Sizing a box

[Millwab]

I am cutting a special puzzle for a friend of mine and want to make a box to present it in. Do to a time crunch (it’s a Christmas present) I’ll need to work on the box before the puzzle is done. I’m trying to determine the inside dimensions of the box to fit all the puzzle pieces in.  I’m thinking the volume of the box should be 3-4x the volume of the puzzle. Am I on the right track or does someone else have an idea for me?

[jollyred]

Cut up some cardboard to make a prototype box, then put the puzzle pieces you have already cut (say you have about 1/3 done).  That should give you an idea of the volume needed.  If you don't have any pieces cut yet, I would say your estimate is probably right.  I know that when I dig a hole I get about twice the volume of dirt from the hole.  Either way, I would make a prototype box to verify the size before making the real box.  Card board boxes are quick to make, unlike wood boxes.

Tom

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

Yes I would do the same. Cut the puzzle and make a prototype with 4 sides of cardboard taped together. Simple and quick. You could start milling some box parts if you are looking to break things up. Just do not cut to size. get all woods needed and stains and finishes so it goes quick. Christmas is basically 2 weeks. 

[OCtoolguy]

Why not put the completed puzzle in a box to fit?

[Millwab]

5 hours ago, OCtoolguy said:

Why not put the completed puzzle in a box to fit?

 

20 hours ago, Millwab said:

 I’ll need to work on the box before the puzzle is done.

 

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

Is this a large puzzle or small sized? Should be easy to decide how large by cutting a few pieces and then counting how many pieces in the puzzle. Make a little oversized is not a problem. 

[Millwab]

51 minutes ago, JTTHECLOCKMAN said:

Is this a large puzzle or small sized? Should be easy to decide how large by cutting a few pieces and then counting how many pieces in the puzzle. Make a little oversized is not a problem. 

Puzzle is 8”x10” (on 1/4” ply) with approximately 1” squares = 80 pieces. I decided to plan on layering the pieces in various box dimensions and see how many layers I’d have. Then add a little extra to the height.

[OCtoolguy]

19 hours ago, Millwab said:

 

 

I understand, but you have the puzzle's dimensions don't you? 8 x 10 x 1 or something to that effect.