Box Maker

Parametric box and shape generator.

By Scott Bedow, Founder & Lead Developer · Published July 8, 2026

Manufacturing manager who runs CO2, diode and MOPA fiber lasers; builds and maintains every Reticle Red tool.

Method — Documents the shipped behaviour of the current build. Updated when the tool changes, and dated so you can tell how far behind the build it may be.

Generate laser-cuttable boxes, enclosures, and finger-jointed assemblies with precise kerf compensation.

How to use Box Maker

Step 1: Pick a Generator

Choose BOX, COASTER, POLYGON, FLEX BOX or HOLIDAY LANTERN, or start from one of the Starter Sizes.

Step 2: Set Dimensions

Enter the width, height and depth and the material thickness. The dimensions are the panel size; the finger tabs stand out by the material thickness. All joints are calculated automatically.

Step 3: Kerf Compensation

Set your laser's kerf width (typically 0.1–0.3mm for CO2) for tight-fitting joints.

Step 4: Export

Download a LightBurn .lbrn2, SVG or DXF with separate cut, score and inner-cut layers. Enter your bed size to pack the panels onto your sheet.

Step 5: Build a Lantern

HOLIDAY LANTERN (also at /lantern-maker) sizes are inside sizes. Under Lantern build, choose the top (Open, Top ring or Lid), a pumpkin stem or hanging loop for the lid, the window shape and frame, the LED tea light holder and paper diffusers. Pick a free library design, or describe a Custom theme to draw your own.

Step 6: Check and Cut a Lantern

The Cut check adds bridges so no piece falls out, leaves specks too small to cut as wood, and marks wood that may snap in red on the Flat layout; Strengthen thin wood thickens drawn scenes. Lantern files have INNER CUT (blue, runs first), CUT (cyan) and PAPER DIFFUSER (green), which LightBurn opens with its Output off: cut the diffusers from vellum or paper. Use an LED tea light, never a flame.

Tactical Tip

Test your kerf setting on a small sample piece first. A perfect finger joint should press-fit without glue.

Before a production run with Box Maker

Save the source file before changing geometry or parameters, confirm the final physical dimensions, and inspect the smallest details at the intended output size. Use matching scrap to test focus, speed, power, frequency, and layer order. Record the settings that worked with the material and machine so the next job starts from a verified result.

Open Box Maker Tool Workspace