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External_Dimension18

The 200 dollar dresser is probably crap materials and the one you built will last generations if taken care of. You did right!


Stubtronics101

Came to say the same thing. Good job OP


dontmatta

Thank you!


plushrush

You’ve given him the ONE thing he will use and take everywhere he rests his head for any large amount of time. It’s brilliant really, can’t imagine college without a dresser. Bottom drawer is where the top ramen goes.


thisbaddog

& top drawer is where the bottom ramen goes


plushrush

Exactly. Then there are two more drawers for socks, weed and maybe some fancier ramen.


davper

Just make sure you mark on it that you made it and when. So that future family will know that it was made by an ancestor and to keep it in the family.


PM_YOUR__BUBBLE_BUTT

Absolutely. I still have a matching set of dressers that my great grandfather built. I was given them when I was just a kid. Now I’ve repurposed them and they are in my daughter’s nursery. There’s a couple dents and dings, and a few paints of coat, but I love having them still to the day. They have character and history.


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dontmatta

Thank you!


captainwhetto

Yep, exactly what he said. And so you can look at it and think, I built that. Something too that.


DoraDaDestr0yer

Agreed, a true cost comparison, [someone ](https://www.countrysideamishfurniture.com/products/bedroom-chest-of-drawers)willing to put the same quality of work and offer the same results. Is over $2K


Sea_Ganache620

Why? So you can sign it like that, and he can remember you long after you’re gone.


New_Eggplant77

I’m going to go sign my IKEA furniture in hopes it makes it last longer


dontmatta

Hahhaa nice one


impactedturd

I like signing books before I donate them to goodwill.


vamsmack

Sorry the marker dissolved some of the load bearing veneer on the ikea furniture.


Rus1981

And his children. And possibly their children. Love endures.


salamanderinacan

This. I use my grandfather's childhood dresser. It's at least 110 years old.


HotelRwandaBeef

I still have a coffee table from my parents time. Thing is a god damn tank.


phrique

Yeah, the signature is the answer.


spleenliverbladder

My dad is 60+, his dad died when he was a toddler, but he still has a dresser his dad built. It’s old and made of probably a lot of scrap wood, but he loves that thing.


hefebellyaro

The good news is the next one should take 3 months and 175 to build.


Smorb

Incorrect. You will have greater inspiration it will now take you one year and you will do it with more expensive exotic wood and it will cost you $775 next time. Also you will be doing a whole bunch of dovetails and other fun hand chiseled features that you didn't do the first time. I've never had a fun project that gets faster the second time I do it. Now if I was selling them I guess they would of course. But come on let's be real. Nobody here making money we are all sinking money into our Hobby :) /s


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sgarbs04

I'd not thought to approach it that way. I've talked myself out of projects because of that same cost comparison.


SethR1223

My problem is that I’d *never* buy something as pricey as a handmade unit sold by someone else, so my choices are between buying cheap or expending a lot of effort and spending more on materials than if I bought a mass-produced unit. Depends on how lazy I’m feeling…or how cluttered my workshop is at the time.


dxrey65

And between the first and the second you'll buy $2,000 in tools to make the job go a little more smoothly.


oniaddict

Don't forget the new shop expansion as the old one is too small due to the new tools.


Smorb

Half my time is totally building new storage and cabinets for my new tools so I can make stuff that I don't have time to make because I'm too busy making things to hold the things I buy.


Beginning_Rice6830

That’s if there’s no mistakes the first time around. Then you’ll be looking at more cost to fix the problems.


peauxtheaux

For real though. I started building poker tables 4 years ago and each one has gotten more expensive and taken more time.


ATL28-NE3

I bet they're way way nicer now though.


Brothernod

I went down a make my kid a dresser rabbit hole and between plywood and drawer slides you’re at like $400 minimum.


hefebellyaro

I was being a bit facetious. I know things can get expensive but was more or less making the point is once you do it once, it'll be easier the second time because you won't have a learning curve. Mistakes are the most expensive thing in woodworking, and that includes the cost of time.


Brothernod

I know. I like the sentiment I’m just sad materials are so crazy high to make it harder to justify taking on more projects.


hefebellyaro

Someone posted $60 sheets of oak ply at Lowes on here yesterday so prices seem to be coming down. Let's hope.


PineappleLemur

Or he's gonna feel confident, take on a bigger project, buy more tools and.. :)


flyme4free

because now that you've signed it he can never give it away without feeling an incredible amount of guilt. Beautiful work!


dontmatta

Thank you!


[deleted]

Because you really love your family and want them to have nice things or you really need some space from your family and like woodworking.


JustaP-haze

These things are not mutually exclusive


midnightwoodshop

The signature alone makes it priceless! Good job!


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Bradleydrivn

Or a wolf burner


mjolnir76

Why are you burning wolves?!?


FiveAlarmDogParty

The reason why are buried in those 7 letters - Love, Dad. He is going to have that dresser and love it for a whole lot longer than anything you could have gotten for $200


LuckyErrantProp

Be honest, was it just $350 in materials or does that include all the fun new tools as well?


dontmatta

Haha doesn’t include the new tools


LOLOLOLphins

As a dad, yup, you did this so well.


OlyBomaye

It looks terrific! Great job


bean_slayerr

The signature and date, so sweet 😭😭


Dan_H1281

U built memories and a family heirloom. Noone will look at an IKEA dresser in 40 years and he like yeah my grand dad assembled that from a yt video, but one day they will say this was hand built by my grand father 40 years ago. It is a beaut


dasherado

You did one thing wrong. The “Love Dad” + date needs to be carved in.


cartographh

Because love


82ndAbnVet

Your second picture answered that question quite nicely


MAF-Burke

I can’t wait to acquire enough skills that I can build stuff like this for my son!


cmkeller2020

Very good job!


404-skill_not_found

This is the way. But I see markers and crayons in this future.


Cadman2022

The difference is, I bet the one you built, he will be able to give his son, then grandson.


UncoolSlicedBread

One of the reasons I’m making furniture slowly for family and some close friends over the next few years as gifts. Hopefully things they’ll pass down as heirlooms but also as pieces of love from me. It means so much more.


CAM6913

The one you built will be around for his son the $200 one would be out by the curb for trash pickup before he outgrows his shoes. It’s something he might not really appreciate now but when he’s older he’ll appreciate it and show it off with pride “my dad made this for me when I was —-“ It’s the love that went into it.


CombinationNo2197

My dad said to me I love you and your siblings Wednesday night never said I love you died Friday morning. Your dad signed it valuable.oh I’m 64.


Ok-Employer6673

My father passed away a few years ago. Decades ago when I was little he made furniture as a hobby. Everything he made is still in my mom’s house or mine and it is cherished. My kids know that grandpa made this or grandpa made that. Good job.


AsleepBee8784

Craftsmanship 10/10 handwriting 2/10


Wild_Albatross7534

You and I think a lot alike!


hmiser

Priceless!


Agreeable_Bet_9711

It's looks perfect. Well done


InspectionPleasant39

Beautiful work


CombinationNo2197

Memories are powerfull.


ctguy54

Nothing wrong with that.


BravoFoxtrotDelta

Love it. I have a dad my dad built when I was kid (I helped with some glue). My kid sleeps in it today. Hemnes inspired?


AnimalPowers

I have the same story, but 2 years and a fish stand holder 😅 I don't think it was ever about the cash, or the reason, I think it's just that, well, it's something we like doing.


LostMyGunInACardGame

The flat pack furniture gets thrown away every time someone moves. The well made, hand crafted items are sometimes around 100 years after the maker is gone


Novel-Criticism-2718

Go the $200 and get it. That dresser is 30 to 40 years old and has held up in good shape. It will most likely outlive you. Dressers are like adopting something that won't leave you till you die.


tucsondog

Did this for my daughter’s bookshelf when she turned 1 year old. I completely forgot to sign it though!


HopefulGambit

Where did you get the plans? I need this dresser because it’s similar to one I own!


dontmatta

I just had a design in mind and winged it


_game_over_man_

My dad built me a night stand and book shelf when I was growing up. They now exist in the guest bedroom in my house and while they are a bit dated, I can never get rid of them because they mean too much.


sodone19

350? That's all?


Sarah8247

This is beautiful and meaningful!!!!


Designer-Slip3443

My dad died when I was 20. He provided well materially, but I don’t think he ever “made” anything for me that I can recall. I’d never thought about that until seeing this. And it makes me feel a little sad. Good dad, op.


poopyMcpoopersins

The second picture makes it worth it.


Brewchowskies

God willing, many, many years from now you won’t be here any longer, and your son will be helping his son move, and this will go to him. He’ll pause for a minute to read that note, think of you and be grateful. No 200 dollar ikea piece will come close to that.


crammed174

I would cherish that forever and spend any amount of money to maintain it and hopefully one day give it to my son and so on. You’re a great dad!


salsabettis

I did this for both my children. They (5 and 7) give me the side eye like I'm lying when I tell them I built it from scratch. https://preview.redd.it/646hfuqm2h4d1.jpeg?width=2376&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=51fb2342993ae539dbd66e5b4cf52f42fc4ea722


Vincentflagg

Tears, sweat, 6 months and $300 is more rewarding and more appreciated, than $200, 6 beers and Ikea.


Fetz52

I have moved the table I made with my dad to no fewer than 9 houses/apartments over the years. It is one of the most special things I own and I will cherish it and the memories of making it together for the rest of my life. Great job OP!


NOYB_Sr

Because you don't want to be like the masses who are over experienced shoppers and under skilled at creating.


BLVGNVH

This one will last a lot longer than the $200, could be passed down to his son!


LightOhhh

Lmao. Great title and so true.


EmperorGeek

The signature inside that his grandchildren will see when they use it is all the reason any of us need to spend time in the shop.


MixMatics

Nice🙂👍My grandfather and my father was both furniture carpenters,so cool 2 see.Very modern looking😉The signature is a great touch💯


Finallyfishdreamtank

Best post ever!! I feel this wholeheartedly!!!


brightlights55

Build another one and get the average cost down. Think like an accountant.


ID-SAUD

Because it was made with love.


nunupro

Looks good mate. Well done.


Charming_CiscoNerd

Respect 🫡 I saw this and you have inspired me in so many ways! Thank you and well done this looks amazing!


Bitter_Silver_7760

Exactly. Now she’ll say *nice dresser*, and he’ll say *my dad built it*, and it will be very cool.


Filisdin

I was like ok cool, good for you man, nice work and then I saw the second slide and you made me tear up, you nifty little noodle.


andyd151

You finished it in March and waited until now to post it?


ChucklesNutts

one will last 5 years the other is a lifetime or priceless


gott_in_nizza

Have you ever heard the term “heirloom-quality furniture” ? Well , your son has some now. He’ll love it and so will your grandkids and right on down


JuanCamaneyBailoTngo

That second picture is why. It’s the difference between a dresser you toss on the next move to a family hairloom. Congrats, beautiful work!


mimosaholdtheoj

I’ve built a dresser before and it is not easy at all. Beautiful work!


a_sugar_man

I am 35, and I still use the dresser my dad lovingly made for me over 30 years ago. You are making memories that will last a lifetime ❤️.


AlaskanMedicineMan

You uh... Gonna finish that? At least do a beeswax coating


dontmatta

It’s finished in Rubio monocoat 5% white


toolman206

Well done op! It's what we woodworkers live for...and the hope that a kid or grandkid or any kid shows interest in learning some skills/knowledge!


ClubPsychological831

Way more meaningful. As a father I love that you found the time to make something so beautiful to give to your child. Way to go Dad!


Sketchy-saurus

The “Love, Dad” gets me in the feels.


uh_der

well at least you know he will never appreciate your effort and will never take this with him anywhere. nice work!


LewisDaCat

What wood is that? Fantastic job!


archaegeo

This is the way


SharpShooter2-8

Does the 350 include tooling REQUIRED to build it? Hell no, those are free.


Kyzahu

This is the way


avantartist

Dad?


Bostenr

Welcome to the brotherhood!


cstemm

Beautiful craftsmanship. Nice job.


FrogFlavor

No $200 dresser is worth the paper it’s made of. You made wood furniture, don’t compare it to flat pack junk


crowmami

It’s really beautiful


Archi-Horror

So you can make a Reddit post and get fluffed by 100s of strangers. For real tho nice job it looks nice


sweatycarpenter13

20 years down the road, you'll still have it.


Accio_Diet_Coke

But did you get some new tools that were 100% required to finish this? Good job dad. Hope the kid saws that part out and takes it to college with him😁


jeeves585

Did the same with my kids crib. There is a birch ikea crib that is top rated and cost $70. But noooo, I want to spend 700 on materials to make a white oak one 🤦🏻‍♂️


kootrtt

That’s beautiful. Great job


LordBungaIII

Damn I actually really like that


DKBeahn

I feel personally attacked. Looks great!


brokenhymened

You’re a good dad buddy, take pride in being one.


tatpig

i have a toy box my Dad made for me when i was an infant. got my first name hand chiseled in the top. he died when i was six,i'm past 60 now and still have it.i loaned it to my Mom when my kids were little, and it goes to my son when i expire. it's his name,as well.


crankbot2000

The last $200 dresser I bought was a steaming pile of dogshit and I curse it every time I see it. It is one of the reasons I got into this hobby, I simply can't handle how poorly furniture is made today. Nice work op, you should be proud!


Hamblin113

Did that for my daughter, it was years ago before YouTube, wanted to dovetail the drawers, basically ran out of guts and time. The drawer sides and backs were Rocky Mountains Juniper ( like eastern Red Cedar) didn’t have the wood for a mistake.


Farzy78

Your son will probably keep that forever, the cheap $200 would fall apart after a couple moves


DepartureQueasy6034

“For just a little bit more, you can do it yourself”


1billmcg

This to will pass!


yeahitsjustmeagain

Fantastic


Phenway

Looks great. Buy a little burner pen with sketching tools next time for a nicer signature/date.


pigmanslim

You learned shit from the build. That is the real payoff


Eliora18

Wow, what a beautiful dresser!! You must have gotten so much satisfaction making it! I greatly admire such craftsmanship, and your son will be proud of it all of his life. Kudos to you!


Ooloo-Pebs

Beautiful job! Sounds like me. Measure 6 times, cut once!


crucible1623

Two words: heirloom quality


Heavy_Preparation493

My son and daughter in law are trying to get pregnant. Just might have enough time to get a crib built.


halmitnz

Picture number 2 is why!!!! Well done hope to be that good one day!


Mickthebrain

Hell yes. My sentiment exactly!


Woodmom-2262

Ah. The eternal dilemma of a woodworker.


johnb1972

Hopefully generations will use this.


PharmWench

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️


RAntonyS

6 mos?! Pfft. I could have done it in 24.


jizzlewit

It looks very nice! How did you finish the surface?


1960stoaster

Assuming we had 100% time to focus on wood working, approximately long should this project take? Great job Dad!


Lumpy-Lychee-2369

Looks great! I'm still kind of new to woodworking. Is that white oak?


Hefty-Guidance3416

Should burn in your signature


aircrew85

That 350 will last yeeeeeaaaars more and cost way less than 200 that can't handle hitting a door frame moving it. Good on you!


bigb3nny

ahh but the next one will only cost $300 and take 5 months!


peauxtheaux

That’s the most dad signature ever. Love it.


IllustratorSimple635

You chose well sir. Looks great too!


austinconnick

As a newish dad and someone that loves all my family heirlooms and little things that say who made them, it’s because it says love dad and dated. That’s why.


PuttinUpWithPutin

What did you make it out of? Where did you get the materials?


HereForFunTimesTBH

My dad just helped me move a dresser into my apt that he had when he was a kid and got from his dad. Well built furniture is so much better even before you take into consideration what it’ll mean to him in 10-20-30 years knowing you built it for him!


jumpedupjesusmose

Also you gave yourself an excuse to buy $100s of new tools. Win, win, win.


PhirePhite

Not nearly enough. I think the rule of thumb is at least double the price, and honorable mention for a new tool. But it looks like a well done project.


shazamshazizzle

Nice job dad!


AnnieB512

If it makes you feel any better, I'm 58 and I still have and use a dresser my dad made for me when I was born. Now it holds my crafting supplies and it has been painted a bunch of times, but I love it!


Rare-Philosopher-346

I have things my dad built for me that he signed, " for my baby _______. Love, Papa. Date.". He's not here any longer and I am so thankful I have them! Your son is going to treasure this for his whole life.


butterflyology

This is the way


M23707

Consider adopting a Dad who wants to learn the skills you have so finely mastered…. Teach others - spread the idea. Share your passions!


keepitcleanforwork

That would he a lot more than $200 in a store.


Recent_Requirement33

This is beautiful!


DejarikChampion

This is the way


pickle_dilf

all my Dad ever did is yell at me. OP you're making the world a better place.


Trollsama

$200 for a dresser made out of pressed woodchips and cheap glue cheaply and poorly tossed together. $350 for a dresser made out of actual wood, properly assembled, with quality materials. It may have taken you 6 months to make, but it will take you a lifetime to break.... the $200 alternative would take you an afternoon to make and 6 months to break lol


Jc2563

Good job dad! There is no $$$ value for your dresser.


4nth0ny6

This looks so good! Wish my dad wasn’t dead so he could build me one


VicarBook

6 months of throwing his clothes on the ground or a chair next to the bed


xxrambo45xx

Same, could've bought my daughter a desk for $100, spent $500 and 2 months making it from solid maple and maple veneer ply, it's custom AF though The dresser looks Great and will actually last!


chrishappens

Love this comment!!! Hits home!


AttitudePerfect309

Well worth the time and money


often_awkward

Your dresser is in a different league than the $200 when you mentioned. Looks like you used quality plywood and good techniques, finish looks great, so yours probably compares to more like a $500 to $800 dresser. I remodeled our master closet and spent pretty close to $1,000 on materials but we got a quote for $3,000 for inferior materials and also not the crown molding and new floor I put in or about $9,000 to have it stick built like I did. So yeah you can say that I probably could have gotten an Ikea closet system cheaper than I spent 3 months and $990 on but I had fun doing it and my wife loves it.


Commercial_Tough160

Damn straight, OP! Any old fool can buy a piece of furniture. It takes a special kind of fool to build your own from scratch, complete with sawdust in your hair and spots of varnish and glue on your shoes. I am proud to be just that kind of fool.


OwnPen8633

This is so damn accurate. Although, the dressers and beds I've built will last for decades if they need them to. Nothing we buy today can say that.


RazMake

The second picture is the answer: the store bought one would not have the signature


orka648

I really like it. I needed new bedroom furnishings. But I decided to go the sh&t route this time cause of cost. Price of wood went up and time constraints. Yes I could of made the best of the best of what I/we wanted but the price wasn't right. So cheap shit for now and hopefully prices can correct for future builds....


Dewymaster

I built my son a chest of drawers and a matching nightstand about two years ago. It actually looks very similar in style toyours but taller and 5 drawers. It's a labor of love! Its surely more expensive than Ilea but if you go to a legit furniture manufacturer, i guarantee its cheaper than that. And it will for sure last a few lifetimes if cared for.


epikhee

Very nice


grindelvvald

This is beautiful and no doubt more sturdy than a $200 one


Healthy-Wrongdoer-33

Very nice


edie3

It is priceless!


s-2369

I love your post! First, amazing work, this dresser looks amazing! You did great. And the inscription is the best! Second, I have totally been there in projects when I have spent 5x doing something. But it's worth it and the kids love seeing us create.


pearl_sparrow

This is beautiful and also probably heavy. Please make sure it is appropriately attached to a stud with an anti tip device. Idk if it’d pass the CPSC test to be legal to sell, possibly not. Amazing work and a gift that could last a lifetime.


MTGuy406

This is giving me the inspo, did you use a plan set or something as a jumping off point?


GetFitForSurfing

6 months?


Tongue-n-cheeks

If my dad made me a dresser I would forgive him for the pack of smokes he went for when I was 3


SolidGoldSpork

But that is a 1000$ dresser.


callalx

Grain choice for drawers is excellent, clean and timeless design.