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This heirloom-quality project features a handsome arched molding and matching solid wood panels. But don't worry, we'll show you the simple steps used to build it.
We've simplified the design of the arch-top headboard for a classic-looking straight-top version with all the same fine details.
If you thought making curved molding meant having years of experience and industrial-sized equipment, take a look at the straightforward technique we came up with.
These simple bookends allow you to try out some of the same techniques used on the arch-top headboard. And with some scrap hardwood and MDF you can build them in a weekend.
With a few scraps of wood, some 3/4" MDF, and a piece of veneer, you're about set to go on the bookends. But I did need a couple other items.
FAUX FINISH. The special finishes that I used on the bookends are a product called American Accents made by Rust-Oleum. It comes in a variety of different colors and "effects."
ANTI-SLIP TAPE. I used a self-adhesive non- slip tape made by 3Mon the bottoms of the bookends. You can find the non-slip tape and the Rust-Oleum finishes at hardware stores.
ROUTER BITS. For the bookend moldings I used a slightly smaller classical cove and bead bit (Amana #54132).
Here are five fast tips you can use the next time you finish a project with spray paint. Plus, check out two "canned" faux finishes.
Adding the right hardware, like a half-mortise lock, can turn an ordinary project into an heirloom. And we'll show you how.
A paneled front, dovetailed drawers that stand proud and bracket feet give this blanket chest an impressive look.
Before I started building the chest, I found some high-quality brass hardware. I bought mine by mail order, but you might find some of it locally.
CHEST LOCK & ESCUTCHEON. The 31/2" chest lock might be the most difficult item to come by. I bought mine from Lee Valley (00P27.35), but VanDyke's Restorers carries a pretty similar lock. The escutcheon (01A1910) was ordered seperately from Lee Valley.
HINGES, PULLS, CHAIN & BUMPERS. The brass hinges, brass bail pulls, chain, and stem bumpers are all pretty standard items and are more commonly available. Several of the sources listed carry the same or similar items, but I ordered the pulls from Rockler (35402) to match those I used on the bedside chest in Woodsmith No.139.
BRACKET FEET. If you want to include bracket feet on your chest but don't want to make them, there are a couple sources for ready-made feet. Both Rockler and Van Dyke's carry bracket feet similar to those pictured in cherry and a couple other woods.
BEDSIDE CHEST PLANS. If you'd like to order the bedside chest plans from issue No. 139, they can be purchased on our web site, see box below.
ROUTER BITS. To build the blanket chest, I used three different profile bits. The cap and base molding were made with a 1/4" Roman ogee bit (Amana #49206). (And the same bit is used for the caps and feet of the arch-top headboard.) On the panel molding I used a classical cove and bead bit (Amana #54130). And finally for the drawer fronts you'll need a 1/4" ogee fillet (Amana #54114). Again this bit did double duty on the headboard molding and the panels.
