USN Retirement Chest - Woodworking Talk

PTownSubbie · 07-15-2009, 10:39 PM

Hey all,

Been pretty busy lately trying to finish this chest. It is a retirement gift for my boss. I have to finish the shadowbox portion of the chest but couldn't wait to post the pictures. It is made from Cherry with Cherry stain. The hardware was purchased as a kit in Antique Brass finish. The figure on some of the 1/4" inserts is very cool.

I am very pleased with the way this turned out so far. The shadowbox actually is converted from a tray that sits in the top of the chest. You can see the wooden ledges on each side.

I will post pictures of the shadowbox when it is completed also.

woodnthings · 07-15-2009, 10:46 PM

With work like that I'm thinking he's gonna be your father-in-law! That's beautiful and the curved top is awesome! I can see why you couldn't wait and wanted to "show it off" ! That's different than showing off!

How long did it take and would you make another or others? Probably a market for those I would imagine. Thanks for posting the photos,

bill

Kenbo · 07-16-2009, 08:18 AM

Wow!

If I thought I was going to get something as nice as that for a gift, I would retire today. That is awesome!!!

Please post the pictures when the shadow box is done. You should be very proud of that, I would be.

Ken

firehawkmph · 07-16-2009, 11:06 AM

Nice job PT,
I like the underside of the lid. It looks like the inside of an old wooden ship. Very cool.
Mike Hawkins

Leatherneck · 07-16-2009, 11:07 AM

nice gift indeed !! .. I'd have my name on that in a heartbeat. GR-8 choice of hardware. very nice work

jdixon · 07-16-2009, 11:07 AM

Fred, You should be very proud! Your boss will love that. That is really, really nice. Great job!

John

Streamwinner · 07-16-2009, 12:12 PM

Very impressive chest. I like your wood choice; the burls and grain look fantastic.

PTownSubbie · 07-16-2009, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woodnthings

With work like that I'm thinking he's gonna be your father-in-law! That's beautiful and the curved top is awesome! I can see why you couldn't wait and wanted to "show it off" ! That's different than showing off!

How long did it take and would you make another or others? Probably a market for those I would imagine. Thanks for posting the photos,

bill

The plans say that it takes 30 hours to complete. I don't really have an estimate of time because I did it in stages. A little here and a little time there. I would think that 30 hours is probably a little short because I don't do anything fast these days.

I am kind of hoping that there might be some other "close to retirement people" that come to his ceremony that might like one. I did this one at cost. My immediate supervisor gave me time off of work to do some of the work. I guess I can't beat that.....

I would build another. I learned quite a bit building this one. I tried to be smarter than the plans and tried to do what I thought was cutting corners that turned into more difficult ways of doing things.

The Everyman Show · 07-16-2009, 12:45 PM

This is simply fantastic, elegant, detailed - a very nice job. I agree that the curved top and the figure of the panels really makes it stand out. What a great gift to be able to make for anybody let alone your boss. It is a great feeling making things for others and especially being able to make something that anybody else could only try and buy. You have a great gift, keep up this quality of work and please share the pics of the shadow box when they are complete.

John

red · 07-21-2009, 09:39 AM

That is a beautiful chest. Your boss will be proud to show it off. Great job.

Red

Al B Cuttn Wud · 07-26-2009, 05:20 PM

Fred,
How did the retirement go? Post some pics of the finished product when you get a chance.

I started on mine today. After talking with you about the corners, I decided to go with ripping the 45s and glue up before putting the rest of the chest together. I just used biscuits and taped up with painter's tape so hoping it will be easier. I'll let you know.

PTownSubbie · 07-27-2009, 09:15 PM

Promised I would post a picture of the shadowbox.... so here it is.

The retirement went great! Everyone liked the chest and shadowbox. My boss and his wife were very grateful of what I did in making this for him.

Hopefully someone else will like it enough to want one when they retire.....

krystal camacho · 10-22-2009, 05:37 PM

My dad is retiring next month from serving 30 years from the USAF. This is EXACTLY what i've been looking for. Is there anyway I can pay you to make another? It's beautifully stunning I just love it.

PTownSubbie · 10-22-2009, 08:53 PM

Krystal,

I sent you a Private Message.

Itchy Brother · 10-24-2009, 11:24 PM

The chest looks like the character in Gran Toino that Clint Eastwood portrayed should have!50 years from now people will be arguing about who gets the chest!Itchy

USMCBAZ · 10-25-2009, 02:44 AM

Awesome Gift! I love the way it turned out. I think I will incorporate some of the brass decor you used in the ones I make. Keep up the awesome work!!

hands made for wood · 10-27-2009, 12:10 AM

Beautiful! I like the structure of the chest on the interior, Good work!