Revisiting the Anarchist tool chest

I have not read The Anarchist's Tool Chest, I have seen The Woodwright's Shop episode on same but last night I went to see Schwarz give a presentation and show off his new Dutch tool chest. I like Schwarz because he puts a lot of time and thought into how he works but what works best for one person isn't necessarily best for the next. Going in I was a long time skeptic of tool chests but was deeply interested in why he prefers them. First, growing up he and his dad worked out of a tool chest while they built two houses on the farm from a big fold out and this is probably the root of his obsession. He really dislikes drawers. Chris likes to protect his tools from dust, he argues that wood dust absorbs moisture from the air and promotes rust. I think this latter point is only a concern if you aren't regularly using your tools or if you live in a humid environment. Finally he likes all his tools at hand rather than moving about the shop gathering or putting them away.

After having a chance to touch and mess around with the Dutch tool chest I'm more open minded. I do go about the shop gathering tools and again to put them away, I don't like it either. I also dislike drawers. This summer I plan to build my tool chest, probably Dutch which is more open and simple than the English version. Like Chris says, if it turns out you don't like it then you can always use it as a blanket chest.







Also his new campaign stool which is surprisingly comfortable.