Box finishing process

[Lyle]

Can anyone suggest a good way to finish the box I am making.
It is my first attempt making a box with the Leigh superjig.
Box is Red Cedar and White Cedar approx 300 x 150 x 180.
I haven't finished it yet, but have given it two coats of sanding dealer with a sanding in between and after.
I will be using Minwax wipe on poly in either high gloss or satin.

Will it be easier to finish unassembled as it is now or should I put it together then finish.
If it is together how do I finish the insides without getting runs etc?
Unassembled I can get into the corners etc but then risk causing problems when assembling
Any suggestions will be appreciated.

[toolbagsPLUS]

Hi Lyle,

As a rule I finish the inside first, before final assembly, however I do a dry run assembly (several timeS in some cases) to the get all the hinges and other hardware aligned before finishing.

Then disassemble finish inside and partially outside, then reassemble using the right hardware.

A bit if messing around but it saves time in the long run.

I generally leave the final coat or finish application on the outside until it has had it's final assembly. Just watch out for the lock mechanism (if any) and the barrels on the hinges are kept covered to prevent sticking. Good looking box by the way.

Cheers


Steve

[Lyle]

Thanks Steve.
I mafe a few mistakes along the way and learnt a lot.
Timber selection, dimension/design and build and finish sequence will need more development but this was a learning experience.
I have seen really marvellous works on this site that I can only dream about doing. ut I'll get better maybe not great but am having a good time just doig!
Thanks for your suggestions.
I'll post finished pictures in a while.
Lyle.

[Lyle]

Finally finished.

[munruben]

Nice box Lyle, the finish has really brought out the grain and colour of the timber beautifully. Thanks for sharing with us.

[RufflyRustic]

Nice nice nice nice nice nice nice nice nice nice nice nice nice nice nice nice nice !!!!!! Yum!

A very well balanced box in terms of grain, finish, timber choice, timber thickness. Love it!!!

cheers
Wendy

[Lyle]

Aww shucks guys .....
Thanks.