I think I started this project in 2009. I was at the stage of sanding it and a couple of other smaller and similar boxes, when study got in the way and stopped most of my woodwork. I haven't yet put any hinges or catches on it.

The box lid frame has warped, and rocks on opposite corners. The other boxes have the same problem. The centre panel moves quite freely in its groove.

I don't have any remaining bits of this timber available - camphor wood.

Any suggestions on how to fix it?

The second question is: Is this more probably due to poor assembly technique (eg uneven clamping) or not understanding grain direction and timber movement?

Regards
Sandra

Attached Images

2012-01-14 20 32 10 B.jpg (53.1 KB, 96 views)

Did it sit flat on the carcass when it was first made? If so, it's unlikely to be poor clamping technique.
It's most likely happened because the lid was sitting on a surface somewhere, with only the top exposed to the air. Is this the case? This can happen even to frame & panels, particularly if the timber wasn't completely dry when assembled. It's possible but unlikely that the panel has cupped enough to deform the frame, but that frame looks robust enough, so I doubt that's the case.
Assuming the first case, you may be able to correct it by wetting the frame thoroughly, and clamping it down on a couple of sheets of newspaper on a flat surface for a couple of days. After that, leave it standing on edge for a few more days and see how it fits. No guarantees, but this has worked for me.

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Good advice from the above,you may try if it doesn't straighten to put a shim under one edge to make it go past level the other way to compensate for the twist.
You will be able to fix it.

Alex and Nerb are spot on. You may also find that the panel is warping too and is influencing the frame but wetting the frame and flattening or over flattening is the solution. Have you checked that the box has stayed flat? It may be a twist in the box? If so a re alignment on a large glass panel topped with sandpaper will get it back in control.
Boxes look too good to give up now!

Try the solutions advised above and check the carcass is not twisted. If the above doesn't solve the problem and the carcass is true. then your only option may be to remake the lid frame if you can locate some more Camphor. If the lid panel is not warped then you could dismantle the lid and reuse the panels for a new lid frame. I would imagine the warping has occurred due to the way it has been stored. Probably laid flat without air circulation. Good luck with it.

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Cheers John

Thanks.
I followed AlexS' advice. It's been clamped between a couple of flat sheets for about four days ( i was intending three, but forgot!) It's nice and flat right now, but i'll let it air dry for a few more days, supported vertically by a couple of clamps on the centre panel, and see if it stays that way.