Building cedar chest for wife

[Ultra25-06]

As the title says, she has wanted one for quite some time so I decided to build one instead of buying. I decided to go big (maybe bigger than I realized) demensions are 64"Long x 24"Deep x 29"Tall. yes its bigger than I realized but it smells great and is almost finished. Just the lid, hinges, handels, sanding and finish to do. Will post pics when finished. Oh yes, I bought rough cut cedar and will be hand sanding it hoping for a somewhat antiqe effect. Any woodworkers out there that can recomend a good long lasting finish for ceder that wont deter from its properties?

[torpedoman]

hand rubbed oil on outside DO NOT finish the interior.

[Zulu]

It does sound big.  29" tall is taller than my dining room table.    How did you connect the corners?
I am interested in seeing the pictures. 
I agree with torpedoman, don't finish the interior.  If ever it gets a little dirty or starts to lose its scent you can always easily give it a light sanding to restore it.
Zulu

[magooch]

Torpedoman is right about the inside; I would suggest water based polyurethane for the exterior.  I pretty much use Varathane outdoor poly on all of my stuff.  I prefer the gloss, but it also comes in semi-gloss and satin.  

Water based urethane does not amber and that is one of the reasons I like it.  It also is extremely easy to apply and in my opinion, gives the best results.  It dries so fast that you need not be concerned about a dust free environment.  It will take about 6 to 8 coats to produce a deep varnished look.  After the first couple of coats, it will require light sanding, because on most woods it will raise the grain a little.  I generally go over everything with scotch pad between coats anyway to smooth down any rough spots.

I have been a woodworker for more years than I can remember and have tried just about every type of finish on the market.  Water based polyurethane is the best thing that's ever come along.  Just keep the coats very thin and use a very fine bristled brush.  Trust me--you will like the results.

[Dirt Bag]

"...........Hand sanding it, trying for a somewhat antique affect."    Hand plane and a good cabinet scraper will get you there.  And a pleasure to use if sharp. Cedar ought to scrape to almost a shine, then pick up a handful of the fluffy shavings you just made and burnish it with them.......  Oil finish will give it that glow like nothing else can, and a couple coats of paste wax........   Sounds plenty big enough to put in a couple sliding trays, and maybe even a false bottom.
   Have fun with it, and show some pictures when you can.
                                                                                     Best;
                                                                                                  D.B.

[Rustyinfla]

   Most commercial cedar chests are built from another wood besides cedar and then lined with cedar. The reason for that is because Cedar if used with any stress on it cedar will tend to split over time. Be watchful for that over the years as the cedar seasons out.