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Thanks for checking it out, it's a dresser for my our one on the way. There's also going to be a small frame that will sit on top to allow for changing table. I couldn't justify building something just for changing, didn't seem worth it.

The dresser is full sized, based off dimensions of our dresser. My thought was that it's going to be needed sooner than later and I'd rather build it now. All of the hardwood was milled down from rough lumber. Dresser carcass is all hard maple with a maple plywood back. Legs are based off of Jon Peters design, not sure if it's truly his, but it's who I saw build them. Design in general was all mine, I wanted raised panels and simple lines so that's what I set out to make. Few areas I feel that I may have missed the mark, but for being my first dresser, I'm pleased.

Drawers are wormy maple, dovetailed and utilized Blum soft close tandem slides. These definitely caused me some frustration, but kind of one of those things that once you hit your "ah ha" moment, they aren't that bad. Installing them was actually a piece of cake, very forgiving I'm assuming. Building the drawer on the other hand had some trial and error. I did purchase the Rockler jigs for this and would highly recommend.

For anyone looking to get a decent bit set up for rail and stile, MLCS is what I went for on this. I didn't want to over commit to a set that I felt I had to use forever. I did use the Freud panel raiser with back cutter as I knew that was a bit I wanted and for the long haul. The MLCS isn't something you'd want to use on a ton of stock I would assume, kind of rough in areas, but for a small project, or to have another profile for a decent price I'd say go for it.

The black walnut top wasn't something my wife wanted. She struggles with "seeing" things as she puts it. Most of the time I just have to tell her she'll like it in the end. Keep in mind, she wanted me to paint this entire thing white - haha. Needless to say, that didn't happen. I was pretty excited about the top and some of the grain I was able to showcase. I did go with breadboard ends to hopefully keep this flat and true over the years. The top is simple finished with 5 coats of lacquer, sprayed.

As mentioned, my wife wanted to paint it white, so I had a happy medium for her. I ended up going with Sherwood White Ash stain. I put on one light coat and another that I tried to leave a bit behind in some of the profiles, etc. I'm pretty pleased with how that came out. It's finished with 3 coats of lacquer as well.

Any feedback or comments would be appreciated. Thanks for anyone who has chimed in on some of the questions related to this build over the last month or so.

Gallery

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4,567 Posts
That is a beautiful dresser with some very find detail! I love it!!
 

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awesome work and i really like the compromise on the white - congrats on this and any new additions to the family :)
 

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Thanks guys - much appreciated. I too am very happy with those pulls so thank you for noticing. I actually bought them at a TJ's with my wife one day. I just thought to myself that I might want them someday, just wasn't sure for what.
 

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Breadboard ends, undermount drawer slides and dovetail drawers. Nice work!
 

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122 Posts
Beautiful cabinet! Nothing better than classic design. I like the top - very proffesionaly made. Beautiful wood grain on interior of drawers.
 

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Nice work, when is the matching crib getting started?
 
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