It’s not a pretty thing, but the design has a long gestation. Chris Schwarz has been promoting his conversion to hand tools for years now – and he finally documents the slow spiral in “The Anarchist’s Tool Chest”. He’s got a book, I guess I have a blog. Either way, I decided on a 24″ by 18″ by 18″ dovetailed box. The moldings and bottoms were nailed and glued on, while the top has a split piano hinge as it’s method of movement. Most of the dovetails are splined for strength (because I can’t cut a tight dovetail) and I used a L-N low angle block plan to get the pins and tails even. I only used power tools for milling the wood.
Let’s take a trip inside. First, a tool tray with a small selection of hammers, nail sets, wrenches, etc.
A chisel/gouge/trisquare rack,
a saw till,
and some places for hand plane storage.
Over the next few weeks, I will be attaching handles, finding some storage solution for safety glasses, paint & varnish and a chain to keep that lid from banging around. I’ll keep you posted.
Make it safe & keep the rubber side down.
-- make it safe & keep the rubber side down.
2 comments so far
PurpLev
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8600 posts in 4563 days
#1 posted 10-31-2011 05:12 PM
nice build and nice direction you’re heading (hand tools). at 24×18x18 it seems on the smaller size, but as long as it fits your needs it’ll be just fine. I like the ruler molding (if it is indeed that) on the top – looks cool and can be real useful at times.
-- ㊍ When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.
WhiskeyWaters
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213 posts in 4720 days
#2 posted 11-01-2011 02:44 PM
I made the molding on top from HD & lowe’s yardsticks. If I was to do it again, I’d hit up one of the independent hardware stores here in Houston and make a local-only box.
-- make it safe & keep the rubber side down.
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