walnut struts keep the ribs close to the mold while the plates are glued up. They will be sawed in half and removed when the back is attached.

The top has been glued and trimmed flush with the router.

After the back kerfing is relieved for the braces, it is glued in a similar fashion to the top.

The box is closed and flushed up! Up next will be routing the dovetail and binding mortises.