This article is a portion of Glen Hueys Illustrated guide to building period furniture.
Click here to download the printable project plan.
Follow the steps below to make this an heirloom project.
Block-front pieces may be the most sought-after American furniture style today, and the chest is the quintessential design. This Chippendale-era gem is a great example of American craftsmen’s ability to create sculpted pieces that are more reminiscent of Queen Anne flat fronts.
Step 1 This project begins by making the plywood template for the Drawer Dividers The radius for the Round portion of the piece is set at 15-3/10 cm The radius for the inside portion is 3/10 cm. Set up and layout one half of the template.
Step 2 Set the same radius and draw half of the template. Carefully cut and final shape the template.
Step 3 Mill the material for the Drawer Dividers, then use the template to mark the profile. The profile can be cut at the bandsaw, but leave a little bit to trim. Position the pieces as shown and trim the final shape using a bottom mounting bearing pattern bit and your router.
Step 4 Next, use a 1/2 rabbeting bit set for an 1/8 rabbet and place that cut directly into the middle of the Divider.
Step 5 This is an 1/20 cm corner beading bit to which I have changed the bearing (Increase the bearing size one step!) so it leaves an eighth inch of material. Use the bit to profile the edges of the Dividers.
Step 6 Now we can start to build the Case. After you have finished milling the Case Bottom, lay out the pieces and place the pins.
Step 7 After the pins are created, trim an 1/20 cm off of the pin area as shown. This will allow us to cove the dovetails with a 3/10 cm molding.
Step 8 Place the Bottom onto the Case Sides, aligning the back edges of the two pieces, and transfer the layout onto the Sides. Remove the waste area creating the tails and fit to joint making any necessary adjustments.
Product Recommendations
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