Blanket Chest

[glenn bradley]

It has been a little hot for doing some of the yard items on my to-do list (that's my story and I'm sticking to it). I'm a little early on the start of this piece since demo hasn't even started yet on the bedroom remodel but . . . I wanted to try one of the pieces from the bedroom set I designed for the new digs. This is a different style than I normally make but we wanted something to set the new bedroom apart. It will be a veneered frame and panel piece with arched legs, angled end panels, and a removable cushion on top so we can sit on it and put our shoes on or whatever. If it pleases SWMBO, the dressers, vanity, and other items will share a family resemblance.

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I made some curved cauls to present parallel edges to the clamps to make the glue-up easier.

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I had never used these Rockler "lid-stay" hinges before. They are no-mortise hinges and leave a really large gap. If my top wasn't just a plank that would be fine. I needed the top to be fully supported by the casework so I had to recess the hinge position. I made a quick jig out of scrap to help me be accurate and consistent.

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Some clamps and a caul make a third hand to help hold this 30 pound top while I fiddle about.

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The top closes flush and stays open at any angle so I have to say the hinges work as described.

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I have applied a base coat of a thinned mix of the primary finish. This will act as a sealer. I also take care of any color variations that are distracting as opposed to attractive at this stage.

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This will set for about 24 hours (or less in our weather) and I will carry on with the finishing stage.

[Christian Hawkshaw]

Very nice...kind of a stretch limo version of a blanket chest. How wide is it? What is the primary finished you thinned? It looks good already.

[Von Bickley]

Looks Great... Great Craftsmanship.

[glenn bradley]

Thanks guys. The top is 59" wide, 21" deep. The top is a bit larger than the case and scaled to guide you away from catching your pinkie toe on the leg on the way to the bathroom as you navigate through the dark bedroom in the middle of the night . The finish is an oil:varnish blend. McCloskey SPAR, mineral spirits, BLO, and a bit of Transtint Reddish Brown in this case. The first coat is lighter on the varnish and heavier on the MS to increase the penetration level. The last coat is heavier on the varnish to develop a good film thickness. The varnish is a gloss sheen but this is a wipe-on, wipe-off process that yields a satin end result.

[Robert L Stewart]

Absolutely wonderful. The lines and detail flow well. Great choice of material. The color is so even.

[glenn bradley]

It will take some time to get the cushion made but for all intents and purposes, this is the finished product.

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[Andrew Hughes]

Great look piece Glenn.
I like how you arranged the grain on all the panels. Where did you find such nice Cherry?

[Paul F Franklin]

Gorgeous Glenn! Very nicely done sir.

[glenn bradley]

Thanks guys.

Great look piece Glenn.
I like how you arranged the grain on all the panels. Where did you find such nice Cherry?

Random pick up at a lumber yard some years ago. It has been waiting for the right piece ;-)

[Bill Carey]

Excellent work Glenn. I really like the subtle, soft curves you incorporated. Especially the small tails on the bottom of the side panels - a very playful little detail. Overall a great piece of work.

[lou sansone]

very nice, dont often see curly cherry. it looks fantastic
lou

[Jon Grider]

Beautiful design, materials and craftsmanship! Congrats Glenn.

[Derek Cohen]

Very Nice, Glen. I really line the proportions and softened, flowing lines. It just needs a photo of where it will live.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Mike Allen1010]

Welll done Glenn- love both design and execution. Sure your family will love it!

[glenn bradley]

It just needs a photo of where it will live.

It will be a few months before the remodel is done but here's a pic with better lighting.

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