CNC half-lap joints / Watch Box redux

I built a watch box a few years back. It came out pretty good, but it broke me from a CNC standpoint. I expected everything to just fit, and well…nothing did. I ended up doing it all using non-cnc tools and machinery.

I’m back with a newly built machine and what better way to put it through its paces then try the watch box again. This one will be going to a friend.

The box is 8" tall and made from 1/2 thick craft wood (the first one was poplar, this one will be pine. If it goes well my next one may be made of something more luxurious…). Unfortunately the widest planks at the big box store were 1/2"x6", which of course measures 5.5".

Last time, I used a table router to cut biscuit joints to edge glue two planks together. This time I wanted to try something different. I came up with this wavy half-lap thing. I’m very stoked with the accuracy of the cuts and the fit!

Of course I need 3 more panels, and this operation only results in a completed piece of stock for the next operation, but I’m off to a good start.

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Now you need to go get a different species of wood so you can see that sexy joint after staining!!!

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Yeah, I think that’s the plan. That and/or over cut the wave on the front side, then add a brass, wood, or epoxy inlay in between. Lots of possibilities!

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