So, I find myself here contemplating how to get back working on wood. I’ve spent so long painting and patching drywall at this point that I frankly am having to start from scratch to some extent. So, I figured I’d ramble on a bit here because I know how great the advice has always been here.
With Christmas coming up, I had thought of building a tool tote for my son, to go along with a few tools I’m buying for him to work on his own projects. I still want to build my sister-in-law that hope chest as well. This still doesn’t come close to addressing the fact that I’ll need a workbench!
However, one overriding thing to keep in mind skill. I frankly lacked it before my hiatus, and skill is lost when you’re not using it. I need to relearn how to do a few things and simply learn how to do more. As such, I’m thinking the workbench might be a bit out of reach for the time being. If I do it, I want to do it right, so I’ll probably hold off for a bit there.
The tool tote looks like the simplest project, so I guess that’s a good place to start. I have to figure out the best method for joining the sides, and I want to build something in there for chisels to sit in, preventing him from accidentally cutting himself on them. Of course, I’m not sure how wise it is to buy him chisels in the first place, but that’s another topic for another time.
I haven’t had a chance to look at any tool tote designs, so I’m not even sure what’s out there on the ‘net, though I suspect there’s plenty. Any advice anyone wants to offer would be greatly appreciated. The only thing I know I want from this is to learn, so I’ve already ruled out the tote ends at Lee Valley. I already can do that one ;)
-- "Give me your poor tools, your tired steel, your huddled masses of rust." Yep, I ripped off the Statue of Liberty. That's how I roll!
7 comments so far
Scott Bryan
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20784 posts in 721 days
posted 374 days ago
TC it is good to see your “ponderings” again.
One suggestion I would have is to take a look at Sketchup, if you haven’t already done so. I am still on the steep side of the learning curve but am finding that it is very useful in helping me to “picture” what I am trying to build. As a bonus building it electronically helps iron out some of the difficulties that I would have encountered if I simply started making sawdust.
The tool tote does sound like a good project. You can make this as complex and elaborate as you want. At one time this served as a form of advertisement for the quality of work that a woodworker was capable of producing. Here is one that has been posted here. While it does not appear to be what you are after it may be a useful starting point.
Hope this helps.
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.
Thos. Angle
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4013 posts in 861 days
posted 374 days ago
Build the work bench. It doesn’t have to be one of the elaborate ones but you need something. 2 layers of particle board with a nice plywood top on four legs will work. Hang a couple vises on it and get to work. Buy good vises and then when you get around to building that fancy bench that’s in the back of your mind you will have them to start with. By then you will also have a much better idea of what you want in a bench and will have had some palce to learn how to do the things you really want to do. It next to impossible to work if you have no place to work. Now, get off the computer and go to the shop. LOL
-- Thos. Angle
Tomcat1066
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776 posts in 695 days
posted 373 days ago
Scott: I had Sketchup on the computer, but never did get the hang of it. I guess I need to find a “Sketchup for Dummies” book or something to make it work. I’m far more comfortable with pencil and paper at this point ;)
I had seen that tool tote yesterday after posting this one. While it’s not what I’m looking for, it’s got some things I plan on ripping off…err…borrowing ;)
Thos.: Well, I do have my Workmate, so it’s not like I don’t have anything to work on. Plus, since I have to work outside, I’m concerned about a particle board workbench surviving to well.
-- "Give me your poor tools, your tired steel, your huddled masses of rust." Yep, I ripped off the Statue of Liberty. That's how I roll!
Eric
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784 posts in 682 days
posted 373 days ago
Tomcat: Sketchup has lots of video tutorials, including one for dummies, if I’m not mistaken! They’re very helpful with getting started. But yeah – go ahead and stick with pencil and paper if it works for you.
-- Eric at http://adventuresinwoodworking.com
Tomcat1066
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776 posts in 695 days
posted 373 days ago
Eric,
I’ve tried the Sketchup tutorials and frankly, I was just as lost afterwards as I was before hand. So, pencil and paper for me. I may pick up a book or two to enhance my design capabilities a bit with those tools…if there are any ;)
-- "Give me your poor tools, your tired steel, your huddled masses of rust." Yep, I ripped off the Statue of Liberty. That's how I roll!
clieb91
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682 posts in 834 days
posted 371 days ago
Tomcat, I just recently borrowed a book from my library that may give you a few ideas on the tool tote. It is all projects made out of used lumber.
Used-Lumber-Project-Popular-Woodworking
A number of good projects from easy to complex. I have found my local library to be a great place to get ideas and review books before I buy them.
Hope it helps.
CtL
-- Chris L. "Don't Dream it, Be it."
Tomcat1066
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776 posts in 695 days
posted 369 days ago
Chris,
I just saw your post. I’ve now added that book onto my wishlist at Amazon. That looks like it could be an interesting book to have around the house…especially since I can get all the pallet wood i want :D
-- "Give me your poor tools, your tired steel, your huddled masses of rust." Yep, I ripped off the Statue of Liberty. That's how I roll!