Small dutch tool chest
Welcome! / Forums / General Woodworking Discussions / Projects / Small dutch tool chest
- This topic has 25 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 10 years, 2 months ago by rusty.
-
AuthorPosts
-
I have been using an overflowing wood box to store tools. I needed a solution cheap, fast, but something that functions and looks good. I have selected Chris Schwarz’s dutch tool chest. Dovetailed bottom, dado shelf and sloped lid. I will sit the chest on saw horses until I build a cabinet for it to sit on for extra random storage.
Here is a progress photo without the lid attached.
Hinges are Lee Valley strap hinges, which required some blacksmithing as the straps lined up with the center of the hinge so a flush fit was impossible, a large hammer in the vise acted as a make-shift anvil.
for the chest handles I bought cheap Stanley large chest handles form the home store, I stripped the glaring zinc finish off with white vinegar and used a cold bluing kit (or gun bluing kit) to give the handles a dark protective finish. I had never heard of this treatment to furniture hardware and really wanted to give it a try and I am very pleased with the results.
Last night stained a test board, I liked the colour but decided I didn’t want the smell and the required effort for the tool chest (doesn’t meet the fast criteria). So I went with my original black milk paint, I have not used milk paint before and it is a joy to use, no smell dries super fast and looks good. I got to coats on. My next shop session I will apply wax and start filling the insides. I forgot to take a picture last night but it wasn’t assembled so you will have to wait for the final picture.Attachments:
You must be logged in to view attached files.Thanks Dave,
The depth is a home center 1X12 so likely 11.5″ and the overall width is 27″, a panel saw fits inside nicely.
The height of the bottom compartment is about 8.5″ and the top compartment front is 7.5″.
The back is ship lapped, which I did with my 044 plow plan and a 3/8″ cutter.Looks nice Rusty! I am looking forward to see how you organize the upper compartment.
Coincidentally, I have been working on the same thing over the past week – the taller version, at 33″ wide. Mine has T&G boards that are nailed on. I did not have any screws in the proper length on hand, so I used cut nails throughout. Now I have to work on the lid and front panel.
I have a ton of flat exterior Latex paint laying around that I may use instead of Milk Paint, unless I convince myself otherwise.
[quote quote=27608]The depth is a home center 1X12 so likely 11.5″ and the overall width is 27″, a panel saw fits inside nicely.[/quote]
The cool part of this chest for me is the depth, since it is perfect for storing smaller smoothing and joinery planes side by side on the lower shelf. Very efficient use of space.
I like the open top, but I do not like how open lids can block view or get in the way in my tight space. I will have to figure out a solution for that.
Scott, I look forward to seeing pictures of your version.
Thanks for the tip on storing my extra no.4
The milk paint is so easy to use and I really enjoyed using it. I generally follow the “use what I had” mentality, so I understand the dilemma.
I was planning on placing the chest on the left side of my bench against the wall so the lid will not be in my way.11 February 2014 at 12:03 am #27630Looks really good Rusty! I have always loved that style of tool chest. Can’t wait to see photos of the finished chest.
Jay, Chris says it takes him only 16 hours including the paint. I a little slower as I have only 2hrs Thursdays and Fridays and about 5 hours on Saturday. I started on Jan 17th but I have since restored a panel saw and sharpened a panel saw and two back saws so the build time is unknown but this could easily be a two-three day project with the finish. Getting all of your materials together takes just as much time.
11 February 2014 at 5:50 pm #27680Chris looks great. I would not worry about how long it take to make, that is what I think is good about having woodwork as a hobby and not a way to make a living time is not that important.
I agree David, It will have taken me a month to get the paint on but it has been a lot of fun. And for being my largest hand tool project to date I couldn’t be happier.
To be honest, I don’t want projects to last a few days I like them to take longer. I went to hand tools to get better construction, higher accuracy and to slow things down.
-
AuthorPosts
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.