Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Box challenge DAY 28


...now this is not the traditional box you will see many trade binderies producing.That box is made in 2 parts, this one is in 3.
Of course I think this box is stronger,functions better, and looks more polished.
Stress at the joints is divided by the form(inside joint) and the case(outer joint), rather than having 1 piece do all the work.
The head and tail are turned-in over a square vellum/goat head cap, forming a snug trap into which the form will be glued in.
I essentially treat the box as if I am casing-in a leather case binding.
That is, when "putting the back in", I set the joint with a backing board, and leave in a "fence" in order to keep the board at 90 degree angle to the form.
One word about the joints.....
I want to put the joints down with the board open at 90 degree angle to the spine...just as in casing-in a leather bound book.
The boxes left overnight to dry can be cased-in the following day,trays, joints, linings etc....
I have found that putting the joints down this way increases the flexibility of the box, whilst also relieving the tension at the inside joints.This will also prevent the boards from pulling off the spine and pulling the box open when cased-in and standing up.
Boxes with the joints put down in this manner, can be opened all the way backwards so that the foredges of the board touch with no danger that the joint will split.
Now no-one is going to be opening boxes like this, but the added flexibility is a bonus, and can only extend the life of the box.
NB ...also this is the last point you will have to make sure your boxes will stand-up straight, catch the ones that are going to be a problem and fix them.If you don't see it now, you won't discover it until the box is finished.....and thats never good!
so to recap....casing in this way will ensure your boxes stand-up straight and stay shut!!!
Which is what we all want ...basic requirement!

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