🚀 go-pugleaf

Fellow woodworkers-

     I recently 'completed' a maple sea-chest (supposedly a X-Mas gift for
my mother- maybe I'll get it to her for Mothers' Day) and need some help
to do a good job.  Generally, I work hard on a project, do it well and
then do a poor job with the finishing work.  As the sea-chest is somewhat
elaborate, I don't want this to happen.  I need some finishing techniques
and recommendations.  I am considering using an oil (perhaps the walnut
finishing oil by Minwax), but have no experience with this type of finishing.
Any thoughts?  Maple has a tendency to blotch when stained, which is why
I am considering the oil. I prefer a lighter color than the walnut so that
the wood grain is hi-lighted, and am looking at Provincial Pine or a ruddy
color if I opt to stain. 
     Also, I would like some input as what hardware I should use. I am 
leaning towards brass, butterfly hinges and some type of brass latch. For
the inside, I am considering either a small link brass chain or a sturdy
piece of leather as a lid stop/support. I am not interested in the friction
lid supports. Leather, too, for the handles???  If anyone knows of any
mail order firm which specializes in such hardware I would appreciate it if
you sent the name and address to me. Please respond via the NET or directly
to me.


                                           Chris DeSisto
                                           desisto%hydra.dec@decwrl