In this workshop students will have an excellent opportunity to learn about solid wood construction by building a personalized hope chest. This chest will feature hand-cut dovetails throughout. Students will learn mortise and tenon construction as well as other hand tool skills including using hand planes, chisels, saws and scrapers. The top or this chest will be embellished with either decorative veneer work or carved lettering (or both). Frank will demonstrate the correct way to make bread board ends which will keep the top of the chest flat for years to come. Installation of hinges, locks and lid supports will be demonstrated and by the end of the week Frank, will discuss his secrets for applying a perfect finish.

PLEASE NOTE: Pricing for Blanket Chest Materials is $875 and includes the cost of the lumber including milling and glue up of panels in Cherry. If you prefer a different wood students will need to contact Frank in advance of the class to discuss other options. Also, if you are going to bring your own wood, Frank will have to discuss this first, as there are specific wood requirements that will need to be met prior to arriving at the class. Frank prefers to personally mill all the wood prior to arriving at the class. Hardware cost includes Solid Brass English hardware, Hinges and lid Stays at $98 and English brass chest lock and escutcheon at $85. Please note that hardware prices could potentially change. This is extremely high grade, heirloom quality hardware.

Unique Instructor Frank Strazza

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