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Project Information

A Quick & Simple Project

I wanted to do a quick and simple project for Rita's birthday in 2007 but I just got around to finishing it here in 2009. This seems to be the norm for personal projects.

Construction & Style Details

The cabinet is made of black walnut and the drawers are made of curly ambrosia maple. The corners of the boxes are mitered. To add strength and contrast I added black walnut keys. You can see the tutorial on how I did this in a previous blog here.

I wanted to keep the style simple and straight forward. The simplicity of the style and the character of the wood were to do the talking. I even kept a beauty mark in the black walnut which will be present on the most viewed side. Keeping the construction simple would also aid in getting it done sooner - HA!

I used through dovetails to assemble the cabinet. I pinned them in the front and back with a contrasting dowel to lock them together. I love this little detail and do it on all of my through dovetails.

It is up to Rita as to what she will keep in it or where we will hang it, but I sized the drawers to house boxes of herbal teas. So that is why I call it a tea cabinet.

I made a french cleat for hanging. Granted I do not need this type of strength to hang this little cabinet, but the french cleat also makes installation a breeze.

The finish is M.L. Campbells MagnaMax which is a precat lacquer. I am not worried about the film finish wearing because it is a light piece and I gave the boxes wiggle room.

The boxes have all of the edges and corners eased. I do not like leaving the corners and edges sharp on drawers like these where they are completely removed and replaced.

No More Shame

Rita loves the project. Since completion, a veil of shame has been lifted and everything seems brighter:)

Peace, Love, & Woodworking

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Comments

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Todd, That is very nice, great craftsmanship. That ambrosia maple is gorgeous.
 

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Todd, this is a gorgeous cabinet that was definately worth the wait. I have no doubt that Rita loves it and it will not take her long to fill it up I am sure. You certainly are an inspiration. Now you have "shamed" me since I have a mantle that was promised several years ago. :)

This is a nice project and I enjoy seeing the wood combination as well.
 

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This looks great! You say it is simple but it is way above my head! I think that if you would have made it "complex" it would have detracted from that great looking maple!! I am adding this to my favorite list!
 

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that wood is amazing…nice execution…and the blog is really great everyone--if you get a chance take a look at todd's blog on this…
 

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Hey Todd simple but very cool. I like every thing about it ,it's a pleasure to the eye and mind.
 

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Tom, It looks awsome. It is amazing what you can do using different color and contrasting woods.
 

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My Honey-do list is a long one.
 

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Todd, this is just my honest opinion / personal tastes kicking in. No more , no less. You know you're my hero !
I was really admiring the drawer fronts prior to the keys being added.The Ambrosia stains had a wonderful flow to them that the keys seem to have broken up.
It certainly is a wonderful gift that you've made and I love the wood species that you've chosen and the bonus is that the LOYL is happy : )
 

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Gorgeous grain matching on the drawer fronts. The simplicity makes the wood and craftsmanship stand out. Very very cool!!
 

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That's a beauty… the ambrosia maple is exquisite. Nice work Todd.
 

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Dusty, I tend to agree with you.

I am thinking that I should have made the keys smaller and I almost did. I was thinking of using the dovetail saw but I decided to knock them out faster on the tablesaw.

I appreciate the feedback.
 

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Todd: A beautiful case. Nice job on the construction and details.
 

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Gosh, Todd, I can't add much to what's already been said. I'll bet Rita is really happy to get her birthday gift. Carleen would like to get hers from 1995!!! I really do like the contrast between the two woods. Of course, there is always your understated elegance to contend with. At least the shame is gone. Congrats, Pard.
 

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Doesn't get much better than that!!
 

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Where can I buy that lacquer? I have been using Sherwood forever in the medium rubbed effect but have read some good reviews of the M.L. Campbells products.
 

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Wow. Knocked THAT one RIGHT outta' the park!

It really looks fantastic!
 
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