Poplar lidded boxes

[Band Saw Box]

I tried my hand at some lidded boxes. I used a 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" x 36" piece of poplar I got at Lowe's. I had a lot of fun making these. I got a lot of good tops from Steve Kondo (skondo). The first few photo are of my first box. They both are about 4" high. All C & C welcome.

 

[TonyL]

Very nice...now that is something that I would like to how to do!

 

[JimB]

Very nice Dan. I've only made a few lidded boxes. Getting a nice snug fit of the top to the bottom is a bit of a challenge.

 

[Band Saw Box]

Thanks TonyL and JimB for your comments. TonyL give one a try you tube have some good videos. JimB your right about the fit. I'm not sure how snug I want the finished fit to be taking in to account wood movement.

 

[JimB]

Thanks TonyL and JimB for your comments. TonyL give one a try you tube have some good videos. JimB your right about the fit. I'm not sure how snug I want the finished fit to be taking in to account wood movement.

If the wood was dry, and it probably was since it came from Lowes, you can usually turn it to final size and fit. There are several members of our local turning club that turn lidded boxes on a regular bases. They almost always use dry wood and turn to final fit giving the lid a 'snap' fit.

If the wood is green (wet) then they either rough turn it like they would a bowl and let it dry for a few months before final turning or they fully turn it wet but do a loose fitting top knowing it will warp a little.

One other thing they recommend is the size of the top vs bottom. They recommend a 1/3 to 2/3 ratio. If your final piece will be 3" then your top is 1" and bottom is 2". Some of them just eye-ball it and others actually measure. Naturally this is all about personal preference.

 

[liljohn1368]

Nice Dan!!!

 

[Charlie_W]

Looking fine there Dan! That chuck is getting a workout!