A Little Bit of Fun
Making Lidded Boxes
The construction of a lidded container requires a little loving care, some
imagination and sharp cutting tools. The size and design will be determined
by the timber you select eg. a tall box?, a wide box? a tall finial? What about
the foot of the box? The following sequence may help you to get started. Remember,
at first it's the journey that's important not the destination.
- Select your timber carefully and turn to round. This will determine
the dimensions of the box. Using a parting tool cut the ends square, and
form the holding spigots. Now, in your mind's eye, visualise your box. "
See " the shape, width and height. Mark off the top and bottom. If
you're happy, part off the pieces.
- Fit the top to your scroll chuck and carefully hollow out the
lid. Ensure to cut the inside edge as parallel to the lathe bed as possible.
( This will assist a really good fit onto the bottom.) Sand and polish to
finished on the inside. With a pencil, mark the outside of the lid to show
the depth of cut inside. Remove from chuck.
- Fit the bottom section to scroll chuck. Commence to cut the spigot
for the lid. Be sure to use the lathe bed to assist in this being parallel.
Test fit the lid until a perfect fit is obtained. This should be quite firm
so that you can now complete the top. Sand and polish to finish (If the
fit isn't really tight, hand towel may be used to improve tightness. If
still loose, spray with water .... Still no good?? Start this section again!
) Remove lid.
- Now, hollow out the bottom, being careful not to make the spigot
edge too thin. Sand and polish to finish. Commence to cut the bottom to
shape. Remember not to cut into the hollowed section. Begin the final shaping
to the very bottom. Remove from the chuck and turn around.
- Make another spigot so that the bottom will fit quite firmly.
( Too tight and they split ) The bottom is now quite fragile and must be
cut with care. Ensure the bottom is FLAT. Sand and polish to finish. Remove
from spigot. Place the lid on top . . . ..Finished!
Enjoy your turning.
Lane Sutton
