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This was my first project ever. I modeled it after one Cracknpop posted Link. I made a number of mistakes and learned a lot too. From a materials standpoint I probably would have picked a different material or finish than birch for the the panels, it yellowed a bit much for my taste but in for a penny in for a pound.

Mistakes or areas to improve and other tidbits of knowledge:
1. Board warping on me due to internal stress after final milling, I left them to sit way too long before glue up
2. When using cope and stick frame and panel construction, do all your milling at the same time, or take very good notes as to bit height down to a couple thousandths. Also mill some complementary pieces to use as push sticks to prevent tear out.
3. When doing lock miters: Pray. Seriously, I tried following the directions and just ended up getting it right by fugdering(I'm copy-writing it) around with the scrap cut-offs, Also be very gentle, the edges of the lock miter are brittle.
4. Never work when your not all there. Most of my mistakes were due to thinking I had it right when my mind was wandering.
5. After glue up, If you cut through your dowels, you get the chance to make bread board ends.
6. Mark your waste when doing breadboard tenons, if you cut one off you get to learn how to make a floating tenon.
7. If the screws that come with the hinges are longer than your workpiece is thick, you may want to think about it before going any further.
8. Free handing with a router table can be interesting.
9. Never using 80 Grit on a ROS for first run of sanding. I increased the grit gradually but could still see some swirls after I put on the seal a cell. Eventually bought a scraper and re-prepped the top. Turned out much better.
10. Arm-a-Seal and Seal-a-cell are idiot proof.

Anywho, comments and critiques welcome.

Gallery

Comments

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Looks good Brian
Every project is a learning experience. It's not only good to realize your mistakes but to remember them
This can be a challenge as you get older . Looking at this chest ,I think it's a fantastic first project,the one thing wonder about are the small hinges ,usually i would suggest a piano hinge .
 

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/FacePalm moment… The hinges are marginal. The back flexes when I lift the top. I wasn't sure what I was doing wrong there. I may have to Redo that portion. They pick it up tomorrow.UGH!
 

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Woodworking doesn't have to be perfect so I'd say this project was a great success especially since you learned a lot. It's gorgeous, nice work!
 

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That is a cool project! Expected that our first work will not be that perfect.Lots of trials and errors.But you nailed it man. :)
 

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Nice job and I'm sure they liked it, were all trying to improve as we go along. Your one step ahead of some being your aware of areas you want to improve. Shows you really care. Look fwd to many more.
 

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Charming and classy. This is an additional bliss to their special day.
 

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Nice job. Wouldn't have guessed it was your first project. The breadboard ends on the top are a nice addition. I am sure your friends will cherish it.

Thanks for sharing your "learning experiences and variations" (why call them mistakes?). I especially appreciate your humor as evident in #6. Keep after it. Looking forward to seeing your next project.
 

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Not sure what I like more…the arch, the contrasting color, or the way the grain flows in the panels. Well done!
- Jay
 

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Wow, what a beautiful piece! It looks great for a first time piece, and even for a piece from a well-seasoned woodworker. I love it when people come out and admit all of their mistakes, most of which aren't even noticeable. Learning from others' mistakes is just as, if not more, important as learning from their success.
 

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Very nice design and I agree with the others on this being an excellent job for a first time piece! Each project you learn something new on will help you with the next. I am a firm believer that you have to mess up to improve next time. I am sure your friends will be honored to have something you created just for them.
 

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Great project! You're frankness in your learning experiences had me chuckling aloud over here.
 

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Nice looking chest…it's always good to have issues..it makes you a better woodworker! I have found that as much as you sweat the details, it always comes out nice in the end..
 

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very nice chest. The breadboard ends also help keep the top flat. Made one like this from maple,walnut and oak for my mother about 15 years ago. It is still displayed in the home. They love it.
 
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