In five days, we are going to build seven* traditional full-size English tool chests – a.k.a. "The Anarchist's Tool Chest,” from Christopher Schwarz's book of that title – using hand tools.

If you don't like dovetails, this is not the class for you. If you'd like to learn dovetails (while you build a sturdy chest that holds about 50 hand tools...which is to say almost all the hand tools you need to build furniture), this is absolutely the class for you – you'll get plenty of instruction and practice.

Plus, we'll make handsome and (almost) bomb-proof raised-panel lids, and cut the mouldings, skirts and lids by hand. And though we will have time to build only the outside of the chest, I'll discuss how to divide up the interior for efficient work, and show you some options.

Cost
The cost of the class is $800, which does not include materials (details below). Registrants will be invoiced for a $150 non-refundable deposit. The balance of the tuition will be due on Jan. 1.

Materials for the Chest
Though painted pine is my choice for this chest (pine is lightweight, reasonable in price and plenty sturdy), you might prefer to make a showstopper in cherry or walnut – so you can prep and bring your own materials for this class if you like (I'll send rather strict instructions for wood prep). Or you can purchase the prepared pine parts from me for around $350 (the final stock price will be determined once I buy the wood, and will be due at the start of class).

Registrants for the class will receive course packets with a tool list, advice on wood prep (whether or not you choose to bring your own), suggestions (and how-to) for hardware and finishing, and interior options.

*There is room for six students; the seventh chest will be my daily user for the Lost Art Press shop. I've become too used to (and fond of) my ATC in my home shop, and dislike working out of my much smaller chest at LAP.