Project Information
The sma' kist is the sixth project in the Lethenty Mill furniture making course and it is one that attracts a lot of interest.
In this project, I suggest that the top of the kist is dry jointed. The top of the original sma' kist (on which I based this design) had split - this almost always happens as the wood shrinks when it meets central heating.
Traditionally, tops were always nailed on, then punched and filled. Kists were utility items. I suggest to evening class students and home learners that they dowel the top on so that the fixings are hidden.
I also recommend fitting a strap (I used a leather one) as it doesn't interfere with the movements of the inner tray.
My 'new' version of the kist does not have a lock, although the original kists did. These can still be obtained, however they do present a problem - when it comes to fitting a surface mounted escutcheon, there isn't much depth for fitting the screws. The push-in type is OK.
In this project, I suggest that the top of the kist is dry jointed. The top of the original sma' kist (on which I based this design) had split - this almost always happens as the wood shrinks when it meets central heating.
Traditionally, tops were always nailed on, then punched and filled. Kists were utility items. I suggest to evening class students and home learners that they dowel the top on so that the fixings are hidden.
I also recommend fitting a strap (I used a leather one) as it doesn't interfere with the movements of the inner tray.
My 'new' version of the kist does not have a lock, although the original kists did. These can still be obtained, however they do present a problem - when it comes to fitting a surface mounted escutcheon, there isn't much depth for fitting the screws. The push-in type is OK.