Tool Chests Revisited

[cabinetman]

I had a few requests to post pictures of my tool chests. They're easy to make. Hope you like them.

These tool chests started out as a whim for a place to store "special" hand tools, and some of my car buddies saw it and I took orders making several with different woods and trim details. I carved their names, date, and fabrication number in the lid and signed each one. The "personal" touch brought a few more $'s. It's a lot like the "red" tool box, except slightly larger. These are Red Oak, 26"w x 16" h x 14"d, weighs 53 lbs. Thought I'd show it, maybe give you ww's an idea.
.

.

.

.

.

[Daryl]

I never did invest in a set of the "Red" tool chests. I think you have inspired me, maybe later this summer. What kind of drawer slides are you using?

[Pappy]

Slick lookin', C-Man!

[cabinetman]

I never did invest in a set of the "Red" tool chests. I think you have inspired me, maybe later this summer. What kind of drawer slides are you using?

If you need details about fabrication, PM me. The slides are Accuride 3832 full extension.
.

[Alex Franke]

Wow -- very nice! I'll have to add this to my to-do list. Looks like a good way to use up some maple wainscoting I have... Do you have plans for it? Or is it pretty much just how it looks?

[John Hunter]

Very nice!

[cabinetman]

Wow -- very nice! I'll have to add this to my to-do list. Looks like a good way to use up some maple wainscoting I have... Do you have plans for it? Or is it pretty much just how it looks?

All of my work is from my own plans and designs. Client projects with plans or drawings provided from architects or designers are used as a basis for my own paperwork, which result in my producing a plan/design that will be approved by the client. I found plans by architects and designers in need of real time modifications or suggestions, as those professionals don't build furniture or do woodworking (usually), and aren't (usually) familiar with the ramifications involved with doing the work.

As for building this tool chest, and most projects, I start with the overall dimensions I'm working with, and then plan the fabrication inward to include all the details. The process is fairly straightforward in developing a complete image for what is desired.

Change to that method is if there are details that demand certain size drawers or openings, opening and closing variables, hardware requirements, aesthetic or convenience factors, appliance or furniture accomodations, and dealing with construction quirks.

I knew approximately what changes in size from the "red box" I wanted. From there, it was simply using the dimensions of the stock to be used and doing a rough sketch to incorporate details and dimensions. Some projects are drawn full size (1:1) when the drawing can be used as a physical layout for the parts, and the joinery can be planned, like chairs for example. Doing "explosion" type drawings falls into the planning stage as all the parts needed can be drawn and sized. From this drawing cut lists can be made.
.

[radhak]

Awesome! Could easily be used as a jewelry armoire!

[bigdaddyjohn]

Very nice indeed. I really like the lighter wood. You should post a how to on this. Detail with pics when you make your next one.

[lrogers]

Beats the snot out of those metal boxes you get at Sears!

[dkerfoot]

Very inspiring. I too would love a "how to" should you have the inclination.

[GPA61]

Very nice.

[JimD]

Looks nice. How did you make the front? What kind of joints for the drawers?

Jim

[twistsol]

Those are fantastic. Sure beats the garage sale dresser many of my tools are in.

[Bruce Cohen]

Yo Cab,

Really nifty chests, I always knew you had some "real" stuff to show.

Now, how much for one made of Rosewood???

Bruce