Horsin’ Around – Woodworking

 

Like most woodworkers, I get requests to build something in a hurry and without spending a lot of money on supplies. Most of the time I schedule the work but this request was from someone special. The client, my wife, wanted a mobile horse tack chest to give as a Christmas gift. Together, we designed this piece to suit the needs of the gift recipient. Since sheet goods are expensive I decided to use some poplar that I obtained at a modest price from a mill because it had not been cut to specification (13/16″ thick – rough – after drying). saddle truck open lid

To build something quickly I decided to use pocket hole joinery so the obvious solution was the Kreg Jig. Because the wood dimensioned out at 5/8″ thick, the Kreg Jig easily adjusted to this thickness since this tool can be adjusted in 1/8″ increments. Although the chest is large and heavy, I have faith that the pocket hole joinery will withstand the issues of transportation. The chest is designed to store two saddles, multiple bridles, lead ropes, tack cleaning supplies, horse cleaning supplies, and grooming supplies for the rider.

saddle trunk inside

Storage for two saddles

Because this is a functional piece that will be used in rugged conditions, visibility of the pocket holes are not an issue. By turning a maple handle that I installed on the back and placing wheels on the bottom, this chest can be moved like a dolly. This makes the chest easy to transport to a horse show and roll to the horse stall. saddle trunk on wheels
The Kreg Jig is a very useful tool that has a place in your shop or tool box. Do you own a Kreg Jig? What have you built with this versatile tool? The next time you use pocket hole joinery give the Kreg Jig a test run.
Enjoy your shop time,
Jerill

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About Jerill Vance

I was born and raised in West Virginia where I learned carpentry skills at an early age by assisting my grandfather and father. In 2009, after more than 32 years in the chemical industry, I left and enrolled in college. I obtained an Associate of Applied Science degree in Fine Woodworking from New River Community and Technical College in Lewisburg, WV in December of 2010. I am now able to enjoy the profession of custom designing and building furniture. I also enjoy mentoring or teaching new woodworkers.

Comments

Horsin’ Around – Woodworking — 3 Comments

  1. I built my granddaughter a doll bunk bed using Kreg for her American Girl doll using Ana White’s design found at http://ana-white.com/2011/08/doll-bunk-beds-american-girl-doll-and-18-doll. Unfortunately, either I misread the directions or there is an error in the direction but my top bunk bed railings are not aligned properly. So, it is not something that I bring to a ValleyWoodworker Show and Tell unless I wanted to show — how not to follow directions. In my case — my client was satisfied with the final product though her seamstress grandmother has yet to sew the mattress and sheets. By the way … payment that I received was ‘Priceless’.

  2. My question is why the sawyer would cut anything 13/16? I always cut heavy for shrinkage ,not unless the customer request it and it will be in writing. The Kreg Jig is a very useful tool in my shop when in use. I will use this to make something quickly. I like box joints and dovetail joints to put things together. Case goods.