Wooden Box with Sliding Lid
Machining the Blanks--The Dados
The rabbits are done. Now we need to do the dados.
|
Based on the pattern, I adjust the rip fence to
1-3/16". I then check the board with the blade to make sure the
dado will look right. Too shallow and it won't have enough
strength. Too deep and it will cause shadows on the lid and not look
right; you also lose volume in the box.
|
|
|
|
Eight more passes and we've got the first cut of the dado done. Again, since the blade and the plywood aren't quite the same thickness, we'll need a second pass. |
|
I move the fence over about 1/32". Be sure
you move it the right way so you don't weaken the lip! (voice of
experience...)
After I cut one blank, I take a scrap of Baltic Birch and make sure it slides freely through the dado. There should be no binding, but it also should have some resistance. I'll err on the side of slightly too tight, as we can always sand the edges of the plywood. If it's too loose, the lid will slide off too easily. |
|
|
|
A final eight passes, and the blanks are done! After each blank goes through the saw I'll check it with the plywood scrap. It's easier to do an extra pass now while everything is set up then try to chisel/sand/re-cut it later after you've broken down the set-up. (Again, voice of experience!) |
The blanks are finally done. We're now ready to cut out the sides; see you on the next page!
To tulip-tree.com.
