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Tips & Techniques4

Arch-Top Headboard6

This heirloom-quality project features a handsome arched molding and matching solid wood panels. But don't worry, we'll show you the simple steps used to build it.

  • Page 8: Figure 1
    A measurement is missing from the top part of the illustration. The distance from the top of the post to the top of the stopped chamfer is 4 1/2".
  • Page 14: King size headboard half-pattern
    Width should be 36", not 34" as originally printed.
  • Page 14: Main Illustration
    In the tint-box on making a king-size headboard, the dimension for the rails should be 72", both in the copy and in the accompanying art. The dimension for the width of the center panel should be 40". The measurement for the height should not be specified.

Online Extras

  • Arch-Top Headboard
    There's so much to like about this headboard -- its arched rail and molding, the curved panels, and the sturdy posts -- but what I really get excited about is how it's built. Even though the headboard looks traditional, it's not your typical case construction. No mortise and tenon joints to cut. No dovetails to rout. Just some rabbets, a few grooves and splines, and three solid-wood panels. Even the assembly of the frame and posts is done in small steps.
  • Headboard Pattern: King
    To modify this headboard for a king-size bed, I "stretched" the design so it's wider (and the curve slightly taller) than the queen-size version. But before you start, it's a good idea to measure your bedframe to make sure it will line up with the posts.
  • Headboard Pattern: Queen
    One of the challenges of the Arch-Top Headboard is laying out a large, symmetrical curve and having it look just right. The easiest way to do this is to draw a half-pattern on paper first. The half-pattern makes getting a symmetrical finished piece automatic. The dimensions given for the Arch-Top Headboard are for a queen-size bed.

Straight-Top Headboard15

We've simplified the design of the arch-top headboard for a classic-looking straight-top version with all the same fine details.

Arched Molding16

If you thought making curved molding meant having years of experience and industrial-sized equipment, take a look at the straightforward technique we came up with.

Arch-Top Bookends18

These simple bookends allow you to try out some of the same techniques used on the arch-top headboard. And with some scrap hardwood and MDF you can build them in a weekend.

With a few scraps of wood, some 3/4" MDF, and a piece of veneer, you're about set to go on the bookends. But I did need a couple other items.

FAUX FINISH. The special finishes that I used on the bookends are a product called American Accents made by Rust-Oleum. It comes in a variety of different colors and "effects."

ANTI-SLIP TAPE. I used a self-adhesive non- slip tape made by 3Mon the bottoms of the bookends. You can find the non-slip tape and the Rust-Oleum finishes at hardware stores.

ROUTER BITS. For the bookend moldings I used a slightly smaller classical cove and bead bit (Amana #54132).

5 Quick Pro Paint Tips22

Here are five fast tips you can use the next time you finish a project with spray paint. Plus, check out two "canned" faux finishes.

Shop Notes23

Installing a Half-Mortise Lock24

Adding the right hardware, like a half-mortise lock, can turn an ordinary project into an heirloom. And we'll show you how.

Paneled Blanket Chest26

A paneled front, dovetailed drawers that stand proud and bracket feet give this blanket chest an impressive look.

Online Extras

  • Paneled Blanket Chest
    What immediately draws your attention to this paneled blanket chest is all of the detail -- the sculptural bracket feet, the layered molding at the base, the chamfered corners, the balance of the molded panels and the drawers, and the bullnose lid with its narrow shadow line. All these elements combine to give this piece a really impressive, graceful look.
  • Bracket Feet
    Bracket feet have just the right combination of strength and elegance. The thick blocks provide plenty of support for a project like the blanket chest in Woodsmith No. 145. But the graceful contours of the faces and the curves of the scalloped profiles keep the feet from looking too heavy. All in all, they're pretty impressive.
  • Optional Base & Mortising Chest Hinges
    If you decide not to tackle the bracket feet, the "ogee" base makes a nice alternative. Also, we've put together some helpful tips for cutting the chest's hinge mortises.

Before I started building the chest, I found some high-quality brass hardware. I bought mine by mail order, but you might find some of it locally.

CHEST LOCK & ESCUTCHEON. The 31/2" chest lock might be the most difficult item to come by. I bought mine from Lee Valley (00P27.35), but VanDyke's Restorers carries a pretty similar lock. The escutcheon (01A1910) was ordered seperately from Lee Valley.

HINGES, PULLS, CHAIN & BUMPERS. The brass hinges, brass bail pulls, chain, and stem bumpers are all pretty standard items and are more commonly available. Several of the sources listed carry the same or similar items, but I ordered the pulls from Rockler (35402) to match those I used on the bedside chest in Woodsmith No.139.

BRACKET FEET. If you want to include bracket feet on your chest but don't want to make them, there are a couple sources for ready-made feet. Both Rockler and Van Dyke's carry bracket feet similar to those pictured in cherry and a couple other woods.

BEDSIDE CHEST PLANS. If you'd like to order the bedside chest plans from issue No. 139, they can be purchased on our web site, see box below.

ROUTER BITS. To build the blanket chest, I used three different profile bits. The cap and base molding were made with a 1/4" Roman ogee bit (Amana #49206). (And the same bit is used for the caps and feet of the arch-top headboard.) On the panel molding I used a classical cove and bead bit (Amana #54130). And finally for the drawer fronts you'll need a 1/4" ogee fillet (Amana #54114). Again this bit did double duty on the headboard molding and the panels.

Final Details36

  • Page 35: Paneled Blanket Chest Sources
    The finish used on the Paneled Blanket Chest is a mixture of 3 parts Zar oil-based cherry stain and 1 part Wood Kote Jel'd cherry stain.