Tom's Tool Chest - Finished!

[Waka]

I've been catching up on posts since I got back and have to say I really like the tool chest, I kind of wish I'd done my drawers like yours but its a bit late now.

regarding the knobs, TEP on the turning forum did mine for me, he did a fantastic job, I'm sure if you approach him he'll be able to help.
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Waka

The woodkateer who's plane mad.

[matt]

Given the layout of the drawers I'm wondering what it will look like with handles? From the angles of the shots I can't spot any obvious lines (either in-line or planned "random"). Will you use single or double handles for the wide drawers? If it were me I'd be tempted to not have handles at all and try and use some for of push release (i.e. where you nudge the drawer in and it pops out enough to be gripped and pulled out). Maybe too late for push release? Maybe too heavy with tools in each drawer?

[DeepBlue]

I do really like the idea of a push to open mechanism, but I'm not sure the hardware exists to do it in the space I've got available.

I think I'll go with the turned knobs - I made a post over in the turning forum asking for a friendly turner to make some for me.

[Waka]

Push to pull will not work with now you're drawers are fitted so snugly.
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Waka

The woodkateer who's plane mad.

[DeepBlue]

Right, firstly, apologies for the lack of updates. For some reason, the last bit of a project always goes slowly for me, but anyway, it's finished!

After appealing for help on the round forum, Maltrout512 very kindly agreed to turn me the knobs from african blackwood. I have to give him full credit here - he's a top bloke and an outstanding craftsman and I was absolutely tickled pink with what he made for me. They're tapered in diameter from 18mm down to 6mm at the top, and the projection out from the cabinet gradually gets smaller also.

On his recommendation, the really small ones are attached using brads superglued in.

The finish is wiped on poly. I was hesitant to use it at first because I was afraid it would yellow the maple too much, but in the end I'm pretty pleased. Thinning it and applying lots of light coats with lots of cutting back in between gave me a finish which doesn't feel like plastic (as I've found in the past). I think I'll be using this technique again in future projects.

Anyway, without further rambling, here is the final result:







Now a quick tour of the contents (which I'm still changing my mind about)




Note the room for expansion :


Here is my solution for holding my tite mark:



There was only a millimeter of clearance in the opening - I guess thats the price you pay for being a software engineer - always looking to make the most out of every resource:







This drawer is especially for my secret santa last christmas, I though his kind gifts deserved a nice home (and I'm ashamed to say that until now they've been sitting on a dusty shelf...sorry )





This is what happened when I complained to the Mrs that I could never find a pencil:


The smallest drawer (which some people were interested in) contains assorted little bits and pieces:




And pointy things:



Finally, here's a closeup of one of the knobs - thanks again Malcolm



I actually lied about it being finished - I think I should make little holders for each of the drawers to keep stuff from rolling around, but at least everything has a home now.

I hope you approve of the final result,
Cheers
-Tom

[RILEY]

Very nice Tom.
One day I'll get round to something similar.
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work for the future.
And don't be a slave to no computer...

[wizer]

Fantastic! I especially like your knob..s Well done Malcolm. He is indeed a great turner.

You can be dead proud of that Tom. It's really nice....and I really should do something about my tool storage as my current arrangement is shocking.
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[mtt.tr]

Very nice i really like that. Im designing mine at the moment But will use more ash and less walnut

[WoodAddict]

Nicely finished Tom! The knobs look great. How long will the drawers stay that tidy if you don't put the compartments in?
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Paul

[DeepBlue]

[head clansman]

hi

you have put a lot of time and effort in to making this cabinet, i love the drawers and tiny little knobs, good contrast colour wise , that was a nice touch the drawer with no bottom as well , but, please get rid of that crappy piece of chip board underneath it and build a proper plinth to sit it on, it's that finishing touch to it . its really well done don't spoil it .hc
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kind regards . hc
Retired Master Tradesman (Martin)

[DeepBlue]

[MickCheese]

Fantastic!

I wouldn't have thought of different sizes for the handles, they look great.

Well done.

Mick
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[wobblycogs]

Great job. The handles finish it off really well.

Makes me feel guilty for keeping my tools in a broken old plastic tool box.

[OPJ]

That looks fantastic! Plenty of tools but still plenty of space to fill!

That finish looks good too. Is it from the General Finishes range?
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Olly.

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