Building a Nightstand with Hidden Features

Introduction

• Objective: Build a nightstand with a hidden feature to help fall asleep faster.
• Problem: Lamp is too far to reach when lying in bed, forcing an interruption in sleepiness.
• Goal: Add design improvements and a main feature for convenience.

Design Improvements

1. Curved Drawer Face and Legs
   • Match the rest of the furniture.
2. Discreet and Quiet Drawer
   • Ensure it is hidden and closes silently.
3. Main Sleeping Aid Feature
   • Details to be revealed later.

Project Execution

• Initial Steps
  • Month-long winter break to complete the project.
  • Start with ripping plywood for the curved drawer front using curve bending technique.

Challenges and Solutions

1. Curved Drawer Front

   • Multiple failures to get proper spacing for cuts.
   • Successfully glued up on the third attempt.

2. Drawer Top

   • Made from solid wood for durability.
   • Used maple cutting board blank to save cost.
   • Glued thinner strips to avoid warping due to humidity changes.

3. Cleaning Drawer Face

   • Sketchy cuts made carefully on the table saw.
   • Added maple edge banding to hide plywood edges.

4. Building the Drawer Box

   • Made from solid maple to avoid exposed plywood edges.
   • Applied maple veneer to hide curve cuts and improve aesthetics.
   • Rounded inside edges for comfort.

Drawer Assembly

• Installed $76 soft-close drawer slides to achieve the goal of a silent drawer.
• Fixed structural issues by creating custom brackets for the drawer slides.

Leg Construction

• Curved legs made with the same bending technique.
• Added cutouts for aesthetics and function.
• Applied adhesive maple veneer for a clean look.

Electronics Integration

• Main Feature: Dimmer Knob for Lamp Control
  • Allowed user to turn off lamp without getting out of bed.
  • Wired dimmer knob with 12-volt input and output jacks.
  • Thumb divot for easy use.

Final Touches

• Added leather drawer liner for noise reduction.
• Overcame weather challenges to complete the project.

Conclusion

• Despite time constraints and weather issues, successfully built a nightstand with the goal of improved bedtime convenience.
• Added features: Curved aesthetics, discreet drawer, quiet operation, and integrated lamp control.
• Emphasized the value of problem-solving and project planning.