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Hi all,
Well, after months of intent, weeks of procrastinating, and finally a few good weeks of free time spent actually working, I'm finally finished with my first project, this baby changing table/dresser. Good thing too, our baby will arrive no later than a week from tomorrow (Cathy is scheduled for induction on that day).
I started from these plans at http://www.am-wood.com/july99/baby.html , but made many changes. First of all I must warn you, if you attempt to build these plans there are MANY errors, omissions, etc. The measurements are off on several pieces (fortunately nothing I couldn't work around), and several steps are missing, misleading, or whatever. One thing we like about this style of changing table over the traditional one, is that it really will never be outgrown. Once baby has outgrown the changing need, the pad can be removed, and it will make a fine dresser. I could even see a TV placed on top of the changing area.
Anyway, changes I made from the am-wood plans include:
Since this is my first "real" woodworking project, there were many "firsts" for me. These include:
I learned a ton of things, and made a ton of mistakes (I'm sure you experts can see many just in the pictures, but I'll let you find them rather than tell you what they are!
Finish is Minwax Golden Pecan, and multiple coats of my own wipe-on poly (50/50 Minwax Satin poly/mineral spirits).
Here come the pics. Again be gentle, I'm a newbie!
-Tim
Well, after months of intent, weeks of procrastinating, and finally a few good weeks of free time spent actually working, I'm finally finished with my first project, this baby changing table/dresser. Good thing too, our baby will arrive no later than a week from tomorrow (Cathy is scheduled for induction on that day).
I started from these plans at http://www.am-wood.com/july99/baby.html , but made many changes. First of all I must warn you, if you attempt to build these plans there are MANY errors, omissions, etc. The measurements are off on several pieces (fortunately nothing I couldn't work around), and several steps are missing, misleading, or whatever. One thing we like about this style of changing table over the traditional one, is that it really will never be outgrown. Once baby has outgrown the changing need, the pad can be removed, and it will make a fine dresser. I could even see a TV placed on top of the changing area.
Anyway, changes I made from the am-wood plans include:
- Entire project (except for inner drawer members) is solid Ash
- Changed the right side configuration to a smaller drawer and large cabinet with adjustable shelf, rather than two drawers (LOML liked this configuration at the baby store)
- Joinery is changed to avoid exposed fasteners (e.g. the plans call for [i]screwing[i] the top on through the top! I used biscuits instead
Since this is my first "real" woodworking project, there were many "firsts" for me. These include:
- My first use of rough-cut lumber, planing and jointing
- My first glued-up panels, including the tops, sides, back panels, and drawer/cabinet fronts.
- My first drawers of any kind, and first dovetails using the HF jig
- My first use of biscuit joinery
I learned a ton of things, and made a ton of mistakes (I'm sure you experts can see many just in the pictures, but I'll let you find them rather than tell you what they are!
Finish is Minwax Golden Pecan, and multiple coats of my own wipe-on poly (50/50 Minwax Satin poly/mineral spirits).
Here come the pics. Again be gentle, I'm a newbie!
-Tim
)] The important thing is I now have a major project under my belt, and I learned tons in the process. 
Seriously, a great looking project. I took an extra dresser we had and lopped the top drawer off to make our changing table. One thing you will learn is most people aren't going to see the mistakes that are obvious to you. It is a great looking project. My wife is due in about 3 weeks.
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