I am just about finished with my granddaughter's chest. I made it of the pine panels you can buy at big box. I selected this wood for a couple of reasons, first is that she is only 5 years old and I'm sure she will give it some rough times. Second is that wood is very easy to work with, cheap and readily available. When she gets older I will build her a quality one of hardwood. 

  One thing I didn't think of, the panels are made from different limbs or even different trees. Therefore the degree of hardness varies. My prestain didn't do that good of a job and you can definitely see that.

 The final addition will be the flat cushion that my wife is making for the top. It will double as a bench seat. I also installed 2 top lifts that will not allow it to close fast, they just gently let it close. 

Very nice Chest Ron. That should make the granddaughter real happy. Do you have a picture of it with the lid open?

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John Moody
John Moody Woodworks
http://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com

Ron

Great job. Looks really nice and love the embellishments. I did 2 boxes for my grandsons and they were made of select pine, I figured the same as you, once they are older and more responsible I will remake them out of good hardwood. Is this your design or did you buy the plans? Once again great job.

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Wayne Mahler
God bless and protect our troops that serve so we can be free.