Hand Tool Wall Cabinet

[Dynamite]

Hi everyone, I’m planning to build a hand tool wall cabinet one day. I have looked at many of these online and on YouTube. However, very few give much advice on the wood used and as a relative beginner, I would welcome any ideas.

I’m going to have to purchase the wood and I’m looking at something that would look nice and good quality but not break the bank (don’t want much do I ! ). I have attached an image of what I’m fancying.

Kind Regards…. Rob

 

[Orraloon]

I am sure that many woods would be suitable it just depends on the look you are after. I have also seen the whole thing done in plywood. Sketch up a plan to see how much wood you need then compare prices. One cost saver would be say ply or pine then some nice hardwood trim.
Regards
John

 

[Bingy man]

Breaking the bank is almost impossible with the cost of timber these days . So and it’s only my opinion is p a r redwood . I’d go to a decent timber merchant and hand pick what you need if possible .

 

[Adam W.]

I'd go with redwood too or solid floorboards, which is often redwood.

Reclaimed timber often looks very nice with its mellow colouring.

 

[clogs]

how about this.....perhaps give u a few idea's....it's in the Smithsonian......

 

[Tris]

Solid wood dining tables can be had for next to nothing if you have the means to convert them

 

[Sideways]

The first wood I would price up for the frame is maple. Close grained and hard. It would be very durable.

 

[thikone]

I used factory made beech panels as I didn't know or could do better at that time.
Beach panel 18 mm thick makes it pretty strong to hold what will be like 100 kg of tools.
Also I have had some idea that is actually also used in kitchen cabinets sometimes - a shelve that slides out and down of cabinet, very useful for upper hard to reach part of cabinet:


Plan to have plough and combination planes there and spokeshaves of course.

 

[recipio]

Whatever wood you choose it will consume more than you first thought . I would get a set of plans and add up the sq footage. Personally I like Baltic Ply for these projects and of course a sheet is 32 sq feet. They are an efficient use of space and I'm planning to build one with double doors on each side. Don't forget the solid brass hinges.

 

[Dynamite]

how about this.....perhaps give u a few idea's....it's in the Smithsonian......

View attachment 168714

yes ive seen that online, its awesome.

 

[Dynamite]

Whatever wood you choose it will consume more than you first thought . I would get a set of plans and add up the sq footage. Personally I like Baltic Ply for these projects and of course a sheet is 32 sq feet. They are an efficient use of space and I'm planning to build one with double doors on each side. Don't forget the solid brass hinges.

Oh yes, it’s definitely getting brass hinges.

 

[Dynamite]

Why oh why is everything I look at and think…. That’s awesome, done in Walnut? I love Walnut!! It literally costs a fortune though. This cabinet would look bang on with being a combination of walnut and something else.

 

[Bingy man]

Why oh why is everything I look at and think…. That’s awesome, done in Walnut? I love Walnut!! It literally costs a fortune though. This cabinet would look bang on with being a combination of walnut and something else.

Sounds like your mind is made up and if that’s the case go with your heart and to hell with the cost / you may be dissatisfied with anything else ..

 

[Ttrees]

I'd imagine all walnut would be very dark.
Beech is often stained as such, might you want a plan B.

 

[Dynamite]

I'd imagine all walnut would be very dark.
Beech is often stained as such, might you want a plan B.

yes, true, i cant afford the walnut anyway so maybe I could do in beech and stain it then?

 

[recipio]

yes, true, i cant afford the walnut anyway so maybe I could do in beech and stain it then?

Beech is very hard and not easy to stain. You could just use polyurethane which will mellow to a golden colour over the years. As a beginner I might suggest using poplar which can look nice with a varnish and is one of the cheapest hardwoods. Softer woods are a little more forgiving to work but more than strong enough for a project like this.

 

[HamsterJam]

I built a plane cupboard from ply offcuts. Picture taken before doors were added (made from reclaimed pallet wood with ply panels).
Total cost = nowt.

 

[Dynamite]

Right then....

I think ive narrowed it down to Beech or Poplar(Tulip Wood). Im still undecided though. They both look to be around the same price.

Never worked with any of them (Im a beginner) but from what I can see, Beech might look more uniform, tighter grain and easier to work.

Poplar might be harder wearing than Beech and have a more grainy, woody look.

Decisions decisions!!!

 

[Sideways]

Beech is boring.
A great functional timber but overused by IKEA.

 

[Spectric]

Look at some of the hooked on wood videos, taking notice of the background and Dennis has some nice looking wall storage.