Tack Trunk without the Brass hardware

It has been ten years since I made my last piece of hardwood furniture. My mentor had stashes of walnut and cherry and he let me use whatever I wanted (God bless Larry). My daughter rides English equestrian and my wife asked me to make a tack trunk. I chose to make it out of hardwood. I found some local curly maple and had it planed 3/4 inch. It is heavy, but I wanted to build it to last. I bought some plans, but did my own thing in the end. I have learned the hard way the truth about staining maple. It is not easy. I would have just used sand and sealer on the trunk but my wife wanted it darker (she is the boss).

I used a pre-conditioner, then three coats of pecan stain and poly. I primarily used biscuit and dado joints. I will install the brass handles and hasp when my final coat dries. I am looking forward to making my next project, some built in bookshelves for my home office. My wife has already put in a request for a mahogany dining room table. We’ll see.

-- Robert, Reformed Woodworker