nightstand / cabinet

[avengers63]

I'm a comic book junkie. For more than 25 years, I've read my comics before going to bed. They've always sat in a pile or stacked in an upturned comic box. When the box was full, I'd file them away in their proper place.

SWMBO doesn't like the looks of this in out bedroom. I can't say that I blame her. So....

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff15/avengers63/nightstand%20cabinet/plan.jpg (http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff15/avengers63/nightstand%20cabinet/plan.jpg)

Here are the plans I came up with. The idea is to have a top shelf to hold a drink or lamp, just like a regular nightstand. There will be an exposed 4" shelf in which the books in cue to be read will sit. Behind the door will be a space that will fit a bagged & boarded comic with a little room to spare. At the bottom, behind the door, will be a
3" shelf to house the bags & boards. The intent is to read them, then put them in the cabinet, just like I did with the box.

I recently cam into a big pile of walnut... for $2.00/BF!!!!! Some of it was able to be planed to 1/2", which is exactly what I wanted for this project.

The basic dimensions of the stand/cabinet is 28" tall, 12" deep, and 8.5" wide. For perspective, the door itself is 17".

I'm contemplating making the door from canarywood or goncalo alves, possibly framed in walnut. I wanted the door to be some kind of contrasting figured exotic wood, but all of my exotics are dark (cocobolo, chechen, bocote), so my choices are limited.

Here's what I have so far...

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff15/avengers63/nightstand%20cabinet/wip01.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff15/avengers63/nightstand%20cabinet/wip02.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff15/avengers63/nightstand%20cabinet/wip03.jpg

From some of the comments in the build thread of my first table, I have the need to show that I'm not using screws in the construction, thus the pic of the biscuits.

[Out Numbered]

Very interested in seeing the final product on this. I too am a comic junkie, and have boxes upon boxes of them. And good find on the Walnut, best price I have been able to get here in Texas is 3.95 bf.

[avengers63]

No pics today, but I got the sides down to width and I'm working on the shelves. I bought the hardware as well - basic brass hinges (no mortising), a brass pull knob, and a pair of magnet closures.

[artme]

The walnut looks wonderful. Finished item should be interesting.

[avengers63]

Everything except the door & back are cut, "biscuted", and sanded to 220. Test fit went OK, so were on to the finishing stage.

Gotta tape it off first...

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff15/avengers63/nightstand%20cabinet/wip04.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff15/avengers63/nightstand%20cabinet/wip05.jpg


...then we slather it in water-based ploy. I hadn't tried the water-based yet, so I figured to give it a shot. It costs about 60% more than thinner based, but cleanup is SO much cheaper and easier.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff15/avengers63/nightstand%20cabinet/wip07.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff15/avengers63/nightstand%20cabinet/wip08.jpg


FWIW: I got the canarywood for the door resawn, glued, and planed down to just under 1/2". It contrasts nicely with the walnut and the grain will add some life to the piece.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff15/avengers63/nightstand%20cabinet/wip06.jpg

[avengers63]

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff15/avengers63/nightstand%20cabinet/wip09.jpg

There's a lot of cleaning up to do, but the frame & shelves are finished & assembled.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff15/avengers63/nightstand%20cabinet/wip10.jpg

1/4" Oak plywood for the back. I had to hit it with walnut stain because we're anal like that.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff15/avengers63/nightstand%20cabinet/wip11.jpg

I had to cut new canarywood for the door because I can't measure. Tonight the door will get glued up, tomorrow it gets planed down.

[avengers63]

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff15/avengers63/nightstand%20cabinet/wip12.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff15/avengers63/nightstand%20cabinet/wip13.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff15/avengers63/nightstand%20cabinet/wip15.jpg

All done. :U

There are a number of changes that could have been made to improve the cabinet structurally. Indeed, were this made for anyone other than myself, I'd use dado channels and lap joints instead of biscuits and butt joints. I'd change the hinges as well to some sort of hidden variety.

That being said, it all came together relatively painlessly. The construction choices I made were intentional considering this is my first piece wholly designed and constructed by myself. I wanted to keep it easy yet functional. Mission accomplished!

The walnut and canary have a striking contrast I am very pleased with. I think the imperfections in the walnut adds a great deal of character to the cabinet.

I'd appreciate any and all comments you might have to offer.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff15/avengers63/nightstand%20cabinet/wip14.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff15/avengers63/nightstand%20cabinet/wip16.jpg (http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff15/avengers63/nightstand%20cabinet/wip14.jpg)

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff15/avengers63/nightstand%20cabinet/wip17.jpg (http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff15/avengers63/nightstand%20cabinet/wip14.jpg)

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff15/avengers63/nightstand%20cabinet/wip18.jpg (http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff15/avengers63/nightstand%20cabinet/wip14.jpg)

[Al B]

Well done on a excellent effort making your first cabinet, the timber looks great. Sounds like you had a lot of fun making the cabinet. :2tsup:

[blockhed]

just perfect for comics my friend.
and those timbers are magnificent.
nice little job.
regards
the block
:2tsup:

[Out Numbered]

the contrast in the timber looks great, beautiful cabinet