Study different pictures of lighting rigs or roofing structures that use the box truss design. Sketch out a basic shape for your box truss, providing a helpful guideline during construction of this wooden piece. Do not worry about exact dimensions with this sketch, but remember that each of the cubed sections must be proportional when constructing.
Cut each of the 2 by 2 inch wooden sticks to the desired length of the box truss project. Use a circular saw to cut quickly and easily. Lay each of the sticks next to each other to ensure the measurements are exactly the same.
Lay the 1 inch piece of plywood on a flat surface in front of you. Create a square somewhere on this sheet using proportional side measurements. Use your industrial ruler to create the four equal length sides of the box. Measure 2 inches into this box on any side and make a small mark. Create a smaller box inside this square to represent the end piece of your box truss. If the larger square you have drawn is 12 by 12 inches, the inner box should measure 8 by 8 inches.
Cut along the outside of the larger square you have just drawn to remove this from the plywood sheet. Additionally, cut the interior square from this piece to create a full end piece for your box truss. This frame should be 2 inches thick on all sides. Create a second box truss end with the exact measurements used to create the first.
Stand the newly crafted box truss end pieces vertically, then place the four 2 by 2 inch wooden sticks at each corner. Secure each of these support sticks to the end pieces with the L-brackets and screws. Each stick should use four L-brackets. Use screws and an electric drill to secure. You should now have a three-dimensional wooden rectangle structure.
Measure the length of your wooden truss. Divide the length of the truss by the height of your squared end piece to calculate the necessary dimensions for the remaining build. For example, if your box truss is 48 inches long and the height of the end piece is 12 inches, you are left with four. There should be four sections of your box truss, therefore you need to create three barriers.
Measure six of the 1 inch sticks to the exact specifications of your end piece height. Cut these pieces down, then attach with screws at the appropriate places along your rectangular frame. Using the 48 inch long box truss example mentioned earlier, place two vertical sticks at every 12 inches of your box truss. Cut out six more 1 inch sticks with the same measurements, then screw in these wooden supports horizontally on the frame. Your box truss frame should now be divided into four equally proportioned boxes.
Create the diagonally positioned features that create the X-shaped box truss. Measure the distance between one corner of the box to the adjacent corner. With a 12 by 12 inch square, the distance between these two corners is 16.97 inches. Measure and cut 32 wooden sticks to this angled measurement for use with your box truss.
Attach each of these 1 by 1 inch pieces to the box truss frame. Placing these sticks diagonally on each side of the frame will create the X-shaped patterns. Use the electric drill and screws to secure each of these sticks along the structure.