Making your own music box takes patience and precision, but the process is actually easier than you might think. Choose a wooden box with a hinged lid and a music box machine to make your music box. After that, decorate the box as desired and install the machine. In no time, the music box is ready to use or give as a gift!
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing the Box
Step 1. Choose a wooden box with a hinged lid to house the music box machine
For most standard-sized music, you'll need a box that's at least 5 centimeters high, 8 centimeters long, and 5 centimeters wide. Measure the music box machine first before selecting the box to be more certain. In addition, keep in mind that a box with a larger size is considered better because it can accommodate not only the music box machine, but also other items or objects.
You can also make your own wooden boxes with hinged lids from scratch if you want. Boxes like these are available at craft supply stores and the internet, in a variety of sizes and styles
Step 2. Paint the inside and outside of the box if desired
Paint the inside and outside of the box using a sponge brush and acrylic paint (in any color). Use 2-3 coats of paint to get a neat and even look. After that, let the paint dry before you move on to the next step.
- Painting the box is only necessary if the box has not been varnished or decorated. If you want to recycle another box and you like how it looks, you don't need to repaint it.
- Technically, you can use any type of paint that works for wood (or boxes of any material). For wooden boxes, you can even use wood stain or wood stain.
Step 3. Decorate the lid of the box if desired
You can leave the outside of the box lid as is or decorate it. Since the music box machine will not touch the box lid, decorations usually won't interfere with the machine's mechanics. Here are some decorating suggestions for your music box lid:
- Use a stencil to make a pretty design on the lid.
- Use spray glue and a transparent coating (eg Mod Podge) to attach the laser-printed photo to the lid.
- Glue cameo carvings (with a flat back) or gemstones in the center of the lid for a simple yet classy embellishment.
Part 2 of 3: Installing the Machine on the Box
Step 1. Purchase a music box machine
There are many different types of music box machines available, from gear-operated machines to machines that have a series of bells or a note-rolling mechanism. Search a music box store or website to select the type of machine you want. You can also customize the song by selecting an existing song or program the engine with a song of your own choice.
Make sure you check the dimensions of the machine before buying it to make sure it fits into the box you have selected
Step 2. Create a paper template by tracing or drawing an outline around the machine
Place the machine on a sheet of paper and outline around the machine using a pen or pencil. After that, use scissors to cut the outline. After you create the template, turn the machine over to see the bottom and place the template over the bottom of the machine. Use a pen or pencil to mark the screw and crank holes on the paper template.
If you can't see the hole through the paper template, use a small ruler to measure its position on the underside of the machine from both sides of the machine. Make a point on the template using the same measurements
Warning: Some machines do not have screw holes. For an engine like this, the engine crank alone is usually strong enough to hold the engine. Do not try to drill holes for the screws in the machine as you risk damaging the machine.
Step 3. Place the template in the box, on one side
Place the paper template in the box and place it in the area where you want to install the machine. Use clear adhesive tape to attach the template to its final position. Instead of the walls or bottom of the box lid, choose a spot at the bottom of the box.
- Make sure you place the machine to one side or corner of the box. However, if you are using a small box that fits the size of the machine, place the machine in the center of the bottom of the box.
- When choosing the best placement for the machine, make sure that the screw and crank holes at the bottom of the box do not get blocked by other objects, or do not touch or stick to the table surface.
Step 4. Make three holes in the box to mount the machine
Use a hand drill to make holes in the wooden box. Carefully drill two 3.2-millimeter screw holes and one 6.4-millimeter engine crank hole in the paper template through the bottom of the box. Follow the markings on the template to make sure you punch the holes in the right places.
- If you want to use a box made of papier mache (papier-mache) or recycled tin, punch holes with an awl, a rubber block, and a hammer.
- Remove the paper template and remove any remaining wood chips/shavings and other debris before continuing. Small dust particles can easily get into the interior of the music box machine and if they do, the machine can stop spinning/functioning.
- Make sure you check the music box machine's instructions for the size of the screw you need to use.
Step 5. Remove the engine cover or guard if you want to display the engine
Use a small screwdriver to remove the screw that secures the cover or plastic guard to the machine, then remove the cover. You can leave the cover or guard on the machine if you want, but if you remove it, you can see the mechanics or movement of the machine as it rotates, giving it a more attractive and beautiful appearance.
Step 6. Put the machine in the box
Place the machine in the box, right where the template was previously attached. Carefully turn the box over while attaching and holding the machine to the bottom of the box with one hand. Make sure the screw holes on the box align with the screw holes on the machine. Also, make sure the crank hole on the box is aligned with the crank hole on the engine.
Step 7. Hold the machine using two screws through the bottom of the box
Insert 1/8-inch (3.2 millimeter) screws, one for each hole, then turn the screw to tighten it. The screws will go through the holes at the bottom of the box into the screw holes on the machine.
- After tightening the screws, make sure the machine is attached or firmly attached to the bottom of the box, without having to be grabbed or held.
- Don't forget to check the music box's machine manual for the size screw you need to use.
Part 3 of 3: Adding the Finishing Touches
Step 1. Create a wall to separate the decorations from the machine area
Cut a thin wooden plank along the width of the box about 3.2 millimeters thick. Make sure the width of the piece of wood is equal to or exceeds the height of the machine, but 3.2-6.4 millimeters shorter than the wall of the box. After that, sand the rough sides or corners.
Tip: You don't need a separator if the box size can only accommodate machines.
Step 2. Attach the dividing wall using hot glue or wood glue
Use hot glue or wood glue to attach the dividing wall to the back and front walls of the box. Place the wall so that it is next to the machine. Ensure that the separation wall does not touch the moving parts or elements of the machine.
Let the glue dry before you move on to the next step. Hot glue will dry in five minutes, while wood glue will need to sit for at least 8 hours
Step 3. Turn the crank and let the music play
Your music box is finished and ready to use! Add embellishments and other knick-knacks to the inside of the box if desired. To enjoy music, just turn the crank and let the music play.
