| Project by Joe_F | posted 854 days ago | 422 views | 1 time favorited | 14 comments |  |
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I wanted to do something really grand for my wife on our 20th anniversery. I know it would be a woodworking effort, but didn’t know what. A glance around the bedroom proved her need for a really big jewelry chest, but I didn’t want to make just a plain old box! So one day she shows me a picture of a cheapie wardrobe mirror, and she’s all excited about it. Everything clicked, and I knew what the project would be: a combination wardrobe mirror / jewelry case.
Got out the quad paper, ruler, and eraser and started designing. Didn’t reference anything, did the whole thing myself. Figured out my cut list, got my wood (red oak) and began. Wifey was informed that the “shop” (garage) was now off limits, and for once she actually listened! I measured twice (actually more, grin) and began my cutting, planing, rounding of edges, etc. I had it all worked out in my head and on paper and once started this project just came together almost like magic; I was amazed.
The only metal fasteners used in the entire project were three wood screws per arm to insure that the vertical supports were very securely fastened to the base; everything else is assembled with just biscuits and glue. Oh, the door has a piano hinge and the box itself pivots on bolts, but those parts dont count, right?
The front mirror door opens full length and there are miniature drawers and pegs to hold her prized jewelry and show it off in splendor. The one thing that needs to be done is to make up a lock mechanism that keeps the box from trying to rotate on it’s pivot bolts when the door is open; I have the design worked out in my mind but haven’t yet put it into practice. Also not all the drawers are finished yet. But hey – she was very happy and that’s what counts!
The entire project is made of red oak, while the back panel is oak plywood (did use a few brads there). Even the tightening knobs were hand made out of oak and utilize an integral hidden “T” nut and rubber washers. The inlay on the door surrounding the mirror is African Padauk, and the mirror was custom made for the project with a nice beveled edge. Project time was about eight weeks, a couple of hours each evening and at least half of each weekend spent working. I did everything slowly and methodically since I wanted this perfect; I think the project came out nicely. Please let me know what you think!
14 comments so far
DAN
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6462 posts in 882 days
posted 854 days ago
very nice piece of work ... your perfectionism came thru
-- work from your heart and your spirit will live forever
VTWoody
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95 posts in 957 days
posted 854 days ago
Masterfully done. Can we see a picture of the jewelry box part with the mirror door open?
Buckskin
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484 posts in 887 days
posted 854 days ago
Great project! I am sure it made a hit!
piper
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89 posts in 977 days
posted 854 days ago
great job for a firrst project.
-- piper
Lee A. Jesberger
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3710 posts in 879 days
posted 854 days ago
Your off to a great start! Now your wife will let you buy more tools.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
GaryK
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9551 posts in 888 days
posted 854 days ago
Very nice.
I think that I will have to put one of those on my “to make” list.
-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.
Bob Babcock
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1808 posts in 985 days
posted 854 days ago
Beautiful job. My wife would love this.
-- Bob, Carver Massachusetts, Sawdust Maker http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org
Joe_F
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5 posts in 867 days
posted 854 days ago
Thanks for the kudos, guys. She did really like it and still uses it for bragging rights if you know what I mean.
Inside, door open pix will have to wait for a while, I’m afraid. We’re performing major remodeling and that has pretty much screwed the pooch mess-wise. Also I know wifey has the inside of the thing crammed to the gills so it won’t make a good pix right now anyway. The ones I posted were taken almost three years ago just after we had our tile put in. I’ll get some good pix ASAP but it’ll be a while, sorry.
PanamaJack
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4447 posts in 977 days
posted 854 days ago
Just a great project this one is. Outstanding woodworking art.
-- Carpe Lignum - Seize The Wood,
Don
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2590 posts in 1076 days
posted 854 days ago
Man, you’ve built a rod for your own back. A jewelery box this large is going to take at least one life-time to fill. I had to look real close to see where the storage compartment was, thinking at first it must be hidden in the base – but no – it’s the whole thing, like a giant jewelery box standing on its end with a mirrored top. Very different.
Very nicely done, the joinery and finish shows through. Great project, Mate!
-- CanuckDon "I just love small wooden boxes!" http://www.hilsbiblechurch.org/
Sawhorse
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279 posts in 1339 days
posted 854 days ago
Don’t ‘cha just love the Concept-to-Reality process….very nicely done….
-- Sawhorse - Sulphur Springs, TX - www.sawhorseworkshop.com
oscorner
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4572 posts in 1210 days
posted 853 days ago
Great work, fantastic idea to hide the jewelry in the mirror and I love the wooden knobs.
-- Jesus is Lord!
MsDebbieP
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14188 posts in 1060 days
posted 853 days ago
how wonderful. You sound like a “kid in a candy store”. I can feel your pride and excitement.
Well done.
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
mot
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4904 posts in 936 days
posted 852 days ago
I think you did a great job with this project! I can see something similar in the corner of our bedroom. Inspiring project!
-- You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. (Plato)