DIY Hope Chest
- 1). Place two 1-by-16 1/2-by-28-inch boards parallel to each other with the 1-by-16 1/2-inch edges flat against the work surface. Space the boards with the outside edges 36 inches apart. These are the sides.
- 2). Butt one 1-by-28-by-36-inch board against the 1-by-28-inch ends of the sides to form a rectangular box. The 1-by-36-inch edges should be flat against the work surface. These are the front and back boards of the chest.
- 3). Drive wood screws through the front and back boards into the ends of the sides every 4 to 6 inches along each joint with a screw gun.
- 4). Place one 1-by-18-by-36-inch board over the rectangular assembly. This is the bottom. Fasten the bottom to the assembly by driving wood screws through the bottom into the edges of the front, back and sides every 4 to 6 inches.
- 5). Turn the assembly upright so that the bottom is flat on the work surface. Hold the second 1-by-18-by-36-inch board against the back side of the chest in the position of an open lid. This is the lid. Center the piano hinge in the center of the joint between the back of the chest and the lid.
- 6). Drive the screws provided with the hinge into the lid and back of the chest with a screw gun.
- 7). Apply one corner felt in the front corners of the lid and lower the lid closed.
- 8). Apply an even coat of wood finish over the exterior of the chest with a paintbrush. Allow the finish to dry 72 hours before use.
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