Pirate Toy Chest

Difficulty
Intermediate
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Toy chest with awesome curved top to make it look authentically "pirate-like." Or just something a little different than a plain old box.

Now that everyone knows I build things, I have quickly become one of the favorites in the family Christmas exchange for giving. Hey that is ok with me. I get to build for others and do some creative things. My brother and sister in law and I had talked about a few things in the months leading up to Christmas. And then a couple weeks before they called and said, "We were thinking we would like a toy chest for the new kids room." Ok, well that was not what we discussed, but not a a big deal, I hadn't started anything yet and it's basically a box right? Then he says, "yeah Dylan is really into pirates, so we want it to be like a pirate chest."

So this is what I came up with. Over all this is not a hard project. The only tricky part with the curved top is those last slats on the end. I had to kind of guesstimate what the angle would be and then rip them down on the table saw. I got lucky, but I also don't remember what my angle was! SO sorry.

This is a huge box and provides lots of storage. I just did the basic paint job (she wanted) and am leaving the detailing up to them. But, think how cool it would be with an awesome vintage clasp, leather straps, and brass clips, or a cool stain, or an antique paint job. Lots of potential.

Dimensions

Preparation

Shopping List

1/2 sheet 3/4" Plywood (4'x4')
10- 1x2's
1 - 2x2
1- 1x6 (need 2- 20" pieces if you have scraps)

Common Materials
120 grit sandpaper
primer
wood conditioner
paint
paint brush
Cut List

3/4" Plywood
2 @ 16" x 30 "
2 @ 16" x 17"
1 @ 18" x 31"
1x2's
15 @ 33"
2 @ 18"
2 @ 20"
2 @ 30"
2 @ 34"
2 @ 31 1/2"
2x2's
4 @ 16"
1x6's
2 @ 20" (refer to step 3 for cutting instructions

Cutting Instructions

I used wood I already had in my garage so these are the measurements I came up with. If however, you are going out and buying a 4x4 sheet of plywood to cut this from, you will need to reduce these measurements by a 1/4" on each length so that you can get all the pieces out of one sheet. Otherwise they will not fit per the saw blade allowance.

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Jigsaw
Miter Saw
Table Saw
Power Sander
General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Step 8

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Comments

JoanneS

Tue, 05/01/2012 - 15:46

What a super cute and creative project! LOVE the curved top! With all your creative decorating suggestions, it could be a pirate treasure chest, or a vintage country heirloom. Your diagrams of which parts to cut from each piece of wood are really helpful too. Beautiful job!