Simple Fitted Lid

This design is an easy build. Here are the steps.

1. Select the stone and cut to the desired size first. The box you make will be a bit smaller so you can trim it to a precise size later.

2. Take a plank and rabbit a top edge to match the thickness of your rock. As in the other examples, build a simple box. You can use 45 degree miter joints, butt joints or lap joints as shown here.

3. When the glue is dry, fit the stone to the rabbit. Chamfer the upper edges of the stone slightly.

4. As in the example shown with the other fitted box instructions, cut the top off the box leaving ample room for the stone and lid lips. Check for a close fit between the top and bottom. If there are gaps or rough edges, sand flat.

5. Place the stone in the lid, turn over and then cut lid lips. Rather than measure, I find that rough cutting and then gently sanding on a disc machine can achieve the closest fit.

When all the pieces are cut, insert them into the top being careful not to glue them to the rock or to have squeeze-out on the joints.

Allow to dry.

When complete, test the top fit. It will need some adjustment by sanding or shaving edges of the lips. A slight chamfer on the edge of the lips and a bit of sanding as well as some wax will provide a good snug fit.

6. Place the box on a pice of wood and scribe the bottom of the box. Be sure to cut to the line leaving the line. This will make the bottom fit perfectly. Some careful machine sanding can get the piece to fit nicely. If you make a mistake, cut another or fill using the polyacrylate glue and sanding technique. If it is beyond repair and looks good from the top, cover the bottom with felt!

7. As you are waiting for pieces to dry on the wooden part, polish your lid. In this case the Stinkwater oak petrified wood is rather soft, so 100, 220, 400, 600 grits on the flat lap worked well. Afterward, diamond white rouge, then blue rouge to get the surface glossy.