Walnut Trunk – Knuckles

The first step for this afternoon is to sand the grid work of both the box and the lid with 100 an 120 grit papers. I use a random orbit sander for this because we have grain running in two directions and trying to do this with a sanding block will leave cross-grain scratches where I try to get up close to the joints.

Before I can mount the corner knuckles I need to glue in some square filler pieces on the bottom of the trunk. Nothing fancy here, just a pad that will help support the leaf of the knuckle and share the weight of the trunk.

The knuckles are make for a square cornered trunk, mounting them as they are would leave large gaps. I’ve seen plenty of trunks done this way and always figured that the points sticking out were a snag hazard, I want to do a little neater job.

So I use a wood faced vice to hold one leaf the knuckle while I “stretch” it out a little to match the slope on the lid of the trunk.

Then I press the knuckles in place, mark screw hole locations with a punch, drill pilot holes for the screws and attach the knuckles with screws.

The knuckles for the box need no stretching so they go on more quickly.

I’ll stop there for today, see you next time!

What We’re Building:

Walnut Steamer Trunk for David B. – In Progress
Utility Trailer Make-Over for David B. - In Progress, sort of
4 Tray Tables, all walnut (custom size) with stand for Shelly
3-Tier Bottle Stopper Rack, all red oak for Donna
4-Tier Bottle Stopper Rack cherry & maple for David K.
3-Tier Bottle Stopper Rack (Standard) for Dan G.
Kitchen organizer - Marie B.- Producing Design
4 TV Tray Tables and stand in maple for Jeffrey P.
Computer Desk for Laptop for Marie B.
Printer Cabinet for Marie B.