Fire department museum curator continues to bring items to help with restoration of old former 1944 military vehicle that was converted into a fire truck many years ago. This time he wanted a small tool box built, so I agreed to build it. I carefully cut all pieces to size;  glued the sides and ends, clamped them, carefully checking for square. They next a.m. I checked the i.d. in preparing to make the top and bottom. It was out of square! This is what I did, so I sure hope he accepts it! I planed the top and bottom to fit. What would you have done? The material was mahogany, and from appearances it looks o.k. Should I start over or what? Thanks in advance!

If everything looks snug and square, I would go ahead and let him take it, but if it looks the least bit off to you, chances are he may see it as well, in which case you are better off in the long run to redo it. Who knows, maybe the wood expanded or just was ever so slightly off and you didn't see it until it was too late. Any number of faults could exist, but yea If you would take it from someone who made it this way, then it's likely that he will too and be very happy with it. Otherwise do over.

 

That's my 2 cents and I'm sticking to it LOL.

I'd go with what Charles said. How does it look when it is assembled.

 

Also, depending where it is placed on the vehicle, it might not be noticeable. Show it to him, point out the out of square condition and offer to remake it. There's a pretty good chance it only looks bad to you.

 

I understand how you feel. We hate to make anything for someone else and not have it come out the way we wanted it. I know that I am my own worst critic. When I make something all I can see are the flaws.

Hey Woodie, can you post an image of the box with a square held up to it? I am just curious is all how much we are talking here.

1 hour ago, lew said:

I know that I am my own worst critic. When I make something all I can see are the flaws.

That's the way I am. My wife tells me that it'll be just fine, if she's happy, I'm happy.

I would bet it will be just fine.  It is most likely a display item and will just sit and not be used.  Let them know and if it becomes a problem then you will have to remedy it.

It looks square since I made the top and bottom fit. In retrospect, if I had glued the bottom in place to begin with, it would have been perfectly square. 20/20 hindsight!

Is the square square? 

 

Steve, the old FlGatorwood