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Finished this dresser a couple of weeks ago. It was a wedding present for my daughter and son-in-law. Found some great tips on finishing cherry; they really helped a lot. I used shellac, gel stain, and wipe on oil-varnish in that order. The top, base, and drawer fronts are all solid cherry. The sides are cherry ply with cherry edging.

The plans I found in Woodsmith, but I'd make some changes if I did it again. The carcass is divided by full 3/4" plywood. That adds a LOT of weight! I think I would redesign this with much thinner dust panels. It is extremely solid, though. The top and base were modified to add more character. The top is a build up of two profiles. The base has gentle arches across the front and sides.

Overall, I'm happy with how it turned out. Every project is a number of lessons learned, though.

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.beautiful… You really did a great job. The finish looks great too. She should be really proud of her gift
 

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Very handsome. Understated appearance given the amount of work involved, and I admire that a ton!
 

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The top, base, and drawer fronts are all beautifully figured !!
I'm glad that you stated that the sides are plywood because I thought those were glue joints showing at first glance.
Great job overall : )
 

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Speaking of the vertical lines on the sides….how did you accomplish that? I can't quite make out what you did. I love the work you've done here. I have have promised a couple of grandkids a dresser and this is a fine example for me to keep for reference. Thanks.
 

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It appears that the plywood on the sides is slip-matched, yes?

This is a very nice piece. Your effort really shows!

Now the only problem is, they may want you to build the rest of the pieces for a matching set!
 

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Thanks for all the compliments. Lots of weekends involved in creating this. The plywood came from the factory that way. I had a choice of one side with the vertical sapwood pattern or the other that was more uniform. I chose the sapwood side because I thought it made the piece interesting with the pattern. I did mute the sapwood to some extent, but the pattern is still there. Probably not what everyone would choose to do, but that was my take on it.
 

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The piece is nothing shot of beautiful. Very good build Sr.
 

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Beautiful!!! I just love cherry!!!!
 

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I have studied this plan. You executed it quite well. Great job on the finish. Best wishes to your daughter.
 

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NICE work! Beautiful finish / color. Love the gentle arches - nice touch. Thanks for sharing.
 

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love it…I think I may need to copy it…..
 

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Thanks again everyone. The plans can be found in Woodsmith No. 148 (August 2003). The top and base were optional changes, but I think they add a lot more to the piece.
 

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Magnificent workmanship my brother. That finish must have taken some time, but it surely paid off.
 
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