This is just one of many "Box Finger Joint" boxes that I have made. 

I made it out of Pine.

 

Then I French polished it with blonde shellac.

 

It has alignment posts that always ensure perfect alignment of lid to body when closing. 

 

 

I installed brass hinges.

 

I provided a "Classic Ogee" profile on the lid perimeter.

 

 

Thanks for looking! 

Cheers! 

MrRick 

Really straight grain in that pine!

Funny you should notice that Lew .... I remember when I saw that board at HD. I practically jumped on it to make sure I got it. You almost never see lumber like that at a big box store. It was like rift sawn lumber. In a whole skid it was the only one. 

Nice! Are the alignment posts slightly oversized to allow the clearance? Trying to think through if that would be needed as the lid closes on an angle. 🤔

11 minutes ago, BB1 said:

Nice! Are the alignment posts slightly oversized to allow the clearance? Trying to think through if that would be needed as the lid closes on an angle. 🤔

 

Hi Barb...

 

PROCEDURE

 

On Bottom half drill 1/4" dia x 3/8 deep holes. 2 pl. Insert dowel centers in each hole. 

 

Bring lid down so dowel center points mark location to drill on upper half. 

 

Again...Drill 1/4" dia x 3/8 deep holes. 2 pl now on lid.  Remove dowel centers from bottom. 

 

Take two pieces of 3/4" dowel and taper one end of each with a slight slope about 1/4" in length. This taper is the top pointing toward the upper half. 

 

Place each dowel into each hole on bottom with the taper up. Dry fit and test. When satisfied remove, apply glue, and re-insert.

 

Cheers! 

Rick

 

 

 

Very nice!   My only concern is the solid wood lid. Too much personal experience with wood expansion when humidity rises or shrinks when the air dries out. The alignment pins trapping it against that tendency.  Curious if the hinges have play in them that force the alignment pin strategy? 

Thanks 4DThinker. Contraction and expansion over 4 - 6 inches is near non existent if you take care to know your moisture content before starting and know where the finished project will reside. Then the posts don't post an issue. Hinges have a little bit of play. 

The best moisture content (MC) for pine to minimize contraction and expansion is the equilibrium moisture content (EMC) of the environment where the wood will be used. This typically means a range:

 

6–8% for interior applications in heated areas (furniture, boxes, flooring, cabinetry, etc). I shoot for under 8%.

12–15% for exterior applications (decking, siding, framing).

 

The moisture content of this box was measured at 0% when I started. No chance of having an issue. 

Edited November 2, 2025Nov 2 by MrRick