Replies

1. 
   user-1119429039 | Jan 04, 2008 06:05pm | #1

   Dear Jeffit,

   Here's a response to your question about wood movement from Steve Latta, the FWW contributing editor who did the article on building a spice box:

   Moldings are often glued on cross-grain and, historically, this practice has not presented great problems.  If they pop, and none of mine ever have, I would simply put them back on – no big deal.  On larger pieces, I would glue the front few inches and screw from the inside with oversized holes to allow for movement.  A biscuit along the top rear edge eliminates components drifting out of alignment.  Obviously there is no historical precedent for that!  At what point do I go to that practice as opposed to just gluing.  I don’t know – it is a gut call based on species, experience and that day’s energy level. 

   Movement should be accounted for but sometimes we get a little carried away.  I know some folks use dovetail keys on moldings.  I know that because I have had to repair them on a few occasions.   I try to stick to known techniques that have been successfully employed for centuries and hope for the best.   Sometimes old tried and true techniques can fail as well depending upon the materials, equilibrium moisture content, etc.

    The type of drawer construction I used on the box has historical precedence countless times over.  The drawers on my first wife’s jewelry box were made in that manner and are over 25 years old and have survived without a glitch.  

    Hope this helps.