper F over center of top of cover
NOTE
This type of construction is very common for small boxes, but requires careful fitting. It makes a first class problem for repeated work, and may be made in place of number 423. A second box of this type is made by pupils very much better than the first.
425. Sliding Box
1 piece of Box board 9"x 12"
1 piece of Cover paper 9"x12"
1 piece Stay tape 4" long
Paste, glue Rule, pencil, scissors
DIRECTIONS
a. Cut one piece box board 4"x8 3/8" for case A
b. Cut one piece of box board 4 3/8"x5 3/4" for box C
c. Lay out the measurements for case as indicated on drawing A
d. Fold to shape as indicated at B
e. Spread glue on the inside of the 3/4" fold and glue case together
When glue begins to stick the case may be pressed flat and weighted
f. Lay out lines 7/8" from all edges on box board for box C
g. Cut away corners
h. Fold up sides and ends
i. Cut four pieces stay tape each 3/4" long
Manilla paper may be used here if desired as in number 322 j. Fasten corners in place with the staiy tape or with manilla paper
k. Cut one piece of the cover paper 5"x9" to cover the case
l. Gut strips of cover paper 2" wide and long enough to reach around the sides of the box
This length may be determined by each pupil separately
m. Paste these strips of paper around the sides of the box in the same manner as in number 421
n. Paste cover paper around case and fold edges in at ends
These ends must be folded in carefully and pressed smooth or the box will catch and tear them up when sliding thru
NOTE
By using tough paper instead of the stay tape a closer fit may be made and a smoother slide will result. The boxes which have been explained are perhaps sufficiently varied in construction to suggest any type of box which may be desired for primary handwork. Boxes with tied covers have been purposely omitted as being less satisfactory as finished articles or as having only temporary fastenings. This is in line with the stated purposes of the book to emphasize the simpler and more typical and practical problems for school use.
Below is illustrated the entire arrangement of box problems, with names, numbers, and recommended sizes.
Continued on this page