Build a tool box/tote

[Mike Davis]

A lot of folks have seen this old tool box I use all the time. I made it back in 1978, it is very simple to make and only takes a few hours and a couple 1x10 pine boards. You can easily adjust the size and add any features you like.

Bill and I were talking at lunch Yesterday and decided it may make a good workshop for beginning wood workers.

Or you more experienced artists could take it to the extreme and use exotic hard woods, carve designs, stain, paint or dyes, whatever suits your fancy.

What do you think?

 

[Glennbear]

I like the idea. I have a very similar box that my Dad made many years ago replete with an old broomstick handle. This box is one of the most special things in my shop because of it's history and memories including the splashes of a gaudy green paint that was used on the exterior of the family home decades ago. :wsmile:

 

[CaptnA]

I have two similar tool totes. One my dad talked me through making that honestly (now) I wish he had helped more with but he wanted me to do by myself, and the one he made that mine vaguely resembles.
These are a great project. For the time and money invested, these are a great start into woodworking.
Ages ago I gave my son a hammer, saw, and some other basic tools, then he used the tools to make his own tool box. I also helped the scouts in my son's troop that worked on their woodworking merit badge make their own. Some of those boys really took the project seriously.
Glenn that green should go great with the infamous peach once so often touted on here.

 

[KenOfCary]

I'd love to make one. Dovetailed of course.

 

[09woodie22]

GREAT idea... should draw a crowd. I had to redo mine since (ignorantly) I made it out of leftover 5/8 ply and a 1" oak handle -- had to weigh 20#. How silly.

 

[Mike Davis]

So, most folks already have one and no responses from any beginners who want to learn or work together to make one.

Is that what I'm seeing or am i reading this wrong?

One deluxe dovetail box interest noted...

Anyone want to learn slant side dovetailed boxes?

 

[KenOfCary]

One deluxe dovetail box interest noted...

Anyone want to learn slant side dovetailed boxes?

Sure do - that was what I was envisioning.

 

[kave]

Mike, I'd love to participate in this tool box/tote workshop. My problem is I'm 2 hours away from you. Just don't see how I can do it logistically.

 

[Mike Davis]

If we get enough interest we will hold it at Bill's shop in Liberty, NC. Is that closer to you?

 

[KenOfCary]

Looks like Liberty is still about a 2 hour drive from Clinton but it is a straight shot up 421.

 

[StephenK]

I'm interested!

 

[kave]

If we get enough interest we will hold it at Bill's shop in Liberty, NC. Is that closer to you?

No, Liberty is just as far. Thanks though!!

 

[RandyJ]

GREAT idea... should draw a crowd. I had to redo mine since (ignorantly) I made it out of leftover 5/8 ply and a 1" oak handle -- had to weigh 20#. How silly.

So, what materials would one use to make a lighter but durable tool box? I'll admit I was thinking ply and oak in the beginning.
Thanks,

 

[Mike Davis]

I was thinking 1/2 inch white oak for the center board, 3/4 white oak for the ends, and 3/8 white oak for the long sides and bottom.

Or 3/4 yellow pine for everything like my old one, it has held up well for 35 years.


I need to build a mock up, there may be a way to build where everything locks together.

 

[KenOfCary]

White Oak would be nice. But poplar might be easier to cut the dovetails in. And a Milk Paint finish is somewhat traditional. I wouldn't want to paint White Oak. That would be Blasphemy. Poplar would be a little lighter I expect, though loaded with tools you won't notice the weight of the wood too much.

Are you planning a center board rather than a dowel handle or both?

 

[Mike Davis]

Either.

Roys tool tote has a center board, mine has a turned rod handle, I have also seen a 1x2 handle.

 

[Mike Davis]

So when would be a good time for this workshop?

 

[Bill Clemmons]

WIA is Sept. 12-14; MWTCA is Sept. 20; and I believe Klingspor Extravaganza is Oct. 17-18. All other Saturdays are open for me.

 

[KenOfCary]

All other Saturday's limits it somewhat, doesn't it. I too am booked up lately. Even forgot about MWTCA.

Busy is good though.

 

[Volksdad]

Depending on the date, and I'd like to attend. We are closing on a home in Holly Springs next month though...