Cremation Box

[Scott Coffelt]

I'd like to make a box for the parents of a coworker who was tragically killed this past weekend in a motor cycle accident. Problem is, I have no idea how big to make it. Anyone done this and if so any idea a good size?

[Vaughn McMillan]

Sorry to hear of the job you have in front of you, Scott. I recently saw something on Bill Grumbine's website stating that he'd gotten advice from a funeral director that a cremation urn should be 225 cubic inches or more.

That said, a quick Google search for "cremation urn" +volume shows a variety of numbers, but all seem to be in about that same range.

HTH -

- Vaughn

[Jesse Cloud]

I had the same task a few years ago. The deceased was a woodworker. His widow asked me to select the best wood in his shop and make a box for his ashes. To this day, I still wonder what he had in mind when he bought the birdseye and walnut I used - I'm sure he never imagined how it would be used. Makes you think.

Anyhow to answer your question, after speaking with the funeral home, I made the inside of the box 8x6x6. Bob was an average sized man and the ashes fit snugly. I would think a larger size might be needed for a very large person.

Sorry for your loss.

[Perry Holbrook]

The rule of thumb is 1 cubic inch per 1 lb of body weight. Perry

[Chris Padilla]

Interesting project, Scott! All handcut dovetails, right? :)

[Charlie Plesums]

The rule of thumb is 1 cubic inch per 1 lb of body weight. Perry
I second the rule of thumb. It roughly matches the Bill Grumbine number, and a lot of other references I have seen over the years. Same formula applies to pet cremations.

[Joe Spear]

A friend of mine made a few out of 3/4" thick pine. The external dimensions were 10" long x 7 1/2" wide x 5 1/2" high. Internally the compartment was 8 1/2" long x 6" wide x 5" deep. He did some research and found that that size is quite adequate.

[Ken Werner]

This doesn't answer your question, as others have already done so quite well. I just wanted to commend you for your thought, and the effort to follow through. A box made by a friend can give more comfort to his parents than you know.
Well done.
Ken

[Charlie Plesums]

One other factor to consider... If they want the option of someday placing the ashes in a columbarium, there may be size constraints for the available niches. In addition to the volume, you may need a box/urn that is tall and skinny, short and squat, etc. You might want to check with the local facilities to find any size constraints if that option is wanted later.

[Scott Coffelt]

Thanks for the responses, after talking it over with some co-workers, I've decided not to make the urn. Instead, I'll make a memories box.

Chris, I do plan on making dovetails. This project unfortunately will have to wait several weeks as I will be travelling a lot for work and get to go to Hawaii later in the month. I'll start on it in June.

[Chris Padilla]

Chris, I do plan on making dovetails. This project unfortunately will have to wait several weeks as I will be travelling a lot for work and get to go to Hawaii later in the month. I'll start on it in June.

Mmmm, Hawaii....

[Scott Coffelt]

Mmmm, Hawaii....

Yes, I get to be a tag along spouse. My wife has to meet a client there over memorial weekend. Said what the heck, never been there and one of the plane tickets and a chunk of the hotel and part of the food, car, etc. are covered by her work. So a week in the sun and daily rain showers.