[DesertRatTom]

I like a vertical spline in a miter joint for a box. Nice and strong, although glue is often sufficient. If you use a digital angle finder and set the blade at exactly 45 to the table. Cut the side and end pieces, and then you can lower the blade and cut the groove for the spline with the same full kerf blade. Simple, strong, accurate.

 

[DesertRatTom]

Comments on splined miter joints prompted me to construct a simple box out of 1/2" MDF and it is shown in the attached jpg file. There is nothing particularly note worthy about this box except it is proof that i went through the exercise. For boxes of the size of a tissue box, I do not think any reinforcement of the miter is necessary.

In the process of building this splined box, I came up with a way of cutting the spline slot before the miter cut. My process is documented in the attached pdf file.
View attachment 401371

Very nice solution to cutting that splined joint. Getting those 45 exactly right is the key. Time for a Wixey Digital Angle gauge and some very careful fence alignment.

 

[DesertRatTom]

Nice. Because of health issues, I go through five or six boxes of tissue per week. I don't like Kleenex brand because they don't pop up as you get to the bottom. I prefer Puffs, which has a side opening. I guess you'd just extend the opening to one side to match the package. Good point on expansion.

 

[DesertRatTom]

Wow, I really like that two toned look.