Forum topic by jcwalleye | posted 12-07-2011 06:24 AM | 7626 views | 1 time favorited | 10 replies | ![]() |
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12-07-2011 06:24 AM |
Topic tags/keywords: aromatic cedar finish cherry I understand that to equalize the moisture moving in and out of a glued up wood panel, both sides of the panel should be finished. But I’ve also read that finishes in an aromatic cedar environment soften up over time causing problems. My question is: should I finish the inside of the lid to prevent warpage, or leave it unfinished. I’m finishing the design for a cherry mortis/tenon/panel blanket chest. The lid will be 7/8” solid cherry with the ends breadboarded, if thats the right term. I’m also thinking of splining the boards that make up the field, and some kind of sliding dowling of the field to the ends, on the underside so it won’t show. The inside of the chest will have an unfinished plywood bottom and the sides lined with aromatic cedar. I’m thinking I should probably finish the underside of the top but would appreciate hearing your opinions. Thanks -- Trees, a wonderful gift --Joe-- |
10 replies so far
#1 posted 12-07-2011 12:59 PM |
Yes, finish it, to equalize the stress to prevent warping. I built a cedar lined chest out of cherry finished with polyurethane (except for the cedar of course) more than 20 years ago, and the finish still looks great. -- Joe |
#2 posted 12-07-2011 02:24 PM |
I think I would finish the underside of the lid, and I’m sure I wouldn’t use any oil based finishes like a varnish on interior parts. The odor will be there forever. A shellac or water borne finish will do well, and not have an odor problem. You could also use lacquer, though I avoid it due to the fumes. -- Our village hasn't lost it's idiot, he was elected to congress. |
#3 posted 12-07-2011 04:32 PM |
(?)........................................:) -- " At my age, happy hour is a crap and a nap"..... |
#4 posted 12-07-2011 11:04 PM |
“(?)........................................:)” The varnish will off gas for a very long time, maybe over a year. If things like food (kitchen cabinets) or fabrics, especially those made with natural fibers like wool are stored in there, they can take on that odor (DAHIKT). It makes for a very unhappy LOML….(LOL). -- Our village hasn't lost it's idiot, he was elected to congress. |
#5 posted 12-07-2011 11:23 PM |
I made my lid with 3/4”plywood veneered with oak then i warped it with 1”solid oak leaving a 1/4” space for tung and grooved cedar.I think it makes a nice touch.Look under my projects for my cedar chest I have made 2 this way. |
#6 posted 12-07-2011 11:33 PM |
”The varnish will off gas for a very long time, maybe over a year.” I disagree. I finished a 12 drawer chest several weeks ago that is finished inside and out with Minwax polyurethane (see my project list), and the drawers are unfinished aromatic cedar. The inside had 3 coats, and the outside about 7 (I lost track). By the time I finished installing the drawer slides and making final adjustments any varnish odor was gone. In use, the only smell is that of the cedar. -- Joe |
#7 posted 12-08-2011 03:49 AM |
Thanks for all your insight. I’m inclined to finish the underside of the lid, though hadn’t thought of using shellac. Most of the interior would be unfinished and lined with cedar. Thanks again. -- Trees, a wonderful gift --Joe-- |
#8 posted 12-08-2011 06:06 AM |
Joe, I have had the same experience with Poly, Spar smells for slightly longer. -- " I'll try to be nicer, if you'll try to be smarter" gfadvm |
#9 posted 12-08-2011 01:55 PM |
I highly suggest you leave the inside, even under the lid, unfinished. I have built several trunks lined with cedar. I make sure everything that is NOT aromatic cedar is finished. I put no finish on the cedar that’s on the inside though. I do this for several reasons, and each of these reasons I learned from doing it, not just from reading it somewhere. You can also see two more chests I made with cedar lining here and here. |
#10 posted 12-08-2011 03:05 PM |
How about adding some attractive cauls? That might help. I’d stick with a water-based finish if you’re going to do it. Nothing worse than a cedar chest that smells like a mechanic’s garage. -- My dad and I built a 65 chev pick up.I killed trannys in that thing for some reason-Hog |
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