LUSITANO RETREAT — P30 BUILD NOTES
Use only with the main pallet guide and material intake checks. Illustrative dimensions are not a structural rating.

MEASUREMENTS
1. Example outside box 320 × 240 mm; base 6 mm, rails 15 mm thick and 65 mm high.
2. Measure the removable weatherproof notebook container first; adjust to its actual outside footprint plus removal clearance.

CUT LIST / COMPONENTS
1. Base: 1 × 320 × 240 × 6 mm known clean panel.
2. Long rails: 2 × 320 × 65 × 15 mm. Ends: 2 × 210 × 65 × 15 mm.
3. Separate weatherproof notebook container; removable label card.

TOOLS
1. Tape, pencil and square; clamps and a flat bench.
2. Suitable saw, drill/driver and pilot bits matched to the chosen fasteners.
3. Sander with effective extraction; metal detector before machining accepted boards.

ASSEMBLY
1. Choose a sheltered existing shelf with a dry stable surface away from walking routes. Select the notebook and its separate weatherproof container, then measure the closed container including clips and any space needed to release them.
2. Mock up the proposed timber footprint around that container, leaving a practical finger gap for lifting. The 320 × 240 mm example is adjustable; confirm the container lid can open after removal without catching the wooden front rail.
3. Select dry accepted timber for the low rails and a known clean base panel. Scan for metal, mark sound lengths and measure actual side thickness t; calculate each end as the chosen outside depth minus twice t.
4. Cut the rails and base, smooth their hidden faces and dry-fit on the bench. Fit the ends between the long rails, compare diagonals and put the closed container inside; correct the fit before making any permanent joint.
5. Clamp and pre-drill the rail corners with pilot holes suited to the selected new screws. Assemble the frame without overtightening, keeping all points enclosed; do not add carrying handles because this decorative surround is intended to remain on its shelf.
6. Attach the base from below along the measured rail positions using suitable contained fixings. Smooth the inside rim and vacuum dust before applying a finish appropriate for the sheltered exposure; let the finish cure before returning the notebook container.
7. Add an observation label inviting date, species and location without personal information. Place the closed container inside, test comfortable removal and replace it after use; the separate container, not the pallet timber, supplies weather protection.
8. Check after the first wet weather for trapped moisture, rocking or swollen rails and dry the surround as necessary. Review the notebook periodically, replace damp pages and remove the box if it obstructs access or develops loose joints or splinters.

FINISH AND CARE
1. Choose sheltered-use finish as labelled and cure fully.
2. Keep removable container separate from the decorative wood.

COMPLETION CHECKS
1. Container lifts out and closes properly.
2. No snagging, standing water or wildlife bait; notebook stays dry.

Guide: https://lusitanoretreat.com/build-guides/building-with-pallets/#project-p30