"Prometheus" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 15 Jul 2005 10:40:13 -0400, "George" George@least wrote:

SNIP..............
I like them to be a little snug, but I try to recall the reasons
behind frame-and-panel furniture construction, even with stuff from
the lathe. So the lid has a "step" that allows it to sit properly,
even if one or both of the components strink or expand.
======================
That's not exactly true. If you do the lid and lower box part from the same
piece, there's a good chance they'll expand and contract together, but the
mass of the lid also has a lot to do with a continuing snug fit. If you
hollow the inside of the lid so it leaves a "hollow tenon" that fis down
inside the box, then there's an even better chance of a continuing fit. A
hole in the center of the top for a glued in finial will also reduce
stresses on the lid reducing chances of cracking. Every little bit helps.

Ken Moon
Webberville, TX.