Hickory Dresser Pics

[Rusty Hughes, Indy]

Hello,

I have been working on this dresser for a long time. I came across problem after problem with this thing. Nothing seemed to go well.

The dresser is hickory stained with Miniwax Red Oak and finished with 3 coats of General Finishes Arm-R-Seal. Actually, the sides and back are birch ply. I modified the plans from Woodsmith.

My goal in building this dresser was to not spend a penny on it. The wood was given to me over 2 years ago and I did not have to buy any wood for it. I did, however, buy the Rockler dovetail jig and the Pat Warner subbases for my DW621.

Here's what I learned from this project that seemed to never end.

1. I hate hickory! The hickory I had did not machine very well at all. It's heavy and very hard to cut. My router bit would not travel a straight line in this stuff.

2. I can't find a 1/2" DT router bit other than 14 degrees. I wanted the smaller angle.

3. The Pat Warner subbases are terrific! He now has an offset base for the DW621 I'm going to have to try.

4. Waxing the wood runners really does help the drawers travel better. I spent a long time trying to get the drawers to fit perfectly and after I waxed the drawers and runners I noticed that there is still some play.

Anyway, thanks for reading.

[Kevin Gerstenecker]

Nice looking work Rusty! I'd say the Dresser turned out well, for all the snafu's you endured. Hickory is BRUTAL to work at times......it is very hard, and cutting/machining it can at times test your patience. The payoff in the end is that your turned out a nice Dresser, and that it what really counts. The grain, color and finish look great. I built a Blanket Chest for my wife using Ash, and although it looks great, and has beautiful grain, it runs a close second to Hickory for hardness. I guess that is why they make tool handles from Hickory and Baseball Bats from Ash! Looks good.......thanks for sharing the Pictures with us!

[Steve Clardy]

Yep. Hickory is a tough row to hoe. About like hard maple. Router burn city. HA. Question as to why you used one brand of stain and another brand of finish? Did you have any funny reactions on your finish? Steve

[Bruce Page]

Very nice Rusty! I have never worked hickory and after reading your post and what others have said about it, I don't think I ever will!

Your dresser turned out great. What are the dimensions?


We need anything politically important rationed out like Pez: small, sweet, and coming out of a funny, plastic head. -- Dennis Miller

[Ken Salisbury]

Very nice job Rusty ! !

Hickory does present some unique problems. It is extremely hard on blades, cutters, etc. I have a sign on the wall in my shop like the ones in the resturants but in place of "No Smoking Allowed" mine reads as follows :

<p align="center"> <IMG src="http://www.oldrebelworkshop.com/otherpics/hickory.gif">

[Rusty Hughes, Indy]

Hello,

Thanks for all of the kind comments.

Steve, I've never had a problem with this combination of finishes. The General Finishes was recommended to me from to different sales people from two different stores.

Bruce, the dimensions are about 60" high, 36" wide, and 20"deep.

Ken, I just may make my own sign like that.

Thanks

[chaddhamilton]

Good work, Rusty! You've got a nice dresser and alot of practical knowlegde from this project. Looking forward to seeing your next project.