Book Trunk

[terryHHI]

I’ve wanted to try making a trunk or hard sided suitcase for some time. My wife suggested a trunk for her cook books. Sure, sounds fun.

I used 1/2 inch maple plywood for structure. Leather is chocolate pull-up from Waterhouse Leather and W&C English bridle for black trim. Hardware from Ohio Travel Bag and Brettuns Village. A bunch of brass escutcheon pins and black wool fabric for lining.  

Since I’m not a woodworker, hand sawing and assembling a “square” trunk took some time and practice to get it where I wanted it.  Primarily watched You Tube videos for ideas on how to construct, cover and finish a trunk.  Couldn’t find many written resources so I created a document with screen shots of the build process from a variety of videos.  Not too scientific but gave me some ideas on how to proceed.  I’m happy to share it if anyone has an interest.

I am happy with how it turned out.  There are a few things I’d do different on the next one but mostly little stuff to make build easier.  

Most importantly, my wife loves it.  

[noobleather]

Very cool

[terryHHI]

Here are some build images to give you an idea how I built it.

1.  The plans will give you an idea of the size and pieces. This is as close to a “plan” as I get.  On the right side you will see outlines of hardware. I was trying to understand the sizes. 

2. Bought a Japanese saw to improve my cuts  

3. Bottom template to understand size.  Laid it in kitchen floor to make sure size made sense.

4. Main body glued.

 

 

 

Edited May 31, 2018 by terryHHI

[terryHHI]

5. Body pieces glued.

6. Lid construction

7. Handle 

[terryHHI]

5. Body pieces glued.

6. Lid construction

7. Handle 

[alpha2]

Wow. That's amazing! Thanks for sharing.

[KingsCountyLeather]

Looks great! And a lot of work. Good job.

[kiwican]

Wow that's cool

[YinTx]

I really like how that turned out!  Did you cement the leather to the wood?

YinTx

[battlemunky]

Really cool. See, I never think of things like this but I'm awfully glad other people are and do or else trunk making would die. That looks great!