The video “Making A Solid Walnut Dresser With A PlayStation Cabinet” is by Anthony from Wood Pack DIY. In this project, Anthony tackles the creation of a stylish dresser primarily made of walnut, with a clever touch to accommodate his PlayStation, all while ensuring it meets his wife’s aesthetic standards.
As Anthony begins, he shares a humorous moment about accidentally placing his shop vacuum on the wrong side, causing a few mishaps as he runs his boards through the planer. After correcting this oversight, he dives into the task of planing down solid walnut boards, emphasizing the importance of achieving a uniform thickness for the numerous panels he will be creating. This project is not just any build; it’s something special that he’s been eager to create, as it will be a prominent piece in his bedroom.
Anthony’s motivation for this project stems from a long-standing issue: his old dresser has been a makeshift home for his PlayStation, sitting awkwardly on a box. With his wife’s approval crucial for the project’s success, he’s determined to create a dresser that’s both functional and visually appealing. As he prepares the wood, he encounters a split in one of the boards, which he cleverly remedies by using his shop vacuum to draw the glue into the crack before clamping it shut.
To streamline the assembly process, Anthony opts to use dominoes for the glue-ups, ensuring precise alignment of the panels. He emphasizes the repetitive nature of the task but remains focused on matching grain patterns to enhance the overall aesthetic of the dresser. With the panels drying, he moves on to the contrasting elements of the design, incorporating curly maple to add visual interest.
As he works with the curly maple, Anthony initially intended to use one of the panels as the top, but after discovering it had twisted, he quickly adapts his plans. Instead, he decides to incorporate the curly maple into the face frame, which will add a striking contrast to the walnut. He meticulously cuts spacers to help align the face frame with the side panels, showcasing his thoughtful approach to design.
During the glue-up of the face frame, Anthony finds himself less rushed than usual, as the smaller components allow for individual clamping. He utilizes painter’s tape to manage squeeze-out, keeping the project tidy. After the frame is assembled, he prepares to attach it to the side panels, again relying on dominoes for stability.
As the assembly progresses, Anthony faces challenges with his uneven floor, which complicates the test fit of the dresser. Nonetheless, he remains optimistic and uses pipe clamps to secure the face frame, emphasizing the importance of proper clamping to ensure a strong bond. Once the main structure is complete, he focuses on the inner cabinet that will house the PlayStation, incorporating a grommet for cord management.
With the cabinet’s structure taking shape, Anthony applies a finish of Rubio Pure to enhance the walnut’s natural beauty. He carefully considers the placement of his under-mount drawer slides, ensuring they are functional and aesthetically pleasing. As he works on the drawers, he reveals his thought process for making them easier to finish by altering the back panel design.
As he constructs the drawer faces from solid walnut, Anthony pays close attention to the grain patterns, aiming for a cohesive look across the entire dresser. He opts for finger pulls rather than visible hardware, routing a subtle profile along the top for a sleek appearance. This decision highlights his dedication to creating a refined piece of furniture.
In a surprising turn, Anthony decides to scrap the original top made from curly maple due to its color inconsistencies and blemishes. Instead, he chooses to create a new top from walnut, which he believes will provide a more harmonious look. After finishing the piece, he prepares for final assembly, ensuring everything is perfectly aligned before securing it in place.
As he wraps up the project, Anthony expresses his satisfaction with the final result, noting the hidden features and attention to detail that make the dresser unique. With his wife’s approval secured, he hints at future projects, including a larger dresser for her and matching nightstands. This build not only showcases Anthony’s craftsmanship but also his ability to blend functionality with style.
This project was not only a fun endeavor but also a solution to an ongoing issue, proving that practical needs can inspire beautiful designs.