Christmas gifts

   I've been working a little bit on Christmas gifts this year.   It seems that everyone really likes to get something hand-made now-a-days.   I'm making a little progress even though I'm still recovering from the amputated fingertip.   Of course I'm way behind in getting everything done but, what the heck, it's still worth it to perservere.
   My current project is a chest of drawers for my step son.   It seems ironic that he could use one.  This project consists of the basic four legs and infrastructure that you'd normally use to hold it together.   Pocket screws makes it a solid structure and quicker than mortise and tenon, at least for me.   Basic finished pine and a little hardwood is the material of choice.
   The drawers sides are gong to be made out of finer layered plywood and routed to be round on the upper edges and slotted for a close accurate fit.   That seems to be a nice touch along with good self closing slides, heavy duty of course.   Once the drawer sides are cut and put together to include a slide in plywood bottom, I'll adjust them to the drawer slides to flush fit the front of the set.   I have decided to make this drawer system so that I can layer install hardwood veneered fronts that rest on the face frame.
    I've thought forward and routed rabbets in the legs to accomodate slide in panels for the sides and back.   In the past I've used veenered 3/4" plywood for the sides, but that creates a fairly heavy project even though it has it's place in some projects.   I just wanted to make this project a little lighter in weight.  
   I'm not sure what top I'll use on this one.   It's a toss up between 3/4" veneered plywood and maybe a glued up hardwood panel.   We'll see what the mood creates as I get closer to the end.   Of course, everyone knows that the last part is to afix the top.   Incidently, I amputated my finger on the table saw while making rabbets in the top frame to hold down the undetermined top of this piece.   Arrghh !
   See my blog http://www.woodenhurt.blogspot.com/ as it discusses some of the safety basics I've learned to adhere.   I hope this helps describe the project adequately.   I'll post pictures upon completion.
   Good luck and happy woodworking.