Project Information
I love building boxes, especially boxes with a purpose. This is my version of the "packing box" that I read about in The Joiner and Cabinetmaker. Now I didn't follow the same process as described in the book to build it. I deviated a lot: I glued the panels together, used screws in the cross stretchers, hand cut through dovetails. The one thing I love about woodworking is being able to add my own style or favorite techniques when building something. Its not about following directions to build a replica, its about doing something I love.
The box is made out of maple and is finished with GF Arm-R-Seal Urethane Topcoat (i.e wiping varnish). I added a full mortise lock and tee hinges to morph this into somewhat of a "lock box". Some thoughts I had about making this, the cross stretchers are important even if you glue the individuals boards of the panel together. My lid kept wanting to cup when I took off the cross stretchers during the finishing process. Once all my coats of finish were applied and dried, I add the cross stretchers back and most of the cup disappeared. I also discovered that I don't like the Tee hinges when used on the inside surface of a box, I'll stick to normal butt hinges in the future. Also don't cheap out on the lock hardware. The full mortise lock I used was of the $12 variety and leaves a lot to be desired. The locking action isn't smooth and likes to bind up. There is a reason why premium locks cost $50 or more.
The box is made out of maple and is finished with GF Arm-R-Seal Urethane Topcoat (i.e wiping varnish). I added a full mortise lock and tee hinges to morph this into somewhat of a "lock box". Some thoughts I had about making this, the cross stretchers are important even if you glue the individuals boards of the panel together. My lid kept wanting to cup when I took off the cross stretchers during the finishing process. Once all my coats of finish were applied and dried, I add the cross stretchers back and most of the cup disappeared. I also discovered that I don't like the Tee hinges when used on the inside surface of a box, I'll stick to normal butt hinges in the future. Also don't cheap out on the lock hardware. The full mortise lock I used was of the $12 variety and leaves a lot to be desired. The locking action isn't smooth and likes to bind up. There is a reason why premium locks cost $50 or more.
