Ash Dresser – Project of the Week

This week’s project comes from Schwigs, he writes:
Here is a dresser I built for my Mother-in-law. The design was inspired by dressers that my wife and I bought after we got married (and before I was into woodworking). She needed a piece for that exact spot you see in the pictures, so the dimensions were tailored for just that. It is all constructed from plain ole’ Ash, but was my first experience with mortise and tenon joinery (I spent some quality time with Episode 10 Pt. 1&2 in the process). Overall there are 31 M&T joints and overall everything went very smoothly. Also, the cove molding under the top was made on my table saw, it was my maiden voyage with that technique as well. The finish is one that another woodworking buddy taught me on my very first project. I use wipe-on poly and get the surface as flooded with finish as possible, then I use 320 silicone carbide sandpaper to work the finish into the surface, wiping off the excess across the grain. A light sanding after each coat is dry and then continue to the next finest grit with the wet sanding. After I have built up enough coats, I give it a good rub with some 0000 steel wool, blow off any dust and steel wool bits left over and we’re done! Thanks for looking!

Comments

  1. Lark June 14, 2008

    very nice i would like to make one like this as the one in my room the is just from Argos and some of the draws dont even stay shut :(

  2. David (runningwood) June 14, 2008

    very nice job, did you dovetail the drawers ?

  3. muddler mike June 14, 2008

    wow – really nice, schwigs. The ash is beautiful – it looks like it has a little curly figure to it too. great job!

    Mike

  4. Nice Schwigs! The finish really highlights the figure.

  5. Steve June 15, 2008

    something to be proud of,Schwigs!

    Nice work with the woodgrain.

  6. Joe R June 15, 2008

    The finish looks beautiful – a warm luster, not too glossy – nice. Also, it’s a relief to see that you didn’t try to stain it with anything – keepin’ it natural. Great job on the design and construction!

  7. Terry June 15, 2008

    That is so beautiful!! I hope someday I will be able to attempt a project like that. I love the wood and the finish. You did a great job!!

  8. Dave Bruggeman (Dusty Corner) June 15, 2008

    Very beautiful dresser.Now i know what I can use some of my 1000 board feet of home sawn ash.Thanks for sharing.

  9. Trinidad Zepeda June 16, 2008

    Love it! Great job. And the color and woodgrain look just great!
    I too would like to attemp a project like this.

  10. Schwigs June 17, 2008

    Thanks Gents! I appreciate all of the kind words, especially from this lot because I’ve seen what some of you guys can do and am always impressed!

  11. Ali June 17, 2008

    Great look!!, Right now I am working in a dresser of seven drawers, but I haven’t finished yet… this finish project is an insperation for me.
    Congetulation!! Great job. I am behind you

  12. Rob Cottle September 15, 2009

    Love the dresser – The finish! Would like to hear some more on the finish!

  13. Frank Kovach January 27, 2010

    “Plain ole

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