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. 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. You can bring your wood and I will have wood here for sale- just let me know. The top requires a pair of high quality extruded hinges about 1 5/8" wide by 3" long and a lid support. I will have some on-hand to see and purchase if you like.

Make a drawing of the blanket chest you have in mind, no matter how rough! There is no need to worry about all of the construction details; we will work them out in class. From your drawing make up a parts list with names and approximate dimensions.  The drawing and parts list give you a clearer idea of the materials required for the chest.
 
Tool List

• Dovetail saw
• Cutting gauge…(A  “wheel” (disc) marking gauge is the best choice.)
• Dovetail marking gauge or sliding bevel
• 2 in. to 3 in. steel engineers square
• 6" rule
• Small Combination Square
• Tape measure (shorter is better)
• Dead blow hammer (14 to 20 oz.) NO rubber hammer
• Mallet for striking chisels (A wooden carvers mallet works best- check with carving suppliers.)
• Set of sharp chisels (Include a wide chisel at least 1” to 1 1/2”)
• Safety equipment: safety glasses, dust mask, hearing protection.

 
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.

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