Project by Julian | posted 01-18-2009 01:57 AM | 21667 views | 19 times favorited | 22 comments | ![]() |
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This project was fun to do, and a bit challenging getting the hidden compartment to function perfectly, and be inconspicuous. I used African mahogany for the dresser, and baltic birch for the drawer sides and the rear compartment. For the color, I had to match an existing piece of furniture so I used transtint red-brown dye mixed with alcohol, then minwax red mahogany stain. The finish is my own mix of wipe on varnish rubbed with 0000 steel wool inbetween coats, then waxed using steel wool again. It is a very inviting piece to touch due to the silky smooth feel.
Here is a shot of the dovetailed drawers.
Here is a shot of the hole for the knob to open the secret compartment.
Here is the secret compartment open
Here it is with the left side opened.
-- Julian, Homewood, IL
22 comments so far
codysmith
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#1 posted 01-18-2009 02:18 AM
That’s real nice work. The secret compartment is very original.
oldskoolmodder
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#2 posted 01-18-2009 02:36 AM
Very nice idea and execution.
-- Respect your shop tools and they will respect you - Ric
GMoney
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#3 posted 01-18-2009 03:04 AM
It’s a beautiful piece and well done. I know you have a lot of pics here, but I was wondering how you’d feel about maybe posting one from the front a bit more? I guess I’d just like to see the drawers in the front view. Feel free not to post anymore, it’s just a request. Anyway thanks for posting. Keep up the good work.
-- Greg, CT
kolwdwrkr
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#4 posted 01-18-2009 03:08 AM
Very nice dresser and great idea on the hidden compartment.
-- ~ Inspiring those who inspire me ~
scottb
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#5 posted 01-18-2009 03:45 AM
that is a great way to hide a compartment – just make it bigger! fantastic!
-- I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. - Van Gogh -- http://blanchardcreative.etsy.com -- http://snbcreative.wordpress.com/
lightweightladylefty
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#6 posted 01-18-2009 04:20 AM
Julian,
Nice! Very clever hidden compartment.
-- Voltaire: “Those Who Can Make You Believe Absurdities, Can Make You Commit Atrocities” There are 112 genders (not including male and female) https://dudeasks.com/how-many-genders-are-there-in-2021/
Julian
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#7 posted 01-18-2009 05:18 AM
Thanks for the comments.
GMoney, The front shot that I took today didn’t turn out well, I’ll take some pics of it tomorrow and post them.
-- Julian, Homewood, IL
SWO
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13 posts in 5339 days
#8 posted 01-18-2009 05:20 AM
Very nice design. How do you keep the hidden compartment closed? I can’t see any locking mechanism or latches. Just wondering. Also I have used the transtint before and liked it very much, but I never thought about following it up with a stain. Is that a better way to get a full color?
Again a great design and work.
-- No matter how many times I cut this wood it keeps coming up short.
Chris Wright
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#9 posted 01-18-2009 05:46 AM
That’s really cool. I beautiful piece of furniture.
-- "At its best, life is completely unpredictable." - Christopher Walken
ShannonRogers
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#10 posted 01-18-2009 06:18 AM
I love the color you came out with on the mahogany! It makes me want to touch it! So…what are you going to put in the secret compartment?
-- The Hand Tool School is Open for Business! Check out my blog and podcast "The Renaissance Woodworker" at www.renaissancewoodworker.com
jim1953
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#11 posted 01-18-2009 06:43 AM
Very Nice I like the compartment to
-- Jim, Kentucky
Viktor
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#12 posted 01-18-2009 12:09 PM
Don’t you think that after posting this the “secret compartment” is not secret any more? Just kidding. Great design and finish!
motthunter
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2141 posts in 5296 days
#13 posted 01-18-2009 01:13 PM
that is a great idea for secret storage.
-- making sawdust....
Julian
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#14 posted 01-18-2009 10:33 PM
SWO, there are two catches that hold the back closed. If you look closely at the picture of the compartment opened, you’ll see them.
GMoney, I updated the post with a new shot of the front.
-- Julian, Homewood, IL
TomK
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504 posts in 5371 days
#15 posted 01-19-2009 06:29 AM
Love the hidden compartment.
-- If you think healthcare is expensive now, wait until it's free! PJ O'Rourke
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