My Wood Tool Chest Thread

[mrholeshot]

Got started on my wood tool chest yesterday. My son helped me build the bottom floor last night. He routed a 1/4 inch grooves in two sheets of 3/4 plywood. I welded a 1/2 inch square tubing that rides between the two sheets of plywood and the casters will ride just over top ot the tubing. Between the plywood is a frame of steel. The two sheets of plywood have liquid nail between and then screwed together. I thought I would show this build from start to finish and it may take a while to complete. It is 72 inches wide, 24 inches deep and will be 46 inches high. The casters arn't bolted down yet. I have to weld a strap across the bolts so they won't tunn if I have to tighten the casters up. I will keep posting as I make progress. Go ahead and make fun of my stand.

[mrholeshot]

Originally Posted by tonydanzah

did you buy those casters from HF? If so I bought the same recently and was very unhappy with the amount of side to side play when under a load.

Yeah I did. I took the small 3/8 bolt out and drilled them for 7/16 bolts. I put steel washers beside the wheels on the inside and greased them up and put lock nuts on them. It won't ever get moved enough for me to install zerk fittings. These are 6 inch casters. Nobody else local could get me any without an act of congress.

[KEH]

Looks like it will be strong enough. Good start. Who needs a steel box anyway?


KEH

[apong23]

Looks like you are off to a good start.

[mrholeshot]

Originally Posted by KEH

Looks like it will be strong enough. Good start. Who needs a steel box anyway?


KEH

For 20 years I've wanted an Oak tool Chest. I have had and still have plenty of steel ones. I have 0 wood working experiance. I was going to build it 56X24 but I said oh what the hell, lol My biggest thing was it has to be 24 inches deep. I'll make sure to put a Made In USA stamping on the rear.

[djjsr]

I curious to see where the toilet seat goes.

[mrholeshot]

I'm going to try to built it as light as possible and still be able to hold the weight. I'm going to frame it with 2X2s. Realistic weight it will actually carry is about 600 lbs.

[mrholeshot]

Originally Posted by djjsr

I curious to see where the toilet seat goes.

I'm gping to bolt it to the side for foldung side shelf, lol

[bushhawg73]

Good start from where I am sitting. I like the stand too, it gives you a good place to sit and think.

[Elroy]

Elroy would suggest that you put the fixed casters in the center and the swivels on each end. That way you can turn the whole box 360 in its own length.

[Indy_500]

Originally Posted by Elroy

Elroy would suggest that you put the fixed casters in the center and the swivels on each end. That way you can turn the whole box 360 in its own length.

elroy's a smart man

[FoMoCoPower]

Originally Posted by mrholeshot

I'll make sure to put a Made In USA stamping on the rear.

False advertising because of the HF casters.

[FoMoCoPower]

Originally Posted by Elroy

Elroy would suggest that you put the fixed casters in the center and the swivels on each end. That way you can turn the whole box 360 in its own length.

Would make it rather difficult to manuever up against a wall then.

[mrholeshot]

Originally Posted by Elroy

Elroy would suggest that you put the fixed casters in the center and the swivels on each end. That way you can turn the whole box 360 in its own length.

cant cut in short areas with fixed in the center. That only works good if you have the box in a large area. You would need 15 feet of open wall to get it against the wall. Fixed on one end allows you to parrallel park the box. get one corner in the hole and then the other end can roll in. With fixed casters in the middle the box won't swing in. You would have to jack the casters off the floor to get it in a tight spot.

[mrholeshot]

Originally Posted by FoMoCoPower

False advertising because of the HF casters.

Kind of like those China made roller slides in Snap-On boxes

[blue dog]

I have ben planning the same project, yet have not found the time. How many rows of drawer's are you doing? 3. Do you have a drawing you can show us of what you got planned? When i was planning mine, i was decided to use Accuride drawer glides at 150 lbs rated per pair, do you think that is enough ? Maybe a stainless work top. Lastly, is the kitten helping?

[nate379]

Cool.

Don't think I have ever seen a flight of stairs that steep before!

[blue dog]

double post , sorry.

[KEH]

Referring to the 0 woodworking experience, just ask, somebody will help.

Basically you are making a chest of drawers, suggest you go to the bedroom and examine how that chest is made. Naturally you will want roller drawer slides instead of wood. Check out how the bottoms are attached to the drawers and how the drawers are made.

I would make the drawers out of solid oak for strength and appearance. Don't think you want to get into hand cut dovetails, that takes practice.

I wouldn't use pine or poplar lumber in the box for strength reasons.

Lot of options for the top. You could use oak plywood and glue and nail or screw solid edging to it to protect the edge. You could buy maple cabinet top ready made. You could just use oak planks.

Buying oak boards from a building supply place is not going to be cheap, and neither is the oak plywood.

KEH

[scott37300]

Nice idea laminating the steel frame in the plywood. I will be watching this one.