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This is my version of a tool chest, but is only the first of three pieces that I intend to make for my hand tools. This chest contains: carving tools, chisels, turning tools, measuring and marking tools, files, some of the small saws I use for joinery, drill bits, brace bits, and forstner bits, and miscellaneous small items that I use often.

The next cabinet will sit under this one and will contain my hand planes and a drawer for my sharpening stones. The bottom cabinet will contain my hand saws and other larger items.

I had equipped my shop with a wall of cabinets where these tools use to reside but that proved a difficult storage system as cabinets are not easy to get into, and organization was not very efficient. I found a half sheet of Mahogany plywood while trying to cleaning my shop and thought that this would be enough to make this cabinet. The sides, top, and bottom are plywood with solid wood edging. The drawer faces and the tops front edge are solid wood. I used some oak plywood for the web frame. The wood edging on the face is dovetailed at all intersecting joints. I used Maple drawer sides and hand cut dovetails. Drawer backs have an interlocking dado joint and the bottoms are plywood. I did not use drawer guides as the drawers are fitted so they slide easily within their openings and are easy to remove so I can take them to the bench. I lined the drawer bottoms with cork for tool protection and it makes them look nice. I made tool separators with more maple. They have half moon cutouts to keep the tools from rolling around. I finished the cabinet with a coat of Danish oil, and then a few coats of amber shellac. I then buffed it out with dark paste wax and #0000 steel wool.

I asked for recommendations for the drawer pulls as I was going to make them out of Maple. Some recommended brass, but I asked Dave at Chisel & Forge if he could make something a little more rustic looking. Here is what he cam up with. Please look at the last picture with a close up of the pulls. These look beautiful with the finish I had chosen. My wife even complimented them (it's not easy to get compliments from her!).

I really enjoyed this build but still have a few things to finish on it. Will need to ask Dave again for an idea for a handle for the lid. Forgot about that part. Have also not decided what to use for something to hold the lid open.

Thanks for looking. I appreciate all comments and suggestions for the next build.

HT

Gallery

Comments

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5,776 Posts
Bravo! It is absolutely amazing. Very well done.
 

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12,450 Posts
Paul, looks fantastic. Probably should be on the dinning room sideboard rather than the shop. Beautiful work and nice finish.
 

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3,498 Posts
Just awesome, Paul! I have this on my "round tuit" list. Love the drawer pulls from Dave-top notch work. Ain't it great when a plan comes together?
 

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276 Posts
Now that's what Im talkin bout son!!!
 

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6,838 Posts
very nice
 

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@Paul-BTW, did you work from plans or just wing it based on the tools you intended to store in the chest?
 

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3,018 Posts
That is great. I think that the drawer pulls are perfect for this piece.

Congratulations!
 

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Beautiful work, congrats on such a fine addition to your shop.
 

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Thanks guys.

Don - No plans. Simple sketch that I did base on the size of the plywood I found. I wanted some 2" drawers for my chisels. carving tools, and marking tools. I needed 3" for the lathe tools. Kind of laid out the first three rows of drawers based on that. The bottom drawer is about 4" for small tools that I have boxes for like drill and forstner bits. Its kind of a catchall right at this point until I get the next part completed.

Thanks again fellow LJs!

HT
 

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131 Posts
bravo paul! looks amazing! I love the dovetails! how long did this piece take you to build?
 

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I am looking forward your next two tool boxes ! This one is really nice. Thanks for pointing out the knobs ; indeed, they add a nice antique touch. Keep up the good work.
 

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Jeff - it took so long that I used the gauge I made you for the dovetails! Really, I've been working on it for a couple of months on and off. Lots of other projects going on. Wish I had completed it sooner as it helps to keep me organized. Hoping that will improve my work habits and efficiency.

HT
 

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841 Posts
Very, very nice construction and design, with nice write-up. Your dovetails are particularly nice!
 

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2,183 Posts
One of the magazines had plans for a tool chest. Yours is much nicer. I like how the top opens and the dovetails are outstanding. Well done.
 

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3,100 Posts
That is one truly awesome tool box. Super job!
 

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2,600 Posts
Everything about this piece is spot on; design, materials, execution. Hopefully your great grandsons have a go at some hardwoods using the tools contained within, while opening and closing these drawers with loving hands. I saw a mention of drawer pulls from Dave. I'd love some more info on that. Those are perfection.
 

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Very nice tool box!!!!
 
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