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Changing Table/Dresser

17K views 12 replies 9 participants last post by  rikkor 
#1 ·
SketchUp Design

My first project. My first post.

With a lot of inspiration from my father-in-law, I've recently gotten very interested in woodworking. I don't really have room for a shop or many tools of my own, but after finding a community workshop not far from my house, I thought the time might be right to finally give this a shot. I think one of my great motivations in woodworking is the chance to make functional furniture for my family.

Though I'm worried it may be a little ambitious for a first project, I've settled on a changing table/dresser for our nursery. I've included a single picture of the SketchUp design as it currently stands, and will include updates as I revise it. I've got a few obvious things missing currently, including the door and shelving on the right side of the dresser. I've not included a lot of detail to comment on at this point, but I do look forward to hearing your comments.

dresser
 
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#4 ·
this type of project will have a very rewarding finish to it. I'm finally completing the crib that goes with the changing table/dresser that I made a few months back. The end product is very rewarding. If you get any questions, don't hesitate to ask, there are lots of people here to help out. One thing I noticed on your picture, realizing that you said there wasn't much detail to it, but are you considering putting a railing around the back and sides? I was originally thinking about leaving it off, but after using it, it helps out tremendouly for keeping the changing pad from sliding off the top. It also makes a great place to put toys to distract the little one.
 
#5 ·
Thanks everybody for the interest and offers of help!

Rick, I've gone back and forth on the rail. I may end up making a removable top that has the rail on the sides and back, but I'm just not sure I'd want it on there long term, assuming we'll continue to use the dresser post diaper days. Thanks for the input, and we'll see what happens!
 
#6 ·
I don't know for sure, but it sounds as though your father - in - law is trying to keep you away from his daughter!

This can get to be an obsession, if your not careful like me.LOL

Good luck with your project!

Lee
 
#7 ·
More Detailed SketchUp Drawings

I've updated my SketchUp drawings; still no dust panels, shelves, or door. Clicking on any photo should take you to it's Flickr page, with higher resolutions if it's too hard to see some of the detail here.

Here's an exploded view of the current plan, to reveal some of the internal blocking and joinery plans. The current thought is to use mostly 4/4 Lyptus, except on the back and drawer bottoms, where I'll use plywood.

Exploded View of Dresser Plan

Dimensioned drawing of the divider between drawers and shelves with dadoes for the blocking joinery and cutout for the top cleat.

Divider Panel

Dimensioned drawing of the left side of the case with dadoes for the drawer blocking and rabbet for the top blocking and back panel.

Dresser Side Left

Dimensioned drawing of the right side of the case.

Dresser Side Right

Dimensioned drawing of the back. Drawn at 3/4" thickness, but that now seems a little overkill.

Dresser Back

Dimensioned drawing of the top.

Dresser Top

Rabbet at back of drawer and dado for drawer bottom.

Drawer Back Rabbet

Half-blind dovetail at front of drawer and dado for bottom panel. (My wife thinks I should rethink the dovetails for this first project.)

Drawer Front Dovetail

Exploded view of drawer.

Exploded View of Drawer

Exploded view of drawer blocking. Top and bottom blocking are similar in form, but not shown here.

Blocking

Mortis & tenon joints on blocking, both for drawers and the top and bottom blocking. I haven't shown the tenon depth here. I think it's drawn to 3/4", but I should probably go to at least an inch.

Blocking Mortis & Tenon #1

Blocking Mortis & Tenon #2
 
#10 ·
Finally getting ready to start...almost

Well, the last five months have flown by! My wife and I adopted a newborn baby girl shortly after my last post, so the project went on hold. It's a shame, because the new arrival was of course the inspiration for the piece, but the timing just didn't work out. Anyway, now I've got a little more time on my hands so I should finally start to make some progress.

I did take my intro to woodworking class at the community center, so I've got a little more experience under my belt now. Okay, it was just a serving tray, but I thought it went pretty well. I have decided that I'd go with a cheaper wood and paint for this first real project, although I still want to eventually work with finer woods and natural finishes. I think this will just be easier all things considered.

Look for updates soon!
 
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