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I needed a new valet box for my dresser since the last one my mother bought me when I was in grade school. 1965-1966? Taking a brake in the shop, kicking back, looking at a previous box sitting on my workbench made for someone else, I suddenly got the idea to build a bench box.
The maple top came from a demo job of a women's locker room years back. At 1 1/2'' thick, it was perfect for the top. I re-sawed it to 1 1/8'' and used the remainder for the sides and back. The frame is made out of more bamboo flooring planks which I have a lot of. The front vise was added to give some character. I used some walnut rod to simulate the bench dog holes. The joinery consists of dadoes, mortises and lap joints. My plan was to make wooden hinges, but I was worried about the weight of the top as it is almost 6 pounds.
The total box weight weight ended up at just over 16 pounds. This thing is build better than my workbench.
Dimensions are 8'' h x 10 1/2'' deep x 14''. The top is 17 '' long x 1 1/8'' thick. I brushed on 2 coats of water based polyurethane, sanded, then wiped on 2 more coats. Buffed it out a bit with some wax. Got the finish I was looking for without any maple yellowing. The drawers are lined with some green felt my wife picked, good choice.
I didn't put add any handles on the drawers yet cause I'm not sure what I want. Any suggestions would be welcomed. Thanks for looking.
I just noticed this is my 50th project post. Hope everyone likes it.

Gallery

Comments

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1,360 Posts
Dave, this is fantastic, maybe some brass or bronze upside down cupped pulls if you can find an appropriate size.
 

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955 Posts
That is unbelievably awesome, Dave. Might there be room behind the drawers for push/pull magnets? I really dig the clean look on the drawer faces. So I'd be thinking of ways to avoid handles or knobs. There are lots of ways to do that, I'm sure you know.
 

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7,008 Posts
What a COOL Bench Box!

Very clever…

Great idea!

Thank you!
 

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Thanks for the awesome comment geekwoodworker,it means a lot.

Thanks Jerry. It has to be small like cup pulls I would think. It's in the suggestion box.

Thanks Mark. Push pull magnets, something I would not of thought of. I will have to see if there is room.

Your welcome Joe. I don't believe I ever saw one posted before.
 

· In Loving Memory
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10,409 Posts
Great bench DD
 

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like it i love it man what a cool idea,make more and sell them for fathers day every dad would love to get one.
 

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Well everybody got to tell you how clever this box is already, but I have to add my praise too.
Really, really slick.

I wouldn't change a thing. I have a hard time Favoriting too many LJ postings as there are just too many great projects to choose from. But not today as yours is so clever and well thought out, that I have to Favorite it.
 

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Not sure what I expected from the description but that wasn't it….that is awesome Dave!!!! Nice job sir
 

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Dave, that is outstanding, very well thought out and the vice really is the "cream on top".
Congratulations on a wonderful job.
Thanks for sharing this unique piece.

Bob.
 

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This is one of those projects that has to get commented on and added to favorites. It's so cool and executed perfectly….Great job on this, all around !
 

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Very creative, nicely crafted and great eye apeal.
 

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Thanks for looking Grumps.

pottz, that sounds like a cool idea. For the woodworker who has everything.

UncleStumpy, thanks for the favorite. I know what you mean. There's a lot of great projects out there.

Thanks Buster, sounds like it jump out at you and got your attention.

Thanks for your comment Bob, I think its going to my head a little and it makes me feel great.

kdc, I'm glad you like it. Maybe I see your version soon.

Thanks John. I'm glad it caught your eye appeal. Almost time for some fishing.
 

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3,963 Posts
That is an awesome bench box. Great job!! I would think anybody that likes tools and/or woodworking would love one of those. I like it a lot.
 

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Dave that is just too cool of a box and I will blatantly steal your idea but not copy the design .
I am already salivating and designing in my head you really got me going with this and I hope you don't mind .
I am just about finished with cleaning up my bench and got some better design details for the leg vise that I recently posted done . I will post it soon and have a video to go with it .
Workbenches and vises are such a interesting and addicting subject that I can not get away from it for long and now you come along with this great valet box adding another challenge .

Thanks for the inspiration .

Klaus
 

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479 Posts
Beautiful design and build on this. The vise on the front is eye-candy…..especially to any woodworker that sees it. The felt looks really good and contrasts with the woods you used very well. For the drawer pulls, it would be tedious work, but I can see each drawer with a different pull…like a mallet on one, a chisel on another, maybe a rule on one and…..you get the idea. Whatever you decide, I am sure it will be well done. Great job again.
 

· In Loving Memory
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That sure is a classy looking valet box Dave, great work and thanks for sharing.
 

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That is awesome. Great job buddy
 

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Dang Dave, that is one awesome valet box, very impressive build.
 
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