I had to make a number of jigs for this project, from a routing jig for cutting the base and top panels, to routing jigs for cutting slots into the frame. I hand-chiseled slots, milled planes, and cut the parts to size.
This chest started as a class project, to perfect and practice a number of hand and machine manufacturing techniques learned throughout 2 woodshop courses. My goals were to practice the steam bending process as well as work with different woods and techniques. The chest was designed to keep my roommate's dog from reaching the things on my nightstand when he sneaks into my room, and because of the stark space limitations, a tambour door was a natural solution.
I had to make a number of jigs for this project, from a routing jig for cutting the base and top panels, to routing jigs for cutting slots into the frame. I hand-chiseled slots, milled planes, and cut the parts to size.
Tambour slats are an age old technique, and surprisingly well documented. Creating the door was a simple matter of meticulously milling hundreds of strips to size then gluing them to a canvas sheet.
And I had even more ambition to add steam bet legs, which after a few attempts, and thanks to many many community hands assistance', turned out fairly consistent, and nearly the exact angle I planned for the legs.
A few layers of finish and some supports went on, and the final peace works well, resting nicely in my room, and sliding open with ease.
The project was a lot of fun and will hopefully serve as a nice piece to start a line on. Steps are in the works to try manufacturing a version of this cabinet a larger scale, and I hope to see it in production after graduation.