In need of some improvising....

[rnt80]

I built this trunk for a former student/athlete of mine that is getting married on Friday.  The middle of it bows out by a 1/2", enough so that the lid won't shut.  I need to put something in the middle that will pull it back into alignment.  What do you think about a shallow tray about 5-6" wide?  I could pocket screw it to the sides of the trunk from the underside.

 

[nickao]

That would work but could it prevent them from placing large blankets in without fumbling around. I guess it depends on what will be put in there.

Can it be a tray near the top that you can take out then snap back in before you close the top(Or is the bow to hard to pull out for that). Than they only need pop out the tray when they need to, but putting it back in will make it straighten out before closing the top. A small piece on the both front and rear inside can be made to hook under the tray, pulling the sides together and holding the tray in place. I would place it as high as possible only accounting for the depth of the tray and a bit more.

I bet after a year or so of being straight it will stay straight.

 

[rnt80]

I wish it were that easy.  It bows out so I need something to pull it back in.  I'm afraid I'm going to have to sacrifice convenience for the sake of fixing my mistake.

 

[nickao]

Then go for it, it will still be nice!

What about a simple rail just 1 1/2" wide by 3/4" thick going across the top. Simple to slip in blankets underneath it. Or maybe wider and you can carve or wood burn their names and date of marriage on it. Or a 6" wide piece that you can make a decorative carving on?

Just throwing ideas at you.

 

[mwhafner]

How much pressure do you need to pull it back in?  You may be able to just put a relatively thin rail on the front and back panels, it could double as a support for an removable tray.

 

[nickao]

From the pic it looks like it bows dead center outward from the front. Is that right?

 

[mastercabman]

What about a fixed divider?  Maybe not necessary all the way to the top.

 

[rnt80]

A lot of good suggestions here, I'll try and address them all.  The bow is dead center along the top of the trunk so I need to pull it in at the top.  It bows out about 1/2" at it's widest point.  I like the idea of rail going along the edge to support a removeable tray.  The only problem is that I don't have the time to make a removeable tray and  I'm not sure that will be enough to pull the bow back.  Nickao, I may take your suggestion and use whatever I add as a canvas for some kind of decorative work.

 

[BarryL]

What is it made from?  Can you try to pull it back together by screwing a couple eye bolts on opposite ends (small jack chain and a turnbuckle) and then mist the bowed board with water and let it dry then repeat?

 

[rnt80]

What is it made from?  Can you try to pull it back together by screwing a couple eye bolts on opposite ends (small jack chain and a turnbuckle) and then mist the bowed board with water and let it dry then repeat?

No can do.  It has been finished already.  I made the mistake of not attaching the hinges until everything was done...my mistake.  I think I've found a solution.  I'll post pics when it's all done. 

 

[rnt80]

See "Wedding Present" thread for finished project.

 

[woodshopdemos]

Here's a thought. Build a cross bar of same wood that is 1 1/2 wide and drill holes for two 1//4" dowels in each end. Attach smalllblocks at mid secton of front and back. You will have to squeeze front and back together and then the cross brace will hold it. Can b e removed when they need to stow anything.