Small box question

Betsy, how much do you like this boss? Just kidding!

I think you’ll be fine with glue and brads – in fact, you’d probably be okay with just glue. Gluing end grain isn’t as strong as gluing face or edge grain, but that doens’t mean there is no strength – just less. For a box this size, the joints probably will not be subject to very much stress.

-- Coffee is best with a fine layer of sawdust on top. -- http://www.north40custom.com

Epoxy

-- WOOD/DON (...one has the right to ones opinion but not the right to ones own facts...)

If you are drilling a pilot hole I dont think the wood would crack. Haave you thought about using half lap joints, they are stronger than butt joints and all you need is glue.

-- bryano

Peter – this is a new boss – but I think she’ll be on okie dokie boss.

I’ve been scrounging around and have found enough small brass screws. So I’ve drilled and screwed them in. Worked great – no cracks!

I’ve inserted the square plugs and have done the flocking. I just need to do the slab lid and the inset tray, sand and finish and viola I’m done! Whew – just in time! :-)

Don – Epoxy? I did not even think to consider that. Will next time though.

Bryan—I’m not sure how I would have done a half-lap on this one. I did not mention that the ends are set in from the end of the sides.

I’ll post pictures later this week when the finish is done.

Thanks for all your help!

-- Betsy - GO BUCKS!

cant wait to see the finished project.

-- bryano

Hi Betsy -

Another thought – why don’t you skip the metal fasteners entirely and merely drill a few holes in each corner once the box is assembled, and then place a section of contrasting dowel in each hole – thus “pegging” your joinery. I would think it will supply more strength than would ever be needed for such a small project, and it will add an element of visual interest as well.

-- Woodworking is not a destination....it's a joinery !!! http://smilesrus.com/pages/woodgallery.html

Yes I was thinking of Dowels that were inserted after the glue up was finished. As points of light or dark as the case may be.

-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com

Betsy,

Another option is to cut a rabbet in one side and to butt-joint in the rabbet. For a box that small glue strength should be more than enough, if you can clamp the piece while drying. Brads I mostly used as a clamping technique than jointing technique (keep the pieces together until the glue dries). My kid played with gluing things together (including end grain to end grain). I was surprised how strong the end-grain to side-grain glued joint is.

The advantage of not using screws or nails is that there is nothing to cover.

Good luck,
Alin

-- -- Alin Dobra, Gainesville, Florida

I think you guys will be surprised to see what I’ve come up with. I’ve almost have the box done and will get a picture up by Wednesday or so once the finish is dry. I think I’ve done good!!!!

Thanks for all your help. When I started this box – it was supposed to be a quick, simple project. Did not take long to change the quick part. But I’ve learned a couple of things from it. When I post the pictures – you’ll see!

-- Betsy - GO BUCKS!