Thread: Box expands after lid cut

Hi Dengue,
Just discovered this post and can understand your disappointment with the bowing of the long sides. Firstly I congratulate you on making a beautiful piece and especially using Black Bean. It is a species that I think maybe became "unfashionable" but it always has interesting grain and contrast.
I agree with the comments of Aaron about preparation of the boards and allowing time to see if there is any movement prior to making the box.
I have made a number of boxes similar to yours using Black Bean boards about 12 to 13 mm thick and have been fortunate to find Black Bean very stable. In the BB that I have used it is not uncommon to find the lighter patches and I personally like the appearance of Mother Nature imperfections.
Prior to cutting the lid, I will spend a lot of time finishing the surface to the point where I will apply a number of coats of the preferred finish. Whether this pre finish helps reduce movement after lid removal I cannot confirm but it certainly helps in achieving uniform finish between lid and base.

Thanks for the very kind comments Ruddy. I agree, black bean is a beautiful timber. My wife wanted something made of it nearly 45 years ago, and I got the timber at the time but baulked at cutting it, so it sat in the various sheds I have had over that time. I used that for some boxes for my 40 yr old daughter.

I did leave this timber a few months after cutting, and did sand it both sides to 320 grit before cutting the sides to length. Like your suggestion. Next time will put some shellac on it prior to cutting. I normally finish with oil, but was a bit worried how it would seep in and affect the glued mitres later on.

Many thanks for all these valuable comments and suggestions. In the end I made two long flat sanding boards of 40mm MDF, with 3 sheets of 240 and 320 grit papers spray glued to each. Clamped the lid back on the box and then rubbed the long bowed sides along the sanding boards. Turned out pretty good.

You can see the finished product here