Project Information
Hi guys and gals,
This is a rendition of Lonnie Bird's Pennsylvania blanket chest. The only differences are the trim, and the inlay in the drawer (because there was a bad spot and I didn't want to mill anymore lumber), the addition of drawer locks, and different hardware. The chest is walnut, walnut crotch, and poplar as the secondary wood. The dovetails, and mortices on the case, and for the locks were done by hand. I must say that dovetails on a large thick case is much harder than doing a two or three on a half inch thick drawer (I had to make the back over after I lost my patience and chopped and chopped). At first, I wanted to bleach the walnut and dye it to make the colors more uniform. I practiced on a few boards, but in the end, I lost my nerve and decided to try it out on a much smaller project. The finish is Danish oil, several coats of clear shellac, and wax. The strap hinges are from Ball and Ball Hardware. In the end, I am proud to say I made it, and hopefully my brand new granddaughter (1month old) will one day be proud to own it.
This is a rendition of Lonnie Bird's Pennsylvania blanket chest. The only differences are the trim, and the inlay in the drawer (because there was a bad spot and I didn't want to mill anymore lumber), the addition of drawer locks, and different hardware. The chest is walnut, walnut crotch, and poplar as the secondary wood. The dovetails, and mortices on the case, and for the locks were done by hand. I must say that dovetails on a large thick case is much harder than doing a two or three on a half inch thick drawer (I had to make the back over after I lost my patience and chopped and chopped). At first, I wanted to bleach the walnut and dye it to make the colors more uniform. I practiced on a few boards, but in the end, I lost my nerve and decided to try it out on a much smaller project. The finish is Danish oil, several coats of clear shellac, and wax. The strap hinges are from Ball and Ball Hardware. In the end, I am proud to say I made it, and hopefully my brand new granddaughter (1month old) will one day be proud to own it.
