Laser Cut Pin-Hinge Box Generator
The lid pivots on pin tabs that sit in round holes in the side walls, so the hinge is made from the box itself. Choose whether the lid rests on all four walls or sits behind a notched front, and set the clearances.
Presets
Size
Left to right, along the hinge.
Front to back.
From the floor to the underside of the closed lid.
Lid
How far the lid (or its grip tab) sticks out past the front. 0 = flush.
Play between pin and hole. Too little binds, too much wobbles. Test-cut the hinge corner first.
Gap between the lid and each side wall so it turns without rubbing.
Joints
0 = automatic (about twice the material thickness).
Material
Enter your real sheet thickness; 3 mm plywood is often 2.8 to 3.2. Cut a test corner before the full box.
Personalize
Engrave a name, monogram, message or your own logo on any face. Preview it here for free.
Your first pin-hinge box download is free, engraving included.
Fits on 291mm x 256mm sheet (11.5" x 10.1")
- Assemble the lid with the side walls: push both pin tabs into the round holes, then join the side walls to the front, back and bottom.
- Glue the wall and bottom joints only. Keep glue away from the pins and holes.
- The side walls rise 4.5 mm above the lid at the back to hold the pins.
- Cut one side wall and the lid first and try the hinge: raise the hinge clearance if it binds, lower it if it rattles.
Drag an engraving in the preview to move it.
Good for
- Jewelry and keepsake boxes
- Gift boxes with an engraved lid
- Boxes in thicker plywood where a living hinge will not bend
How it works
- Set the size. Pick a preset or type your own measurements. Every box is drawn to your real material thickness.
- Personalize it. Add a name, a message or an image, drag it into place, and see it on the box before you download.
- Download and cut. The SVG imports at true size in LightBurn, xTool Creative Space and Glowforge. Cut a test corner first if you are unsure of your kerf.
FAQ
What is the difference from a living hinge?
A living hinge flexes the wood itself and suits thin plywood. A pin hinge pivots on tabs, so it works in thicker wood that will not bend.
What clearance should I use?
Too little binds and too much makes the lid wobble. Start with the default and test-cut the hinge area before the whole box.
Does assembly order matter?
Yes. Fit the lid between the side walls as you assemble them, because the pin tabs cannot be inserted into the holes afterwards.
How much does it cost?
Your first download of each box type is free, engraving included. After that, 10 exports are $5, or $19 unlocks unlimited downloads for life. An export covers both the SVG and the DXF of the same design, and downloading it again is free.
Does it work with LightBurn, xTool, Glowforge and OMTech?
Yes. The SVG is in millimetres and imports at true size. Cut lines are red and engraving is filled black. The DXF is R12 for RDWorks and CAD software.
What kerf should I use?
Start with 0.15 mm for a CO2 laser or 0.08 mm for a diode, and cut a test corner. Every part is drawn half a kerf oversize so the joints press-fit.
Are my designs and logos uploaded?
No. The boxes, the engraving and any image you add are all handled in your browser. A saved draft stays on your device so your work survives signing in and checking out.
More box types
- Wine box
- Wine bottle sleeve
- Tray
- Organizer box
- Round box
- Birdhouse
- Toolbox
- Carrier box
- Tissue box cover
- Flap-lid box
Just need a plain box? The free box generator makes finger-joint boxes with five lid types.
