Building a Dovetailed Blanket Chest Class
Tools, Materials and Information
Preparations and Wood
The blanket chest for this class is approximately 16-20" tall, 14-20" deep and about 36" long, with some potential for variation in dimensions. (Bigger is not better.) See some of the past class photos on the web site.
The chest has a solid bottom and sits on a dovetailed base. Including waste, the chest requires about 40 board feet of primary wood plus 10 board feet for the bottom. I suggest aromatic cedar for the bottom.
It is best to pre-mill and glue up your panels before class. You can make the panels a bit oversized and we will cut them to final dimensions here. If you need us to make up a kit for you please give a call before May 20th.
The top requires a pair of high quality extruded hinges about 1 5/8" wide by 3" long and a lid support. I get my hinges from either Horton Brasses (PB-409) or Whitechapel - they both give a discount. The stay that I use also comes from Whitechapel (lockable sliding stay #201LS1P) but it is pricey and is not appropiate for a childs chest. They do offer a good discount to our students.
Tool List
The tool list for this class is basically the same as for the Dovetails class- if you go online there are also links to suppliers.
Dovetail saw – Either Japanese or Western style. Personally I prefer the Western saw and suggest a better quality Lee-Valley 14tpi, Lie-Nielsen 15tpi, Adria, or Wenzloff & Sons brands. For many years I did use Japanese Dozuki saws and still recommend them for new dovetailers. The Japanese “Z” saw #12F27 (Woodcraft) is a good choice.
Lee Valley Dovetail Saw
Lie Nielsen Dovetail Saw
Woodcraft Japanese Dozuki
Cutting gauge – cuts across the grain (A “wheel” disc) marking gauge works best. Veritas (Lee-Valley) and Tite-Mark make good ones. A marking gauge with a pin does not work.
Lee Valley cutting guage
Tite-Mark Guage at Lie Nielsen
Dovetail marking gauge or sliding bevel for drawing the dovetails. A pair (1:6, 1:8) Veritas (Lee-Valley) Dovetail Saddle Markers are the best in my opinion.
Dovetail Marking gauges at Lee Valley
Coping Saw/ Fret Saw– The Fret saw is preferable. Tools For Working Wood has a 3” & 5” deep throat. Both are handy – if you only get one make it the 5”. For blades – Olson, Double or Skip Tooth 5” Scroll plain end saw blades – 11 – 11.5 tpi. Peachtree USA has them.
Fret saw at Tools for Working Wood
PeachTree USA scroll saw blades for fret saw
Wood or brass Mallet for striking chisels
2 in. to 3 in. steel square and a 6” rule
Small (6” or less) combination square or double square (if you have to purchase one, I recommend the double square – Lee Valley Tools sells a 4” precision double square, but Starrett makes the best).
Dead blow hammer (12-20 oz.) – Not a rubber mallet.
Sharp bevel edge chisel set.
A notebook and digital camera for taking pictures (if you have one).
Safety equipment: safety glasses, hearing protection
Very Handy if you have them:
Small dividers
Marking knife (Blue Spruce) or X-acto knife
Call or email me with any questions on materials, tools or design variations. I have some extra tools on hand for you to try and can recommend sources if you need help.
Lie-Nielsen does offer a 10% discount to our students
A full catered lunch is served every day and drinks and snacks are provided all day. Please let us know of any special dietary needs.
(859) 986-5540 kelly@kellymehler.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|