85 – Duane’s Steamer Trunk Pt. 4
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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
83 – Duane’s Steamer Trunk Pt. 2
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Moving right along, we continue cutting and assembling parts for the steamer trunk. I spend a good deal of time on techniques that will help you when working with plans. The key is to realize that some parts need to be cut using measurements from your project, NOT from the plan itself. I also spend some time creating the thicker top panels, since they are not as simple as they appear from the outside.
Now that all the joinery is pretty much complete, I show you an alternative method for making the tongue and groove joints that could very well be faster and easier, if you have a router table. I use a tongue and groove bit set from Eagle America. Check out the links below if you are interested in going that route.
And why do I wear a dunce cap in this episode? You’ll have to watch to find out.
Links:
Tongue & Groove Bit Set
Coping Sled
Razor Saw
For the Sketchup File of the new revised top, click here. For a PDF version of the new top, click here.
And if you would like to donate to the cause, please check out the following links:
American Cancer Society
James Cancer Center
![]() |
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
82 – Duane’s Steamer Trunk Pt. 1
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On to our next project: a steamer trunk. This project was built and filmed in an effort to assist my new friend, Duane. The video gives the whole story. And here is a forum thread about the project: Wood Whisperer Forum
This first part focuses on building the frames that make up the sides of the trunk case. I cover numerous topics, but I spend a significant amount of time on grain matching. And since I don’t work with plans on the show very often, I thought it would be good to review some tips, tricks, and overall strategy for working with plans. I am incorporating a few notable changes to the original plan. First is the joinery of the corner “legs”. I will be using a rabbet instead of a reinforced miter. The second, and most dramatic change is the top. The plan calls for an arched top, and I have opted for a square top.
For the Sketchup File of the new revised top, click here. For a PDF version of the new top, click here.
And if you would like to donate to the cause, please check out the following links:
American Cancer Society
James Cancer Center
If you are interested in Lee Valley’s side rabbet plane, check this out.
![]() |
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
20- One Small Step
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Its been about a month since my last video post and I am excited to release another video. The last couple of months have been crazy with the major commissions I have been working on, and now its time to prepare for the upcoming AWFS Fair in Las Vegas. As I’ve mentioned before, I will be working at the Festool booth all four days and my goal is to build some cool projects with Festool tools. The step stool in this video is just such a project and is designed to show off the power of the Domino system. Thanks for watching!
















