Toy Chest Plans

Finding toy chest plans as a great first project for a beginning woodworker is easy. Elaborate scrollwork, the addition of a child’s name or the inclusion of a hidden compartment are additions that may turn a simple toy chest into a treasured family heirloom.



Choosing a Plan

The types of toy chests that are available range from simple square boxes with safety hinges, pirate trunks, personalized toy boxes to detailed replicas of western chuck board wagons and antique style circus wagons. When choosing a plan for building a toy chest keep in mind how large you want the toy chest to be, how much time you are willing to spend making it, the final cost of the project and the skill level required to build the toy chest. Some toy chest plans are downloadable and will require that you redraw the pattern to the correct size. Other plans are full size and do not require resizing.

woodcraftplans.com - Treasure Chest

Types of Wood

A good toy chest plan will include suggestions on which wood to use. Hardwoods such as oak and walnut are more difficult to work with. If your toy chest plans include many curves, using a softer wood may lessen the work involved. Simple toy chests can be made of sturdier wood as most of the edges will be straight. Combining more than one type of wood gives the finished project a unique, one of a kind look.

Heirloom Oak & Cedar Chest Woodworking Plan

Safety

When considering which toy chest to use keep a child’s safety in mind. Many toy chests have lids. Using the proper hardware like safety slides that lock into place when the lid is opened will keep the little ones safe and provide a place to store their toys. Toy chest plans should include a list of the hardware needed to complete the project. Using the recommended hardware is important especially when building toy boxes. As a child grows, a well-built toy chest may become a place to store their prized possessions. Toy chests, like hope chests, are often passed from one generation to another.

Bench with Storage Woodworking Plan

Finishes

Once you have determined what type of toy chest to build you will need to decide how you will finish it. A circus-wagon toy box, brightly painted with primary colors encourages the imagination of any child. Toy chests built to resemble pirate treasure chests can have strips of leather and brass upholstery tacks added for a touch of realism. Toy boxes made from inexpensive wood can be painted while toy chests made from hardwoods are most often stained then either oiled or varnished to bring out the grain and color of the wood.

Raised Panel Hope Chest Plans

Personalization

Adding a child’s name to a toy chest is easy. Pre-fabricated wooden letters, brass and other metallic letters, are available allowing you to add that special touch to your project. A child’s name can be painted on the toy chest in coordinating or accent colors as well. Finding the right toy chest will be easy. Building a toy chest is an easy project that can be complete in a short amount of time.

woodcraftplans.com - Personalized Toy Chest

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