I'm making a small box with dovetailed corners and a sliding lid. I want to use solid wood for the bottom. What is a good way to attach the bottom?
- Bob
Marietta, GA
Pencil Box
Our Expert
When using solid wood for the bottom of a box, as opposed to plywood, it is important to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction of the wood. In small boxes, I cut a 3/16" wide groove around the inside of the box perimeter with a 3/16" straight bit such as Amana Tool #45102. Make sure to position the groove in he tail so that the bit does not cut away the pin.Also, stop the groove before it reaches the end of the tail board to keep it hidden from view.
When fitting the bottom cut it slightly undersized to allow for expansion into the groove. As a rule-of-thumb I allow 1/16" per 12" of stock for seasonal expansion. For a small box like the one pictured I mill the bottom 3/8" thick and bevel the edges to fit the groove with Amana Tool #54116.