I Made a Treasure Chest Out of a Wooden Tobaggon

This is my very first attempt at doing an Instructable. It's been fun! Next time I will be better organized and prepared for the interface. File size limitations were also a challenge so I've included pdf's that are fairly well detailed. Should you choose to try this project, be flexible with the overall design plan and experiment and explore. Above all else, have fun!

Production Notes:

• A mitre saw is especially handy for this stage! Depending on the sleigh, a slat is 5/16" by 2 3/8"
• Nice clean cuts and avoid knotty wood.
• Use the appropriate length of brad nails and don't overshoot!
• My little pinner allowed for a max. 1 3/16" and a min. of 1/2".
• If you have some 2x2 kickin around, use it up!
• Just remember that when I say 2x2 it's really 1 3/8 x 1 3/8ths in. 1x1's are 3/4" by 3/4" and 1 x 4 is 3/4" by 3 1/2"wide.
• I've included a montage of the tools used during the making of the project.

Look over the pdf. included for more detailed information

Attach the Sub base to the 4 corner posts. Think of the 45 deg. angled 2x2 blocks as a support shelf for the subbase.

Plan Of Attack:

• Download and peruse the pdf. file.
• Wall Panels: Cut and sand all of the following:
• Be certain to preview the pdf. for more details.
• 22 Slats:@ 10 1/4" Verticals (Need 22 pieces). 
• 4 Slats:@17 3/4" Inner spreaders for front and back walls
• Top and Bottom Panels (Need 4 pieces)
• 4 Slats:@10 1/2" Inside Spreaders for Ends (Need 4 Pieces) 
• Assemble: Front and Back Panels:
• Assemble: 2 End Panels: 

Be sure to use the Lid during this portion/stage. It has to come out of the box enclosure. I recommend using a scrap piece of wood, ie. 1x2 at least 14 inches. long. Do a dry run! Repeat! Okay, now add the glue and brad's & or screws.

The method I have presented in Step 3: Build the walls is superior to the chaos I had created for myself. OMG!

To make the End Holes for the leather, I measured to the center and made certain that I was not going to have the strap

interfere with closing the chest up. So, go 2" from the bottom of the End and then measure 3" from center either way. Drill a hole with a 3/8" bit. Above this (depending upon your belt or leather width) measure up and drill another hole.

Repeat this process for the other side. Next, use your jigsaw to cut the middle out. Smooth out the area with a dremel and a barrel sander. Otherwise, use a screwdriver and wrap a strip of sandpaper around it. Smooth the edges on the inside as well as the outside. Test you strap in the holes you've created. I used 18" of strap and then made certain it overlapped in the back with a comfortable hand grip on the outside for an adult. Secure the strap with a clamp. Next, predrill the leather with a 1/8" drill bit. Overlapped and secured, now drill the 5/8" - 3/4'" screws directly into the End cap. Repeat for the other side.

To Sum it up! The Numbers are guidelines only!

Some picts of the finished chest.