Not as it apperars to be

That looks very nice, I would be proud to have built it. Well done!

-- Ohh mann...pancakes and boobies...I'll bet that's what Heaven is like! ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣

There are some construction details here that may become problems. How are the panels held in place? Gluing the full width of the wide boards can actually cause it to crack. If the cedar straps are glued all the way across and the screws are all tight, they will encourage cracking, too.

Rather than trying to prevent the board from moving, try to accomodate it. Cross grain straps should only have one tight screw. The rest should be in “sloppy” or elongated holes in the strap. This will allow the screw to move with the pine. If it can be helped, you don’t want to glue panels across the whole width. A spot of glue in the middle will hold it in place, while allowing for expansion. If your panel is in a groove in the frame, you don’t really need glue at all.

I love the way the chest looks. Particularly the way you positioned the knot.

Wow! I just looked at your trucks. Those are really cool! Keep up the good work and fingers crossed.

eli

I think your chest is structurally sound. I have built chests using wide boards and I had very litttle trouble. Sometimes I add some screws in the project if they are hidden from view. Its like trial and error.

That is some unique looking lumber, I bet there is a story on its history. I like the look of the cedar straps. I have used cedar the same way for support, I’ve also used unfinished cedar straps on the inside too, not just for support, but for the cedar scent.

I also agree that you positioned the knot just right.

-- Richard Boise, Idaho

Tick tock, tick, tock…restraining cross grain expansion and contraction is a ticking time bomb.

-- Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Wood Works

Great looking chest and I am also a fan of the knot.

-- Mike, an American living in Norway.

Handsome chest…
wood movement can be scary, to deal with and try to figure out how to accomodate…, but will only add character. My in-laws bought a table made out of reclaimed barn boards, the builder screwed everything down tight – put on breadboard ends, but I think he screwed it all together. Looked great until the first time the woodstove got used – long cracks formed the whole way down the middle. Loud and scary, but, fortunately it added to the character and “age” of the long farmhouse style table. Held up fine since once the stresses had “somewhere to go”.

One alternative for keeping it safe – keep it in a perfectly climate controlled environment 24/7/365 ;)
Another option – when and if something happens, figure out a way to turn it into a design element! – Hide it my calling attention to it!

Looks great all the same.

-- 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/

As long as it doesn’t fall apart, I’m sure your granddaughter will cherish it. I think it’s beautiful.

-- A woman's work is never done-but power tools help!

Great Lookin Job

-- Jim, Kentucky

The cedar strips really make a difference, and give this box even more character. In a way, the cedar strips, the way you spaced them, reminds me of an old style trunk. Nice project!

-- Art | Bradenton, Florida

Great job, looks nice.

-- Monty Q, Columbia, South Carolina.

Pine and cedar go togeather nice, your granddaughter will love it!!!

-- Bob Kenosha Wi.

All the comments are so true. I thought it out as best I could. I see I missed some important things. Think I will finish the cedar 12:1 scale bucket truck I am working on and stay away from furniture. No cracks yet!

-- A childs smile is payment enough.

Hey, you did a great job. We all make mistakes. Like you said, you did the best you could. Next time, that “best” will be even better. The beauty of sites like this is you don’t have to wait 5 years then wonder what went wrong. They help us improve so quickly.

Eli

that is a trunk not bad at all
and with those skill you have
I can´t believe if you stay
away from furniture
we all make mistake
even the best and I´m going
to make them all as a newbee
not intended to do it but I
know I will make them and
having fun while I try to stay
away from them

Dennis

I wouldn’t worry about it too much. Here in Alabama, the humidity stays so high (both indoors and out) it is doubtful that it will expand and contract so much as to cause cracking. I know that I have made that same mistake before and, thanks to the weather here in Alabama, managed to get away with it on many projects.

Anyway, very nice looking toy box. I’m sure your grandaughter loves it. She will probably long have outgrown it before anything ever happens to that box.

-- Hey, woodworking ain't brain surgery. Just do something and keep trying till you get it. Doc