How to Make a Blanket Chest.

by Mrballeng in Workshop > Woodworking

16053 Views, 521 Favorites, 0 Comments

How to Make a Blanket Chest.

open chest.jpg
chest white backround.jpg
IMG_1928.JPG
IMG_1920.JPG
jessie01.jpg
IMG_1931.JPG
jessie03.jpg
IMG_1933.JPG
IMG_1934.JPG
IMG_1936.JPG

A friend of ours is expecting a child. I made this chest for her to have a place to store diapers, wipes, and toys for her little muchkin. Any parent in a two story house will tell you how convenient it is to have a diaper stash both upstairs and downstairs. The size of the box was determined by the drawers which were based off the measurements of the wipes container.

It's made from select pine and painted the color "Seaside Sand". When the drawers are removed, pulling the center stile reveals a secret compartment.

Cutting the Side Rails and Stiles

chest plans.jpg
IMG_1771.JPG
IMG_1772.JPG
IMG_1780.JPG
IMG_1781.JPG
IMG_1782.JPG
I really didn't know how I was going to put this together. The first thing I did was layout the box in Autocad. That really helped a lot. From there I started with the sides. I cut the rails (horizontal wood pieces) and the stiles (vertical wood pieces).  

Laying Out the Curves

IMG_1785.JPG
IMG_1788.JPG
IMG_1784.JPG
IMG_1787.JPG
IMG_1790.JPG
IMG_1783.JPG
To add a little character to the box I included curves in the top and bottom rails. These curves were laid out by bending a piece of wood to the corners of the rails. I then used a pencil to mark the curve. Finally I cut out the curve with a scroll saw. 

Cutting Dadoes

IMG_1819.JPG
IMG_1815.JPG
IMG_1816.JPG
IMG_1817.JPG
IMG_1818.JPG
IMG_1820.JPG
This part is pretty straight forward. I installed a cabinet making bit in my router and cut slots for the panels to fit in. The slot is 1/4" x 3/8" deep. 

Fitting the Panels

IMG_1821.JPG
IMG_1822.JPG
IMG_1823.JPG
IMG_1827.JPG
IMG_1828.JPG
IMG_1829.JPG
I used my scroll saw to cut the panels. I could have used my table saw but I'm not aloud to use it when the baby is napping. For the upper curves I just laid the rail on the panel and traced it with a pencil before cutting it out. I used a flute bit in my router where the cabinet bit wouldn't work. 

Test Joints

IMG_1830.JPG
IMG_1826.JPG
IMG_1825.JPG
IMG_1824.JPG
IMG_1831.JPG
Once all the rails, stiles, and panels were cut I joined them with pocket screws. These joints are strong and easy to take apart once you're sure everything fits. We'll fill in the pocket holes later. 

Dismantle for Sanding

IMG_1874.JPG
IMG_1877.JPG
IMG_1878.JPG
IMG_1876.JPG
IMG_1875.JPG
I made a tenon in the upper stile with my table saw. Now that everything is looking good I took it apart and sanded down all the edges. 

Glue Up

IMG_1879.JPG
IMG_1880.JPG
IMG_1881.JPG
IMG_1898.JPG
IMG_1899.JPG
IMG_1897.JPG
IMG_1901.JPG
Before setting the screws I applied a little glue. I then used a damp rag to clean off any excess. To plug the pocket holes I glued in a section of 3/8" dowel and trimmed them flush. 

The Hidden Compartment

IMG_1882.JPG
IMG_1884.JPG
IMG_1885.JPG
IMG_1886.JPG
IMG_1887.JPG
IMG_1888.JPG
IMG_1889.JPG
This drawer is made from simple butt joints, brad nails, and glue. The fanciest thing about it is the 5 degree cut on the top edge of the stile. This Allows it to look like a solid joint when it's closed. 

Making the Front Drawers

IMG_1908.JPG
IMG_1909.JPG
IMG_1910.JPG
IMG_1890.JPG
IMG_1911.JPG
These drawers are made using the same construction. Since the backs are a 1/2" higher they act as a stop so the drawer doesn't fall out when it's pulled. I made the handles by using a cove bit on the bottom edge and rounding over the top edge. 

The Lid

IMG_1773.JPG
IMG_1774.JPG
IMG_1776.JPG
IMG_1777.JPG
IMG_1891.JPG
IMG_1892.JPG
IMG_1894.JPG
IMG_1779.JPG
The lid was glued up with clamps and trimmed to size. I used a block plane to smooth out the top and finished it with a hand sander. I braced it with a couple slats on the underside. 

Hardware and Paint

IMG_1893.JPG
IMG_1912.JPG
IMG_1914.JPG
IMG_1916.JPG
IMG_1918.JPG
IMG_1919.JPG
IMG_1915.JPG
IMG_1924.JPG
After fitting the hardware I removed it for paint. I used two coats of latex paint. The color is "seaside sand". Once the paint was dry I replaced the hardware and added bumpers for the lid. 

I rubbed candle wax on the sliding surfaces to help the drawers move back and forth. 

Thanks for reading.