Replies

1. 
   Westchester | Jan 05, 2011 06:04pm | #1

   Boxes

   Those boxes are held together with copper rivets.

   They are hammered in place -

   SA

1. 
   DonStephan | Jan 05, 2011 08:11pm | #2

   SA:

   I've built perhaps 35 boxes now and you are correct - the bands are held against themselves with copper tacks.  The lids and bottoms however are separately secured to the tacked bands.  Some of the originals I've seen discussed were said to have the lids and bottoms attached with "points" , as in Shaker Woodenware:  A Field Guide Volume 1 by June Sprigg and Jim Johnson, pp. 28, 42, and 44.

1. 
   Westchester | Jan 06, 2011 12:11pm | #3

   Boxes

   Hey Don -

   I have only made two Shaker boxes so you are more up on it then I am.  The bands I attached with copper tacks - hammering them into a rivet.  The top and bottom I attached with headless pins.  The same pins the floor guys use -

   It worked - not sure if it was historically accurate ?   The boxes I made are now 20 years old and they are holding up - no cracking - no pin pops -  seems to have survived the test of time. 

   I guess you can use toothpicks but the hole will be bigger -   not sure if I helped out here but I enjoy contributing -

   Regards,

   SA

2. 
   RalphBarker | Jan 07, 2011 11:49am | #4

   guessing not allowed?

   I know you're looking for a historically-accurate description, but I'm going to guess anyway.  ;-)

   My guess would be that "points" were small headless cut nails - something that could be easily produced (by hand) in a "shoppe of yore".