I have built several boxes some of which I will shellac and some which I will oil and then polyurethane.
The cases have been built but not finished. Does it make sense to finish the exterior of the boxes before cutting them open or waiting until I have cut them before doing so?
Thanks,
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How confident are you that you can cut them apart with zero tearout that would require a touch of a plane or some sanding to eliminate?
This is the first time that I have done this. I will be using a thin kerf ripping blade on a table saw with a zero clearance insert and not cutting all the way thru. To minimize tearout, I was also thinking off wrapping the area with masking tape.
I was also wondering if the shellac or polyurethane would alos minimize the tear out.
I've made boxes in this fashion and I wouldn't think of finishing them before cutting the lids off. I do sand to 220 grit before cutting, that way I should not have any areas that have a rough spot that I need to sand too much to maintain the clean lines of the joint area. Sand to 220, cut apart, and then sand the edges and touchup the sides with more 220 grit. Then finish as usual. I'm sure this method will be less frustrating than having to go back and repair a scratch or chipout. Sometimes masking take also will mar the finish if you are not careful.
Bruce
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