The Method
From selection to final polish, every stage favors stability, precise action, and finishes built to endure. Components are specified, tested, and tuned by hand—so each piece opens with quiet confidence and lives comfortably for decades.
The Centient Build System
Eight pillars that define how we build—for longevity, serviceability, and poise.
1) Design & Engineering
Proportion, joinery, airflow, hinge geometry, and seal strategy—resolved at the drawing board so the piece opens and reads with quiet confidence.
- Hardware clearances and airflow modeled; datum strategy fixed early
- Seal compression targets specified for repeatable closing behavior
- Balanced substrates and grain orientation to counter seasonal movement
2) Materials & Interiors
Solids and fine veneers are chosen for dimensional calm, figure, and provenance. Interiors remain unfinished and hygroscopic—most often Spanish cedar for its cigar‑familiar aroma and buffering, Okoume when a near‑neutral scent is preferred, or Mahogany for its even, diffuse‑porous temperament.
- Species matrix considers porosity, odor profile, grain structure, and movement
- Interior surfaces left free of film finish to support humidity exchange
- Alternate interiors by brief: maple, beech, or custom—assessed case‑by‑case
- Occasional rarities: Ancient Kauri, authentic Bethlehem Olive
3) Veneer, Inlay & Marquetry
Motifs are planned in CAD; book, slip, or radial matches executed on balanced cores with controlled press cycles so seams read as deliberate lines.
- Press schedule and adhesive matched to species and stack
- Metal/stone inlay sequenced to protect edges and registration
- Edge‑seam control around corners, reveals, and lid breaks
4) Precision Fabrication
CO₂ laser templating and thoughtful fixturing yield a precise fit. CNC is applied where repeatability serves longevity; hand‑fitting where touch dictates.
- Datum references fixed for consistent part location and rework
- Glue scheduling tuned to control creep, squeeze, and telegraphing
- Post‑machining hand fit for seamless interfaces and quiet action
5) Hardware & Instrumentation
Hardware engineered and made in Ireland is seated in precise mortises; German instrumentation is selected for quiet, dependable readings and alignment.
- Parallelism and reveal symmetry verified before cycle testing
- Instrumentation alignment and sealing for stable, readable data
- Serviceable architecture—components can be accessed without marring surfaces
6) Quality Assurance & Automation
Image‑based veneer checks, calibrated humidity and seal tests, and cycle counts confirm the opening feel and interior stability we expect.
- Photo waypoints to confirm figure continuity and seam intent
- Humidity/pressure traces logged for each commission
- Hinge cycles recorded within tolerance bands
7) Finish System
Italian‑engineered 2K systems, protective masks, and laser‑engraved artwork—leveled between coats until color, depth, and clarity read true.
- Species‑specific sealers and build coats; gloss or satin tuned by brief
- Optional metal‑powder infill; overbuild and level for a glass‑flat field
- Edge protection to prevent burn‑through; defined repair pathways
8) Final Polish
Progressive sanding and a measured polish produce an optical finish; final clear is tuned from a composed satin to a mirror gloss.
- Micron‑graded abrasives carried through the finish
- Compound and swirl removal under inspection lighting
- Final wipe‑down; action and seal re‑verified before handoff
Proportion & Balance
Guided by classical proportion—applied with restraint so the piece feels calm and purposeful.
Guided, not ruled
We reference the golden ratio (~1.618:1), root rectangles (√2/√3), and the rule of thirds—choosing the guide that serves the box’s size and use.
Reveals & shadow lines
Even shadow lines around lid and base compose the form; hinge knuckles and hardware land on those lines naturally.
Material contrast
Warm timber set against cool metal accents; sheen tuned for harmony—never glare.
Veneer continuity
Grain and pattern meet cleanly at corners; radial work centered precisely so seams read as deliberate lines.
Tactile harmony
Edges invite the hand; handles land where you reach; the lid opens with unhurried certainty.
Functional stability
Proportion, weight, and footing balanced so the piece stays composed and opens confidently with one hand.
QA & Instrumentation
A slim layer of engineering that supports the craft.
Stage by Stage
Twelve steps from first board to final polish.
Selection & Acclimation
Boards matched for tone and figure; shop‑humidity acclimation for dimensional stability.
- Moisture checks and stickered rest
- Match sets for color and grain continuity
- Reject criteria defined up front
Milling & Balanced Panels
Jointed, planed, and composed; solids or veneers balanced to minimize seasonal movement.
- Opposed veneer layups for stability
- Panel flatness held within spec
- Witness line prevention at seams
Casework Joinery
Precision joinery keeps the case true through years of service.
- Corner registration and clamping strategy
- Adhesive choice matched to species
- Squareness and twist checks at cure
Lid Geometry & Seal
Hinge geometry, compression, and tolerances tuned for a soft, consistent close.
- Compression targets and gasket fit
- Deflection checks at full open
- Even shadow lines at reveals
Interior Lining (Species & Fit)
Interiors specified from unfinished, hygroscopic hardwoods—commonly Spanish cedar, Okoume, or Mahogany—left free of film finish to support humidity exchange.
- Odor profile & porosity considered
- Floating panels where movement demands
- Edges eased for tactile comfort
Trays & Dividers
Ventilation paths planned; components built to spec for balanced airflow and presentation.
- Vent area and path continuity
- Finger reliefs and alignment stops
- Non‑rattle capture
Climate Integration
Carrier positioned for even distribution and easy serviceability.
- Capture without rattle or obstructed flow
- Service access defined in CAD
- Air path verified after lining
Hardware Mortising
Hinges and locks seated, aligned, and cycle‑tested; action set for a clean, confident feel.
- Mortise depth & parallelism checks
- Final torque and return verification
- Non‑marring fastener access
Surface Preparation
Progressive sanding establishes a flawless base for finish.
- Uniform scratch pattern validation
- Edge protection and radius control
- Dust control between grits
Finish Regimen
Multi‑coat 2K schedule tailored to species and sheen, leveled between passes for depth and durability.
- Dry film target per sheen
- Witness line avoidance at seams
- Masking strategy protects edges and cavities
Conditioning & Checks
Humidity conditioning, seal verification, instrumentation checks, and final QA images.
- Seal leak‑down timing
- Interior equilibrium test
- Hardware action re‑check
Crating & Delivery
Protective crating built to suit; delivery scheduled and tracked.
- Corner and surface isolation
- White‑glove handoff on request
- Care guide included
What to Expect
Depends on production runs and queue.
Documented at key stages with work‑in‑progress images.
Species, interior, trays/dividers, inlay/branding, and finish.
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