Replies

1. 
   flairwoodworks | Jan 09, 2010 01:16pm | #1

   Are you talking about lids like this:

   https://s8tgzq.blu.livefilestore.com/y1mpzpsB6CRyc-McN2USihrLkcrEjf6ScFaJvpFG2nVfoGtaXoJcAVODSs5P8RiqmK-sxbUJRKjqckZg3pjaywdLrgq5pZ-i8Ma3gCqoODV425g-oWpQgFjJE_OBR9thtojQQ_TxYrsTfNnb6GoLMYX4A/DSC_0295r.jpg

   It's not actually zero clearance, but made to tight tolerances. I just ran a groove around three sides before glue up and cut the forth side short. Then I rabbeted the top on three sides to fit the grooves and cut it to width.

1. 
   71Atlas | Jan 09, 2010 06:10pm | #2

   The top edge is cut at a 45 deg. angle that extents to the top surface and is inserted into a matching 45 deg. angle in the box sides. The top is inserted from the end of the box.

1. 
   flairwoodworks | Jan 09, 2010 07:12pm | #3

   Similar to a sliding dovetail?

1. 
   WillGeorge | Jan 10, 2010 06:00am | #5

   Similar to a sliding dovetail?

   I do a sort of 1/2 dovetail. Sort of a knife edge.. When I make small boxes I cut a small grove with my table top router and then use a hand made scraper to carve out the 1/2 'V'.. I hand fit the top so it fits with the same tool.

1. 
   71Atlas | Jan 10, 2010 11:17am | #6

   Cutting the edges of the top and sides of the box with a dovetail bit could work but to get a very tight fit would seem to very difficult to do (especially for my ten thumbs).

   I will give it a try.

   Thanks for the suggestions.

2. 
   jhonbaker | Jan 10, 2010 12:24am | #4

   same concept as flair shows - I cut the grooves before glue up - If I were doing something like the angled lid - I would either make the groove wider or cut one groove straight and then to width at the desire angle.