Treasure chest style toy box. To glue or not to glue.

[msadkin]

I have cut and mitered the slates to make a curved top to a toy box. The individual boards for the top are 1"x1.5"x30". There will be 17 in all. They will be attached to arched end pieces that have been dadoed to allow the slats to be flush with the top of the sides without the end grain showing. I hope this is clear. I have a couple of questions on the best way to go about this. I am thinking about drilling pilot holes, and attaching each slat on both ends with 1 screw to the end pieces. I would then cap the screws with a cut dowel. Would it be a good idea to use glue on any or all of this top? I worry a bit about wood movement, but don't know if it would be a factor. Also, I am considering putting 1 biscuit in the middle (off set) of each slat to help keep everything aligned since it's a 30" run with no support in the middle.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you.

Mike

[Vic]

If the top is solid wood slats, I'd glue it and account for movement in the dadoes on the end pieces. Glue only the center to disallow binding.

[jHop]

check out this month's Popular Woodworking magazine. Mine is in the basement, so it'll be a while before I get to it, but I believe it's just glued.