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I finally completed a chest on chest for my wife, a project I started last fall. Put it into its final destination this morning, nursing a sore back this evening.

All cherry, no secondary woods were used. The wood was from a private purchase last summer, a widow wanting to rid herself of the lumber in her basement. The wood was not F A S, in fact after going through it for project selection, it became apparent to me it didn't even qualify as number 2 or number 3 common in most cases. There were no full length 8 ft boards usable for furniture due to knots - splits - open knot holes, etc., although most were 6 to 9 feet in length. Most boards had either bark and / or sap wood on two sides, which indicates to me that these were saw mill scrap from the outer cuts off the logs. The boards were air dried, but without stickers, and a lot were cupped with long splits up the middle of the convex side of the board. So I cut what was usable for visible areas, and used the remainder as secondary wood.

This was my most extensive project to date, from a view point of large size and many components. I've made raised panel doors before, as well as drawers, but this time I opted for tombstone doors to add a new challenge and learning experience. I blogged about the tombstone doors earlier this year. I like to add new methods of work and new processes with each new project. This way I'm trying to incorporate the use of all my tools.

All moldings were cut by hand, molding and other planes, of course the tombstones were cut by hand, these bracket feet were a first for me, as well as resawing the boards for the backs of the cabinets. I left some tools marks in various places, to add a note of "hand made". Besides, I think it adds character. I was going to use a glaze to antique the look, but my customer wouldn't approve, she wanted new and shiny. I learned a lot from this project, important things like: don't drill hardware holes in the drawer fronts where no hardware is to be mounted, duh!.

Well that's about it for the description. Any comments or criticism is welcome. Thanks for looking.

Gallery

Comments

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2,199 Posts
Nice, classic design. Very well made and finished. You should be proud of that.
 

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47 Posts
this is a beautiful piece!
I like the back story as well
 

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345 Posts
Considering you had such tough stock to choose from, I think its absolutely beautiful.. would never know you didnt have top shelf wood to start.. very well done.. you should be very proud of that piece.. classic design, excellent craftsmanship.. outstanding.. keep up the great work.. Papa
P.S… what is the dimensions on this piece?... and what does the sticky note on the side of it say???
Papa
 

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Woodworker59, AKA Papa:

The unit is 32" wide, 12" deep on top, 18" deep on the bottom, and 60" high. Height was not limited by the wood, but rather the customer who wants to display family photos at eye level.
As for the post-it note, it's a permanent fixture in that location, from a prior night stand, and reads: "Pap, I will always I love you, Jamey" (my granddaughter) It's there for as long as I own this house.

Thanks for the comments guys, happy woodworking all.
 

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19,753 Posts
Love it GREAT job.
 

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264 Posts
Awesome job
 

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That is beautiful. Your are a craftsman.
 

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Very nice. Well done.
 

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A fine looking chest. Classic design with a great build. It will be a family heirloom for sure.
 

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345 Posts
Fantastic job… Certain the "client" is very pleased… Thanks for sharing…
 

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Amazingly well done especially with the lumber troubles you encountered. A long project that will surely last a much longer time. That post it note is awfully darn special too!
 

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Tom, I missed this when you first posted it. Glad I found it now. Amazing work, I wish I were half as good with hand tools as you and some others. I have much respect for woodworkers who are able to make things like this project with hand tools. On top of that being able to do what you did with the lumber you had, great job.
 

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343 Posts
Great piece of work design and execution, looks GOOD! I love to work with Cherry, tight grain very mill able (but will tool burn) Cherry in the rough is prone to splits, sapwood and knot tear out yet rewarding wood to work with, Great work. You have taught me some things about presentation thanks-O'Neal
 
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