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Toolbox

Posts

Toolbox

#1

Toolbox

Paul in NJ

>I have been working on this toolbox and it is mostly done except for a few refinements. It is made of pine (western white?) to save on weight. The handle is cherry and the drawers are sassafras. Growing up this is the shape of box my dad and other carpenters used to carry some of their tools and this is what influenced me. I added a hinged top that I attached tools to and would keep the dirt out.

The bottom is dovetailed on and the inside 'floor' is through tennoned to the two sides. The front and back are made of tongue and groove strips about two inches wide to mitigate cross grain movement to the sides. The front and back are tennoned and pinned to the sides. The empty box weighs about 15 lbs. I plan to add a brass strip to re-enforce the short grain where the handle tennon passes through the sides.

My goal was to be able to reach any tool without moving another. I mostly succeeded with a few exceptions. To get to my #7 jointer I need to lift my hatchet, tack hammer, mallet, and box of augers. I am working on a cradle for these four items so that I may lift them all together with one hand and grab the #7 with the other. The other goal was to have a fair selection of tools to be able to do a wide variety of woodworking tasks. I think it will be an on-going evolution as I add or subtract tools.

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Re: Toolbox

#2

Re: Toolbox- Photo 2

Paul in NJ

>All these tools fit into my toolbox. Not seen in this picture are a 3x8 fine india combo stone and a 2-1/2x6 hard arkansas stone. The hand saws are full size 26" rip and croscut with two 12' back saws. I am looking to fit a dovetail saw and maybe a turning saw instead of the coping saw.

The chisels, gouges, file,and rasp fit in one drawer. The sharpening stones, hand beader, and 043 type plow plane fit into the other. I plan on adding auger and saw files to the second drawer.

The toolbox and all these tools weigh-in at 60 lbs. I don't think I would like to add much more weight!

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Re: Toolbox

#3

Re: Toolbox

Paul in NJ

>A view of the empty box. After deciding on a layout I glued small blocks of wood with slots, cut-outs, or holes to secure the tools. A leather pouch holds my block plane.

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Re: Toolbox

#4

Jack Guzman from Maine

Re: Toolbox

Jack Guzman from Maine

>Paul, I have been making sketches and browsing books looking to make something very similar to that.I want to carry some of my better woodworking tools to the job with me. My current setup is buckets and a fish box in the back of my pickup and the tools take a beating.

I like the design. I may copy a few of your ideas.Nice job.---Jack

Re: Toolbox

#5

Re: Toolbox- Photo 4

Paul in NJ

>If you're still with me, a view with the toolbox loaded. It is heavy but still manageable. My tools do not live here permanently; this is supposed to be a travel box. I don't think it would survive bouncing around in the back of a pick-up it is built too lightly to conserve weight. With reasonable care I think it will last a while. I have been working out of it for a month or so and I am pleased with it.

Paul Dzioba


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Re: Toolbox

#6

Re: Toolbox-suggestion

Paul in NJ

>Thanks for the compliment Jack. You might want to up the 'scantlings' on your box and use a more durable wood for everyday use. My sides are only 5/8' and the front and back are 1/2". My box will see light use compared to yours.

Paul Dzioba

Re: Toolbox

#7

Jack Guzman from Maine

Re: Toolbox-suggestion

Jack Guzman from Maine

>I agree,I was contemplating red oak. I have some nice wide planks that will be plenty for the job.I'll be sacrificing lightness but I think it's necessary in my case.---Jack

Re: Toolbox

#8

Re: Toolbox- Photo 4

Don Thompson, Cutler Ridge, Florida

>I like your tool box. Very nicely made, and well laid-out. I would like to attempt something like that some day.

I think I read up-thread that you will not be using this on a daily basis, that it would be your "travel box." What do you mean by that? Will it be to bring your favorite tools to a vacation home, or something like that?

Re: Toolbox

#9

Well done!

Scott Burr in Ben Lomond CA

>That's one nice tool box. It looks very well thought out and well planned. Paul proves once again you can get 10 Lbs of shi...errr.. poop in a 5 Lb box;).

Great job, and thanks for sharing.

Re: Toolbox

#10

Re: Toolbox

Todd Hughes

>Very nice looking box....the only thing i would be worried about is that the drawers could slide open and fall out when you lift the box and move it around.Maybe you have a way to lock them shut and I missed it. A sliding front like you see on Machinist Chests would be the classic way to do it I guess....Todd

Re: Toolbox

#11

Re: Toolbox- Photo 4

Paul in NJ

>I wish I had a vacation cabin in the North Woods, maybe on East Grand Lake Maine but I don't. On occasion I do a little on-site repair work or attend a seminar and need to bring some tools. I wanted a secure place for my tools and have a good variety on hand.

Paul Dzioba

Re: Toolbox

#12

Re: Drawers

Paul in NJ

>I attached rare-earth magnets to the back of the drawers and they do a fair job. I thought about various means to secure the drawers but the magnets turned out to be the simplest if not the most traditional.

Paul Dzioba

Re: Toolbox

#13

Re: Toolbox

Dave Anderson Chester,NH

>Hi Paul-

You must have been pulled back into lurk mode since I haven't seen you post much recently. The new toolbox is very well done and nicely thought out. Unfortunately it just doesn't compare with your mini bombe chest. I'm still drooling from getting the chance to see it at Raymond Wendrzycki's house back in January. Any chance you might make it up to Bill Grumbine's this weekend for the picnic? I'm making the trip from NH, besides, Raymond being hors d'combat needs a ride.

Re: Toolbox

#14

Aaaah! Tool Porn!!!

Bob Hutchins in central Texas

>

Re: Toolbox

#15

Re: Picnic

Paul in NJ

>My wife and I will be at the picnic Saturday afternoon. I look forward to seeing you and everyone else. Speaking of Raymond, I'm not sure what you meant by 'hors d'combat'. Would you care to elaborate in e-mail to me? I will drop him a line and see if he wants to ride along with us.

Paul Dzioba

Re: Toolbox

#16

Re: Picnic

Dave Anderson Chester,NH

>Hi Paul- I sent you an email to your listed address.

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