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Why the Bottom Always Goes on Last

If you’ve ever examined one of my security chests, you may have noticed its sleek appearance—no visible screws, no awkward seams. It appears solid, as if it were crafted that way.

However, there’s a trick behind that clean look, and I learned it the hard way.

When constructing a piece that incorporates internal electronics—like the concealed RFID locks I use for security—I adhere to a strict rule: The bottom is always the last piece to be attached.

Why is this important? Because Murphy’s Law is all too real in the woodshop.

I’ve spent countless hours fitting a lid or aligning a face frame, only to discover that the housing for the RFID sensor is slightly misaligned or that the wiring requires an extra quarter-inch of clearance to function properly. Had I already secured the bottom, I would have been forced to perform "surgery" on the piece, risking damage to the finish or, worse, splitting the wood.

By leaving the bottom off until the very end, I can reach inside, troubleshoot, test the locking mechanism, and ensure everything is perfectly aligned. This method—though it takes longer and demands more patience—ensures that the final product operates flawlessly for the buyer.

The bottom may go on last, but it is the component that holds everything together. Similarly, the mistakes I encounter along the way may seem like setbacks, but they ultimately contribute to the final result.

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