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Well, it's finally finished…

It took me almost a month working a few nights a week and all day on one day each weekend but it's done and it worked great.

For those who didn't follow the blog entries I did about this project, the basic overview is that I wanted to make a toy box for my nephew for his first birthday but wanted it to be something that would hopefully be kept around a long time and that would be even more special as he got older.

So, I came up with the idea to build a secret compartment into the toybox because, quite frankly, when I was a kid I would have loved it if someone had made me something with a secret compartment in it!!

I also added some intarsia (my first attempt) from a plan I got from a scrollsaw magazine (that was my first try at intarsia and I really liked it. I am thinking about doing some more from this book soon as I get a chance) and the secret compartment was designed to be a drawer that would look like it was part of the bottom trim of the box.

I used dowel to make a locking pin system which from the outside looks like just one of the other decorative knobs around the base. The pins are held in place by magnets so that they don't just come loose or open and the pins are not removable so they can not be lost.

All in all, I was very happy with how it turned out and the finishing was a great experience too since it worked out better than any of my other projects. I used two coats of MinWax floor polyurethane and then wet sanded the last coat with 600 grade sandpaper.

So, the box with the secret compartment is also now acting as a time capsule. I will tell him about it in 9 years (when he's 10) and it has some magazines from this year, a letter with pictures of the construction of the box as well as another secret little gift for him.

Thanks for reading!!

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This looks great. If they decide to not keep it around for a long time they can send it over my way and I will hold onto it!!
 

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Cool: Great looking locking mechanism.

The chest looks great and the intarsia is a nice touch.
 

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That is a fantastic plan. Take some pics of his parents right now to throw in there… and yourself! How about a printout of your project page? He will love it.
 

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It came out great looks very good.
 

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It came out fantastic.

I love the time capsule idea, I need to keep that in mind.
 

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Your toy box really came out great! The hidden compartment is a very nice touch. Thanks for posting.

God Bless
tom
 

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Great job! I've been thinking about making my nephew a toy box as well with a secret compartment but wasn't sure how I would do it yet. I didn't want to just make a false bottom shelf. Thanks for some ideas.
 

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Thanks for all the comments everyone. It was hard for me to actually drop it off at my sister's place…. ; )
 

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Just Awsome.
 

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The time capsule idea is quite an inspiration for this novice/intermediate woodworker. What a great a idea. And what a great looking chest. Kudos!
 

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Nice job, and I love the secret drawer. I remember being fascinated by a secret drawer that a cousin had in his dresser.

I'm about to build a toy box for my first grandson, so I've been scouting the projects with the hope of getting some ideas. Would you share the outside dimensions of yours?
 

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John, that is such a cool idea, especially not telling him about the secret compartment! It will make it even more special for him when he finally discovers it.
 

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Anybody know if John M is still around? I just ran across this and I was gonna ask him if the nephew has found the time capsule treasure yet. It's been almost 4 years since this was posted…
 

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Hello joein10asee.
I'm still around, just unfortunately haven't been posting since I haven't had time to do any projects in the last few years… : (
However, as an update for you and anyone else who is wondering, my nephew has still not discovered the secret compartment though I think he came close once.
My plan is (barring him discovering it sooner) to show him the secret compartment on his 10th birthday making it a 10 year time capsule. I'm hoping that it works out and he doesn't discover it by then.
One of the biggest challenges is reminding him whenever I visit to take good care of his toy box and that it isn't something to be drawn on with markers or hammered on with his various other toys / play swords etc… lol.

Thanks again for your and all the other comments. This is by far the project that I've been most proud of.
Take care and best to everyone here.
 

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Here's a picture of the little guy, now almost 5, enjoying the toy box.
Almost half way there!
I look forward to one day posting a photo of him opening the compartment / time capsule at his 10th! : )
 

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When he gets to his 10th and if he still hasnt found it… what a real treasure THAT will be!

Just curious, do either of his parents know? Or ANYONE other than you that might spoil your surprise?
Well, anyone other than 20,000 LumberJocks! LOL
 

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I'm not sure if anyone is following this anymore…. but if anyone is, maybe you can help spread the word…
He's going to lose his box if I can't raise the money to get it out of storage. :( I'm devastated.
I'm embarrassed that I had to post this gofundme project but I just don't know what else to do.

http://www.gofundme.com/secretbox
 

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John M,

This was a great project and it would be a shame if it was lost in this manner.

I have donated and challenge all LJ's to search their heart and their wallet to find a way to help.

Good luck with the fundraiser.

Herb
 

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Thanks Herb. I also replied under my main thread. I'm hoping if there are also enough replies / challenges there in the main post that it might keep it up on the forums message list.

Again, I can't thank you enough for your help and your challenge to others.
Sincerely
John
 
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