LumberJocks Woodworking Forum banner

Project Information

I've been making hope chests/foot lockers for my nieces and nephews graduation gifts. I try to match design elements to each of their individual tastes and personality. Luke is a musician and typically wears black shirts and/or hats. Therefore, his footlocker was destined to take on a black music equipment case theme.

The case is approximately 36" wide, 18" deep, and 16"tall. I used aspen as it is lighter in weight, straight and mostly void free, easy to work, and I happen to have a bunch of it on hand. Assembled with dovetail corners, sanded to 220, then brushed on 1# cut shellac as a sanding sealer. Hand sanded with 220. Stained with Ebony Varathane Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain (first time using this brand, very pleased with end result). Finished with spraying lacquer seal coat and satin top coats. Light sanding with 320 before final top coat resulted in very smooth final coat.

The corner trim pieces, handles, and lid lock were ordered from a music equipment company. I really like how the chrome contrasts with the color of the stained wood. Most importantly, Luke really likes it!!!!

Thanks for looking. As always, I really do appreciate your comments and suggestions as they help me continue to improve my skills.

Gallery

Comments

· Registered
Joined
·
162 Posts
Excellent work and thanks for your tip on the finishing process I'm going to try it on my next project.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
3,100 Posts
Very nice! You did a super job on this. I like the style and the hardware just sets it off.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
10 Posts
Wow, That is one nice footlocker, beautiful finish and maybe a brave move to try the black finish, the best part is its one of a kind never to be exactly duplicated. I am sure you are his favorite Uncle. LOL
 

· Registered
Joined
·
4,502 Posts
That aspen looks fantastic with your finishing schedule. All the elements really come together nicely.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
7 Posts
Great job!
 

· Registered
Joined
·
4,567 Posts
man that is a great looking foot locker!!
 

· Registered
Joined
·
36 Posts
Great job! I like the trim/ stain contrast also.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
2,984 Posts
That's a great looking footlocker-I really like the finishing job you did! I'll bet Luke will really appreciate his new footlocker!
 

· Registered
Joined
·
2,507 Posts
Great idea for gift (s), I also appreciate the finishing steps. I may have to make one.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
373 Posts
Thank you all so much for your kind comments. Luke was very happy with it, therefore I am very happy with it.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
1 Posts
Fantastic job! I really like it. I've been wanting something like this for years. I hope he gets many, many years of use from it. Thanks for sharing!
 
Top