Thread: Vintage Suitcase Toolbox build

Hi Milo

Can you be more specific how you want the lid?

I have a similar thread up, which may give you some ideas (or which may be too late at this point).

https://www.woodworkforums.com/f11/ho...id-box-161383/

Regards from Perth

Derek

Hi Derek!

Daaaaaaamn, I should have researched things a bit more before taking the plunge! Its too late now I have to go forth......

So if you look at the first picture of the whole box the lid is going to open outwards with a quarter of the front face and sides staying put, think of a suitcase but instead of cutting the lid off all the way through you leave about approx a 200mm lip in the front.

The person who built the original vintage suitcase toolbox then lined the front lid with 15mm strips to give the hinges something to sit on and give the box strength. I am going to reinforce the front face with a solid 200mm strip glued to the inside of the face so the hinges have plenty of beef to sit on.

My issue I guess is now that I have cut the front face curf at 90 degrees there is going to be a very large gap........and should I bother with a 45 degree side cut or just go a square cut on the sides?

Mic-d lovely 3d drawing gives me an idea, by cutting a 90 degree curf I could introduce that zig zag step? mmmmmm maybe?

I hope I have explained it well enough?!

Well DISASTER has struck!!!

I am really confused and quite frankly very off!!!!

I cut the door off succesfully a week ago and everything has been looking terrific, all I need to do was get some brass hinges as I was planning on using one long brass piono hinge but it just didn't look right so the door has been sitting for a bit. I walked into the garage last night and the whole door of the box has warped out of control........I am stunned!!!!!

The wood I used was a species called Amora - its an Indonesian hardwood I bought from Moxons over two years ago, it was kilned dried and has been sitting in the rafters of my double garage for two years. So it was well seasoned, I jointed and planned it twice so it had plenty of time to move before I made the box.

The weather in Brisbane has been stinking hot and humid over the past week or so but I never expected this........

Its a throw away job....no salvaging this project.

This is not the first time this has happend with this wood....but is it the wood, is it the weather?

Do other woodworkers in Brisbane have problems with panels warping out of control????

I haven't taken a pic of the warp but rest assured it is stuffed!!

ian wilkie saws.JPG

Hi Milo

You have nothing to lose .... wet the lid, clamp it into shape (square), allowing air to circulate around it, and then leave it to dry out.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Hi Milo.
I agree with Derek.
Wet the lid, clamp it flat for say 48 hours to let it dry and see what happens. Sometimes these things can be salvaged.

Ok....ill give it a go.....

Thanks guys......

Need pictures of the devastation!

I had the same happen to some redbox. Made some lovely 6mm panels at night, came back in the morning and I had some bananas!

Years ago when I lived in Coffs Harbour I acquired some Sally Wattle
to make a unit for the stereo gear. It gave me all sorts of problems
with movement.

I consulted a local cabinet maker and he advised the judicious use of
damp towels and sunlight. Worked a treat!

Mind you everything had to be assembled quickly, but the process worked well.