Box Maker · 4 minute guide
Box Maker: Parametric Jointed Cuts
Enter dimensions, material thickness, and kerf adjustments to generate perfectly fitting boxes, lids, drawers, and nested tray panels in seconds.
By Scott Bedow, Founder & Lead Developer · Published July 4, 2026 · Updated July 31, 2026
Manufacturing manager who runs CO2, diode and MOPA fiber lasers; builds and maintains every Reticle Red tool.
Method — Walked end to end in the live tool before publishing. Screens and step order match the current build; settings shown are starting points to validate on scrap.
What this tutorial covers
- Parametric dimensions, material thickness, and kerf tuning.
- Generates lids, drawers, and nested tray panels automatically.
- Free — exports flat-packed SVG and DXF cut files instantly.
1. Choose the box style
Select the box or tray configuration that matches the assembly. Review the preview before entering measurements so the chosen lid and panel arrangement suit the project.
2. Enter dimensions and stock thickness
Set the finished dimensions and the measured material thickness. Check the inside/outside dimension convention and the panel layout before exporting.
3. Calibrate the kerf
Enter kerf compensation based on a fit test with the actual material and laser setup. Inspect finger joints and repeat the test when thickness or machine settings change.
4. Export the cutting layout
Download the available SVG or DXF layout, check scale and panel identities after import, and cut a small fit sample before committing a full sheet.
Validate the workflow on your machine
Treat the finished file as a controlled starting point, not a universal machine recipe. Confirm the artwork dimensions after import, verify focus and lens selection, and run a small test on scrap from the same material batch before committing the production piece. Change one variable at a time when tuning speed, power, frequency, line interval, or pass count. Record the machine, source wattage, lens, material finish, focus method, and final settings with the saved job. That short production note makes the result repeatable for the next operator and prevents a strong screen preview from being mistaken for a proven burn.