Over the course of this past week I applied three coats of Tried & True Original oil finish to the Hillbilly Hobby Tansu.  I also used the evenings this week to tie and ready the “hardware”.  All of the pulls are simple grommets hardened with CA glue.  They are attached to the drawers with a loop created by tying a lanyard knot.  The loose ends are fed through the hole in the drawer front and secured with an overhand knot and a drop a CA glue.

Right from the start I knew that I wanted some sort of latch for the large bottom drawer.  A latch would prevent the drawer from coming open when the tansu is being transported from place to place.  The original  inspiration for this project had an elaborate steel lock and I liked the idea of it.  After searching around on the internet I found a site that sold “locks” with a Japanese tansu look to them.  The website was a little lacking in description but I took a chance and ordered.  What I received was not a lock, but simply a latch.  It is all metal and works well for what I need, but I do wish that it was an actual lock.  Anyway, installation was simple and it serves its purpose.

With all of the hardware installed this project is complete and ready to be stuffed full and put to work.

I’m happy with how this one turned out.  My intent was not to copy the original, but to use it for inspiration to create my own version.  Just as a refresher.

I’m glad there are folks out there who build faithful reproductions of antique pieces but its not my thing.  I’ve followed along with magazine articles and videos in the past to build projects and it always left me feeling a little empty.  While following along with a demonstrated project is a great way to learn techniques, the resultant project never felt like it was mine.  I whole heartedly encourage you to make each project your own.  You don’t have to design something from scratch, just change a few details that speak to you and put you own unique stamp on it.  Will it always turn out the way you hoped?  Maybe, maybe not, but your projects will be unique and rewarding.  Plus, you’ll be surprised at how much you will learn and expand your skills.

Well, that brings an end to projects in my little shop.  The next six to eight weeks will be consumed with renovating our “new-to-us” home, packing, moving and unpacking.  Then I’ll have to carve out a space at the new house for a shop.  I’m excited to take what I’ve learned in my current shop and apply it to setting up a new space.

Keep an eye out for big changes and new projects in the near future.

Part 14 Greg Merritt