Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
Secret compartment questions
Barry Irby
I have built chests of drawers for both of my grandaughters. Across the top are three shallow drawers for jewelry(?). They are about 9 1/2 by 16". It occurred to me that I could "fix" the drawers so they would not come all the way out and the last four inches could be a concealed compartment.
What say you? Any suggestions on HOW?
Re: Secret compartment questions
Derek Cohen (in Perth, Australia)
Hi Barry
I done this a few times using Quaker Locks ...
The last one was this: http://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/SofaTableAllTheWayToCompletion.html
Another here:
http://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/TheDevilLiesInTheDetails.html
Regards from Perth
Derek
PICS?
Bill Tindall, E.Tn.
We have been hearing about this project for years. Where's the Pics?
Re: Secret compartment questions
Ralph Lipeles
My grandfather was a furniture maker/restorer. He always made a secret compartment when space and design allowed it. The compartment that I remember best was a small wooden box made out of 1/8" stock where one surface stuck out about 1/4" on each side. The pieces that went on the furniture were 1/2" square stock with a 1/4 by 1/4 section removed along it's length. There were 2 of them. They were attached to a vertical part of the furniture at the bottom of the unit. With them in place the compartment was slipped in place and that's it.
Seldom used
Bill Tindall, E.Tn.
I have added this feature to a few things and the owners never use these compartments. I'll never go out of my way to add a secret compartment unless the prospective owner demands it.
Re: Secret compartment questions
Tony-Memphis
I say yes! Especially for the young ones - I would think they would appreciate a secret place to store their treasures. I have seen some reference to "false back" drawers, but I can't recall where. Spring stops/catches, flip stops, etc. can be employed. Some have a latch that is actuated with a paper clip stuck through a hole.
I built a chest for me a few years ago. The top has a large open space (hard to explain). Anyway, I ended up making a dovetailed box that attaches to the underside of the top with magnets. I forget it is there. I'm afraid I'll forget completely. Oh well, it might be a nice discovery for someone someday.
Tony
Re: Secret compartment questions
Bill Tindall, E.Tn.
" I forget it is there. I'm afraid I'll forget completely. "
like I said....they don't get used. 
Re: Secret compartment questions
jcousins
many years ago i built a highboy for my grandaughter - she was pretty young at the time - maybe 10 or 11 - i put 2 secret spaces in it - one on the interior of the lower side wall and the other behind the crown molding up top. i told her and her parents about them but did not tell them where.
i wrote a message in each one - took some time but they did find them.
it was a fun detail to figure out.
jerry
Bah, humbug!
AZ in Colorado Springs
I Incorporated an extra compartment into a table I made for my daughter and SIL as a wedding gift. They discovered it about three years later. I put a card and $20 in it. They were pleasantly surprised. Now I'm building a coffee table for them and I'm going to fashion a different compartment so they have to search for it.
Re: Great Idea! Wish I'd thought of it.