I built this small chest of drawers from scrap wood that was just laying around the shop. It started with a phone call from my Dad. He had explained that he needed a small chest with 3 drawers to fit between the beds in his fifth wheel trailor. The measurements of 14.5” X 18” X 27” was a tight fit so I decided to use the space wisely and not have an overhang on the top.
I decided to use the Herring bone pattern on the top to use up a few small scrap pieces of Oak and Maple,(I didnt have a pieceof wood that was large enough for the top) So when all else fails go for it and get a little bit creative.
I used simple tongue and groove style guides for the drawers and box joints for the drawer construction. 
I needed to think of a way to make a stop to keep the drawers from coming out to far but be able to take them out if needed, remember lol….this is my first and I’m kinda winging it w/o plans.
So I cut a small notch in the tongue about an inch from the end for the stop pin to drop into.
And made the stop on a pivit with a spring under it to keep just slight pressure on the tongue.
I stained it with Golden Oak to match other cabinets, I’m not a big fan of stain I would rather enjoy the ture color of the wood.
Next step is to get the finish applied then deliver it to Dad almost 6 hours away…but it will be worth it to see the smile. Thanks for looking
Jim
-- Can't never could do anything, to try is to advance.
11 comments so far
Scott Bryan
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20725 posts in 718 days
posted 601 days ago
Jim,
This is a nice chest. And I really like the top of it. The herringbone pattern adds a lot of interest to the piece. Very innovative solution on the drawers too.
Thanks for the post.
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.
motthunter
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2079 posts in 695 days
posted 601 days ago
great work. Sometimes it is more fun to work without a written plan. I especially like to top
-- making sawdust....
ND2ELK
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6209 posts in 670 days
posted 601 days ago
Hi Jim
Nice looking Chest. Love the top. I am sure your dad will be pleased. Thanks for posting.
God bless
tom
-- Mc Bridge Cabinets, Iowa
GaryK
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9533 posts in 885 days
posted 601 days ago
Very nice chest. That top is fantastic!
-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.
rikkor
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11335 posts in 771 days
posted 601 days ago
Great job on that herringbone top. The whole project is well done.
Mario
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882 posts in 948 days
posted 601 days ago
Very nice. I love the top. I bet he loves it also. It is awesome.
-- Hope Never fails
bayspt
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184 posts in 601 days
posted 600 days ago
I wish I had scrap wood that beautiful. Wonderful work.
-- Jimmy, Oklahoma "It's a dog-eat-dog world, and I'm wearing milkbone underwear!"
CanadianWoodChuck
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164 posts in 810 days
posted 600 days ago
Wow – great chest. If this is your first project I just imagine how great your going to be. Keep up the good work
-- Canadian Wood Chuck (Bruce)
Chris
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1469 posts in 887 days
posted 599 days ago
Really very nice work there. I especially like the drawer latches.
-- Chris
Dusty56
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3470 posts in 584 days
posted 578 days ago
this is a great project and a very clever drawer stop system !
-- You know you're getting old when you know the difference between you're (you are) and your (belonging to you) AND how to use them in a sentence .
moshel
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478 posts in 580 days
posted 576 days ago
Amazing project! I really loved the top. can someone point me to how to make such gluing? I can’t figure how to clamp this!
-- The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep...