Here’s my second hope chest for granddaughter #2. (Three more to build!)
Using my own design, I created a solid oak frame with 1/4” oak ply paneling. The back and bottom are 3/4” birch ply. The sliding drawer is cherry. Notice the document holder built into the underside of the drawer. Unit is on casters for easier mobility. I still like the torsion hingers but hate paying the price for them. She chose a red mahogany stain which is very rich on the oak. Three coats of satin polyurethane gave it depth not shown in the photos.
Rare earth magnets secure the lid and give it a nice touch.
My next chest will be out of cherry lumber I’m milling myself. I also want to use raised panels instead of the 1/4” ply. I want each chest to be one of a kind.

My latest project and my own design – a solid oak, queen size headboard. I milled this lumber myself and was very taken with some of the beautiful configurations in the oak.
This was my first attempt at raised panels and won’t be my last. I really like the look.
I used pocket hole joinery for much of the assembly. The crown mold was purchased but gave me the look I wanted. The golden oak stain matches much of our other furniture and three coats of satan polyurethane should give it a lifetime of durability.
Now I wished I’d made it taller. The pillows and shags (not shown here) cover up most of the wood work. Oh well, lesson learned!

I’d like your thoughts and suggestions.
I’ve just completed 5 cedar and 3 oak sliding lid, finger joint boxes as Christmas gifts for the grandkids.
My dilemma is whether to leave them unfinished or not. They are sanded to a very smooth surface and I like the aromatic cedar. But knowing the kids (aged 5 to 16) will be handling them for many years to come, maybe a protective finish of some kind is in order.
Tell me what you might do and what you might use as a finish.
Thanks for the input! Larry

This was fun . . .what a great idea.
I wanted something both creative and useful. I’ve needed a place to keep my chisels (and keep them safe and handy.)
One piece of 5/4 oak for weight, one piece of 3/4 oak, drilled 5, 5/8” holes to fit hilts, and one for the base, then 3/8” oak on the face to hold the balancing chisels in place.
Glued and clamped, it will sit near by my projects. They slip out easily and I can see the size in a glance. I chose not to put on any finish.

I designed and built this cedar lined, oak hope chest for my oldest granddaughter’s 16th birthday.
Being my first project of this type, and after many hours of planning, I couldn’t believe how many hours it took to completion. But I enjoyed every moment.
I put it on castors and used torsion hinges for the lid. It snaps shut with rare earth magnets embedded in the front lip and lid. The frame was assembled using the Kreg screw system and glue. The aromatic cedar is wonderful! The tray is made of poplar with a 1/4 ” pegboard bottom for ventilation.

The best part was the look on my granddaughter’s face when we presented it to her. What a surprise!

Larry B