I am finally putting this section of the blog to bed and posting the photos of the completed steamer trunks. I took these images back in November of last year before sending the trunks out the shop doors but I just never got around to posting them to the web site. Guess I was waiting to complete some enhancements to the web site’s Gallery section before doing so, but never thought it would be this far down the road.

Taking a minute to recap this project I recall the trunks and trays were made from local Iowa Amana Quarter Sawn White Oak and Quarter Sawn White Oak plywood with cedar closet lining on the inside. The plans for the trunks were from Woodsmith and the hardware was from a kit but could easy been purchased separately from various suppliers. The finish was a combination of Linseed oil and polyurethane, which I liked due to the soft hue, aged looks, and enhancement to the quarter sawn wood without fuming.

I was pleased with the finished projects and enjoyed making them, but was glad to be done after six months of working on these trunks. I believe the one trunk I sold for around $750; I recall I asked $400 for my labor plus materials. Would I make additional trunks? Probably, but not anytime soon. I recall what a long time woodworker once told me, make only custom pieces if you can. Multiples and lot work is boring tedious work and takes the fun out of your woodworking hobby.