A while ago I posted looking for ideas reagarding stacking boxes. phi1l suggested I tnink about a tackle box type arrangement, which I thought was really stupid. Then I saw project in a Taunton book which was exactly that idea, and I suddenly thought it was brilliant. Sorry for doubting you phi1l.
Here is a maple and walnut prototype of the project. It's a prototype for a number of reasons, including workmanship deficiencies, irregularly spaced miter keys, and some screwups with the side support mechanism.
Even with a project plan in hand the side support mechanism was very tricky. In typical Fine Woodworking fashion, the plan identifies the toughest details in six words or less, but leaves unsaid that "you're smart, you'll figure everything else out." There are two important things in laying out the supports - 1) The long supports need to be mounted 1/2" off both the front and back in order to open the correct distance, and 2) The distance between the center hole in the long supports to the outer holes must be the same distance as between the two holes on the shorter supports. The supports should be parallel, but I think the angle is not important.
There is a fixed support mounted on the rear, which does double duty holding the box upright when it is open as well as providing a landing spot for the lid when it is open. The plan called for a simple board, but it seemed to provide insufficient support for the lid. It felt like the hinge screws would pull out.
I made new support using 1/2" material, but it was still iffy. So I decided to add a little handle, which would also make it easier to open the box. One thing I'm not thrilled with is that the handle is mounted with screws. Although there are plenty of screws in the project, I wish I could figure out a better handle arrangement.
I finished with a few coats of shellac and a few coats of Deft water based acrylic. It was the first time I had used the Deft. It was great to apply, going on easily and drying quickly, but the satin was more dull than I had expected. It also is really neutral in color, so the amber of the shellac was a welcome addition.
Any and all comments welcome.
Here is a maple and walnut prototype of the project. It's a prototype for a number of reasons, including workmanship deficiencies, irregularly spaced miter keys, and some screwups with the side support mechanism.
Even with a project plan in hand the side support mechanism was very tricky. In typical Fine Woodworking fashion, the plan identifies the toughest details in six words or less, but leaves unsaid that "you're smart, you'll figure everything else out." There are two important things in laying out the supports - 1) The long supports need to be mounted 1/2" off both the front and back in order to open the correct distance, and 2) The distance between the center hole in the long supports to the outer holes must be the same distance as between the two holes on the shorter supports. The supports should be parallel, but I think the angle is not important.
There is a fixed support mounted on the rear, which does double duty holding the box upright when it is open as well as providing a landing spot for the lid when it is open. The plan called for a simple board, but it seemed to provide insufficient support for the lid. It felt like the hinge screws would pull out.
I made new support using 1/2" material, but it was still iffy. So I decided to add a little handle, which would also make it easier to open the box. One thing I'm not thrilled with is that the handle is mounted with screws. Although there are plenty of screws in the project, I wish I could figure out a better handle arrangement.
I finished with a few coats of shellac and a few coats of Deft water based acrylic. It was the first time I had used the Deft. It was great to apply, going on easily and drying quickly, but the satin was more dull than I had expected. It also is really neutral in color, so the amber of the shellac was a welcome addition.
Any and all comments welcome.
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