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The final installment of the Steamer Trunk series. I apply the faux walnut straps, apply the water-based finish using my HVLP turbine, and install the tansu hardware. All in all, this was a great project that really reinforces simple frame and panel construction. At the end of the video, I even have a little update on Duane’s progress on his trunks. Things are coming along nicely. Best of luck to you Duane!
And if you would like to donate to the cause, please check out the following links:
American Cancer Society
James Cancer Center
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Steamer Trunk Plan and Hardware This plan shows you how to build your very own classic trunk… |
Quick Links:
Steamer Trunk, Pt. 1
Steamer Trunk, Pt. 2
Steamer Trunk, Pt. 3
Steamer Trunk, Pt. 4










16 Responses to “85 – Duane’s Steamer Trunk Pt. 4”
Keep the videos coming! It’s good to see some polished woodworking video podcasts!
Marc,
You’re right the tansu hardware really sets it off. Great looking steamer trunk!
I agree with Zac. The quality of your video is comparable to the tech ones I get from revision 3 and cnet and Leo. So keep up the good work Marc. Some of the woodworking ones just don’t get have the quality of production that the content deserves. In fact some of them are unwatchable.
Just caught up with this Marc. Great conclusion, I really think the end product is great and I like the Tansu hardware. Did you find many other options for ‘off-the-shelf’ tansu hardware? What about a pair of leather strap type clasps for the front?
Also, I have to ask. What is the purpose of the little white board by the door to the house. Nosey? Moi?
Good Luck Duane
Wow totally missed this question Wizer. Sorry. I actually did not find any other options yet. People sent me links but I haven’t had time to run through them yet.
And the white board is for writing on. lol
Hi Marc – My episode 85 podcast in Itunes lists release date as 4/5/09 and says it is Pt. 5 – I think if you had released pt. 4 my Itunes would have downloaded it and my pt. 5 does cover the application of the finish and hardware – it is definitely the end episode – maybe this was just labelled wrong or did you have 5 parts?
Hey Tom. When I first released the video, it was mis-labeled at part 5 when no part 5 exists. Part 4 is the last episode. You were one of the few folks that actually downloaded the video in iTunes before I fixed the wrong label. Since you already downloaded it, iTunes had no knowledge that the file was fixed.
But no worries, you are all caught up.
Mark,
The chest turned out beautiful, as does everything you do. Thanks for the great videos, especially this series.
Dropping everything to help another woodworker like this is a Class Act.
Thanks,
Roger
cool videos
I’ve watched all 4 vids, and I’m impressed, and can’t wait for the day when I can build something similar.
How long all up did the project take? Like, how many days, or hours?
Thanks for being there, Teach.
Ra.
Thanks Ra! Honestly its pretty hard to estimate my time in any way that might be useful to you, unless you plan to build one and film yourself while you do it. That tends to slow things down dramatically. All told it took about 2 weeks.
looks good. The quarter sawn white oak you used looks much lighter than what I get here in California. Is it a different climate?
can I have your rockler hardware? lol
but seriously, can I?
I am just finishing my steamer trunk and I absolutely love the video instructions. Now I am debating on whether to build another one or try something new. I built one for my grandson’s first birthday and I made it 40 inches long. It has turned out great. Didn’t know I was such a perfectionist until I tried woodworking. It’s just gotta be right or do it over…I did alot over.. Thanks for your detailed explanations.
Outstanding job. The timing couldn’t be better. I may be building a shadow box for a friend and will try to guide him towards the steamer trunk. Great video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Jerry
Question concerning the lid: I don’t know a whole lot about frame and panel construction (yet), but is that lid strong enough to sit on? Could you use the trunk as a lidded bench, or is there not enough strength in the rails?
Since there’s no support on the underside, I’d be worried about sitting on it, but I know oak is strong wood.
You can sit on it, but I wouldn’t make a habit of it. You are right to be concerned since its really not designed to handle any real weight for a sustained amount of time.