Kip's 41
It sounds like real progress on the bed. We suggest making the boards 1/8" shorter than the measurement between the rear sill and the front panel.
http://www.mar-k.com/bedwooddimensions.pdf Boards expand mainly across the grain rather than along the length, and mainly due to moisture changes in the boards. Dry winter air tends to draw moisture out of the wood making them narrower and warm humid air tends to replace moisture into the boards, making them wider. The length does not change much during that process. If you anticipate wide changes in the climate you will experience, be sure to allow plenty of room for expansion and contraction across the bed. Don't try for a real precision fit side to side and allow room for the finish you will apply, as it will build up in the dado edges.
Mar-Ktech
