Attached here is a .jpg and the .skp file for a “Treasured Chest” that I saw in Popular Mechanics (Nov ’04). Designed by PM’s Neal Barrett, the chest is modeled after a typical small machinist’s chest.
I want to build something like it (or exactly like it) for my grandson, now aged 2, for something he can have all his life, in which to keep his favorite things.
What I seek here is a critique of the design. The magazine article shows it being made and finished, all in solid mahogany, except for the drawer bottoms which are plywood, and the drawer guides, which are maple.
What changes would you make to the design to improve things?
Would cherry be a good alternate species? How about CVG doug fir? QS white oak?
Replies
Gene,
I think the design is pretty nice, actually. I might change the tongue and groove joinery to something a little fancier. I think that white oak would look nice.
Chris @ www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
Design-wise, I think I'd eliminate the top row of small drawers and give that space to the top bin. Instead of drawer pulls, I'd go for a bottom-edge lip pull, so as to keep the front "smooth" and less child-snagging in nature. Eventually, you may want to add heavy side handles for lifting the chest.
From Gerstner and Sons, Dayton, OH, here is one in cherry that is about the same scale. It looks as if the PM guy took some cues from this, and added in the top bin part.
Suggested retail is $650.
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"A stripe is just as real as a dadgummed flower."
Gene Davis 1920-1985
The Gerstner chests are very nice. I have one that I bought 30 or so years ago.My thought was that with the chest aimed at a child, it will be some years before the child's choice of keeper items shifts to smaller items for which the drawers would be appropriate. Thus, the suggestion for a larger bin section.
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