So I’m waiting for a tool I purchased to finish up the table commission work, so I’ve got a fun project I’m using to fill in the time. My nephew is getting married in late May, and the gift I’m going to be giving him is a toolbox filled with tools that are “hand me downs” from his grandfather, great uncle and great stepfather. My nephew is going to be a doctor, so I think we’ll limit his tools to non-powered versions, so we don’t risk any damage being done to his hands.
The tool chest was his great uncles, and when he passed away, it was in pretty bad shape. I actually had to disassemble the entire chest, including the dovetails (the glue had fallen apart) and re-assemble with new glue and new top & bottom pieces. It was a fun little bit of repair – probably not worth it, other than the sentimental value. The chest ins 30” long, 8-1/4” wide, and 9” tall, including the top.
I’ve put in a rail around the 4 sides (about 3/8” thick) of the inside, and the plan is to create a large tray to hold some of the smaller items (square, chisels, etc.) The tray measures 15” long and 8” wide, and is 2-1/2” deep (including a ¼” bottom). Had the chance to cut some dovetails for it to strengthen the joint, and they came out pretty good.
Once it was glued up, I put the finished drawers in the bench vise with a piece of wood to support. It was very secure, and I was able to plane off the pieces of the dovetail that extended past, and clean up the sides as well.
For finish, I was going to use “antique oil” finish, which will darken the wood somewhat and keep with the rest of the old tool chest. I will try and get pictures and final notes for folks when I’m done.
Kevin