Help with a simple box

Plywood (even 1/4" luan will do) into 1/4" deep groove (not a rabbet). You would have 61 linear inches of groove to support that rock.

-Steve

That is way more complicated than it needs to be.

For 85 pounds, wouldn't you want at least 1/2 inch plywood?

S.

It's less than a pound and a half per linear inch - and the plate won't flex at all. It sure sounds flimsy, but the math says it's not. There is no point of uneven pressure unless I drop the box. At that point, it's going to come apart - as will whatever is under the point of impact.

Can you simply attach the sides on top of the bottom? Let the edges of the bottom be exposed.

I would put a dado in the sides and make the bottom captive. 1/2" plywood bottom should handle it.

If you really want to use dovetails how about dovetailing all the 18" joints together? ie top & bottom pins DT'd into front & back tails. One end opens to allow slipping the box onto the stone which has been slid (less than 1/2 way) off the benchtop. Reverse to extract the stone. I'd expect there to be less wrangling of the stone, and cursing, this way. Art

Instead of lifting the box, I'd think in terms of putting two handles on each side, for a two-man lift. Easiest would be two

How to gently lower the stone into the box: Drill drain holes in the bottom Fill the box with ice Set the stone on the ice ... take a long lunch break.