The lids The lids use a bamboo dowels as pivot pins, how this is achieved is with internal springs behind each of the dowels. The dowels are simply compressed and “popped” into place. Removal will require a trimming knife or a pull saw to cut the dowels off through The Gap and remove the lid. Don’t remove the saw or blade before lifting the lid free of the box!
It they are broken it’s just a matter of repairing and replacing any missing dowels and or springs.
As built Details 1.Dimensions The two sides 162 mm x 130 mm x 9 mm The base 232 mm x 130 mm x 9mm The front 215 mm x 157 mm x 9 mm The back 215 mm x 155mm x 9 mm The Lid 214 mm x 130 mm x9 mm Working with Veneer 2. Various Species. Box 1 Queensland Brush Box Box 2 Tasmanian Celery Top Pine Box 3 Australian Red Cedar Box 4 American Walnut and Sassafras Lid Box 5 Myrtle Cluster or Plain Myrtle.
I replaced my CGV table saw blade with a CMT 80 tooth version to reduce the risk of splintering
Sanding:- With veneer as thin as it is rough edge sanding can be done carefully with 60 Grit but look at using 240 grit for surface work. Residual glue can be removed with a sharp chisel or box cutter.
Finishing:- I chose satin poly but there is no reason not to use oils or other preferred surface finishes.
After a coat of sanding sealer I steel wool roughened the surface in preparation for The satin finish
Norglass Weatherfast Poly Clear Satin.
Advice:- Don’t use sanding discs with holes in them as they tend to catch in the veneer and cause damage Veneer can be cut with scissors across the grain. With the grain requires clamping and scoring with a trimming knife or risk splitting along the grain and ruining the selected piece. Use cauls when gluing it onto the substrate to ensure a flat surface result. A compression bit with a top mount bearing would be the best choice for trimming the veneer Plan the sequence of applying the veneer for max effect. I think it’s a matter of personal choice as to whether you do verticals or horizontals first, one way or the other you are going to see edge grain unless your good at doing 45 deg edges on veneer!
The spring loaded hinge pins is a nice solution for lots of possible issues. My most common is forgetting to put the lid in place during assembly.
Another way to remove the lid is with a razor blade in the gap. Small bites into the dowel and push it into the lid. With the right side tension it'll stay in position for the next push. Kinda like pushing a door knob bolt with a pocket knife to open a locked door (not that I'd ever condone or admit to that)
